Dance on a Narrow Ledge

by nubianamy

"This one time, at music camp...?" Finn, Kurt, and Mike are roommates at B-W. Mike has questions, Finn has feelings, and Kurt takes care of it. What happens at music camp stays at music camp, or does it? Set in a future Donutverse, summer before senior year. Art by Emilywritescrap. Polyamory, Dom/sub, discipline, mild dubcon. Cowritten with knittycat99 for the Kurt-OT3 Big Bang.

5. July 2011, Week Three

Chapter Five: July 2011 - Week Three

Mike stood in the middle of the studio with his eyes closed, just listening to his music for his variation over and over, trying to visualize where his body should be for every beat. After his last session with Toby had ended with Mike panicking again about not being able to stay on the music, and Toby reassuring him that he still had plenty of time before any conservatory would want to see him dance, he'd started coming down to the studio whenever he had some free time during the day. He wasn't sure it was helping, but he figured that getting the music into his body couldn't hurt anything, either.

"Hey," he heard, in Kurt's soft voice, and he opened his eyes. Kurt was leaning in the doorway, still dressed from his jazz class with his dance bag hanging off his shoulder. "You busy?"

"Nah," Mike said, turning off his music. "Just . . . trying to get a handle on my variation. Toby's given me a bunch of adjustments, but I can't seem to put it all together."

"What's the problem?"

"The music. The steps are fine, but I can't ever seem to finish with the music."

Kurt tilted his head a little. "What's got you blocked?"

"Excuse me?"

"You're blocked. You're in your head too much."

Mike glared at him. "How do you know that?"

"Oh, sweetheart." Kurt dropped his bag just inside the door and closed it behind him. "You're always in your head too much. And it can make performing hard. You need to let it go, whatever it is."

Mike frowned, and dropped to the floor to stretch, because he couldn't just stand there doing nothing. "Whatever it isn't, more like. It's everything, Kurt."

Kurt crossed the studio and sat next to him, brushing his knee against Mike's own. "So talk to me. Is it dancing in general, or this variation in particular?"

"This is the one Toby wants me to use for my auditions this fall, and he thinks I should dance it in the Honors recital at the end of the summer." Mike shuddered at the thought of the concert, because he hadn't danced ballet in front of an audience since he was a kid, when he and Britt had been in that silly combo class the summer after third grade.

"That's great. And you should absolutely dance it for us. You're so talented, Mike." Kurt's words were genuine, but Mike couldn't help feeling like a fraud. He sighed.

"Do you know what they call me, the other kids?"

Kurt shook his head. "No. Are you still having trouble with them?"

"They know I'm not a real dancer," Mike said with a sigh. "They know I haven't had formal lessons in years. They call me Toby's pet, like I'm his property or something, because I'm TA-ing with him and haven't put in my time like everyone else."

"That's- that's-" Kurt spluttered and stammered, and Mike could feel him getting worked up and righteous. "They have no place to say - they know nothing about you."

Mike shrugged. "Eh. They may not know everything, but they know enough." He crossed his legs under himself and leaned on his hand. "They're not wrong," he said then, softly. "I haven't had anywhere near the training most of them have had. I don't have parents who want me to succeed at this. Nobody understands."

"Nobody understands what?"

Mike closed his eyes. The more he realized what he wanted from his life, the harder it was to think about his parents and what they would think. "If I went home and told my father that I wanted to dance, he would be ashamed of me. Do you have any idea what that feels like, to know that I'm only good enough for my father if I follow his dreams?"

Kurt leaned over, rested his head against Mike's shoulder. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I don't know what that's like. But I've watched Blaine deal with that, and it wasn't easy for him, either. I guess you just have to decide: do you want to live for your father and be miserable, or live for yourself?"

Mike had to look away. Neither option was what he wanted, but he supposed it was impossible to have everything he wanted. "I can't- god, I can't make that choice, Kurt."

"I know," Kurt replied, taking his hand and pulling it to his lips to kiss Mike's knuckles. "You're right. But I want you to listen to me. You deserve to be happy. What makes you happy?"

"Dancing," Mike said without a thought. "Always, dancing."

"Good. Then," Kurt got to his feet and tugged on Mike's hand, "teach me your variation. Maybe if we work together we can figure out where you're getting off track."

0M0

Toby's meeting with the other dance teachers had run long. They'd been arguing over which students would be able to bypass the audition process for the Honors recital by getting a teacher recommendation, and Toby had had to fight hard for Mike. The others didn't think a recommended slot should go to a first year camper, nor to one who hadn't had the same training as some of the other students, but Toby had never been one to back down, and he was grinning a little at his success when he rounded the corner by the studios.

He could hear Kurt complaining, and Mike teasing him gently, and while he thought about just walking past, when glanced into the studio he could see Mike trying to coach Kurt into the right position for a barrel turn.

"It's like this," Mike was saying, one hand trying to tug Kurt's shoulder into a more open position while the other hand snaked across Kurt's chest. But Mike wasn't just using his hands to get Kurt's position right, he practically had Kurt's whole body draped across his own, and Toby had to laugh, because those boys weren't fooling anybody. They were far too comfortable with each other to be just friends.

"All right, boys," he said with a stern smile, opening the door half an inch to call to them. "Gay men's dance intervention. Looks like we need to have a little talk."

Mike let go of Kurt's arm, and stepped back from him, surprised, but Kurt had been leaning against him and he stumbled. Mike caught him, and they looked at each other for just a little too long before Mike looked away, blushing. "Uh..."

"It's a standard agreement, you know, between those of us in the theater business who prefer men. There are lots of us. Lots and lots. You've heard the saying, don't shit where you eat? Well, darlin', don't fuck where you frolic. It's just not done." He took a red-faced Mike by the arm and moved him gently to the side to face Kurt. "Now, the two of you... somethin's happening, hmmm?"

"Toby," Kurt protested, "it's not really your business, is it?"

"Oh, you're making it my business. By the way you're behavin' around each other. And everybody else, they're gonna see it, too, if you're not more discreet." He smiled fondly at Kurt. "You know I don't think less of you for it. Trust me, my whole life has been dancing in one chorus or another, and we all had to learn this sooner or later. You don't have to stop, you just have to learn to be practical."

"I was just- Kurt thought- my variation, you know?" Mike looked at him with a bashful expression on his face. "He thought maybe if I tried to teach it to him, I'd get past the rough spots."

Toby had to chuckle, because he knew Kurt was very earnest, but he was also a smart boy, and he had to know he was nowhere skilled enough to try to learn Mike's dance. "Oh, darlin'," he sighed, and patted Kurt's head. "That's sweet of you, wanting to help."

"You don't think I can do it, do you?" Kurt glared at him, ducking away from his hand.

"You're not advanced enough," Toby said, trying to be gentle.

Kurt's face went sullen. "I'll never be advanced enough. I'll never be able to dance like Mike, or act like Finn, and my voice is never going to be anything other than this. I'm just me, and I'll never be good enough for anything." Toby actually waited to see if Kurt was going to stomp his foot, but he didn't. Instead, he turned away and faced the wall, running a hand over his face and hair.

Mike looked uncertainly at Toby, but Toby just gave him a reassuring smile and moved in next to Kurt, putting both hands on his shoulders, applying a little pressure. "Breathe, darlin'."

Kurt did, his back expanding, and when he let it go, he leaned back into Toby's hands. "God. I'm sorry. I just - it's been a lousy morning. My voice lesson was crap, and jazz class sucked, and... none of this at B-W was what I thought it would be."

"And Finn - isn't he taking care of you? You know, the way you guys do?" He tried to be subtle in front of Mike, not wanting to interfere with their fledgling relationship, and not knowing exactly how much Mike already knew about what the boys did.

Kurt wheeled around and glowered at Toby. "No," he said, low and intense. "Where exactly are we going to do that?"

"Okay." Toby nodded. "You're havin' a bad time, but you've been through this before, sugar. You know what it feels like, when you're not getting . . . that, right?"

"Yeah." Kurt kind of sagged against the barre. "Yeah," he said again, with a little more confidence. "I just don't think . . . I mean, we can't, here."

Toby snorted at him. "Says the boy who spent months last year in a dorm at Dalton? Really, Kurt. You know you can, if you want to."

Kurt blinked at him. "Oh. Yeah. Right."

"You can mask a lot with running water or loud music," Toby said with a whisper. "I haven't done the things you do, but trust me, William wasn't ever quiet when we were in school here."

Kurt blushed and smacked playfully at Toby's shoulder. "I so didn't need to know that!"

"Payback's a bitch, darlin'," Toby smirked. "If you hurry, you might be able to catch Finn when his class gets out. You get an hour," he called after Kurt, who was already halfway down the hall. Mike was just standing there, looking poleaxed. Toby laid a careful arm over his shoulder. "Why don't you get changed, and we'll go get an ice cream, and I'll tell you all about your solo in the Honors recital."

0M0

Finn was already halfway up the hall, the girls from his acting class surrounding him like a harem, by the time Kurt made it to the drama building.

"Finn!" He called in the direction of the group, and while the girls kept moving, Finn swung his head around to look at Kurt. He smiled and waved.

"Hey! We're going to lunch, want to come?"

Kurt bit his lip, shook his head. Waited, while Finn said something to one of the girls, and the whole gaggle of them peeled away, leaving Finn clutching a handful of photocopied script pages and looking worriedly at Kurt.

"What's up?" He crossed the distance between them slowly. "Everything okay?"

Kurt shook his head. "No."

Finn waved his papers in the air ineffectually. "Damn scripts," he muttered. "If I hug you, I'm gonna drop them."

Kurt fought the urge to laugh. "That doesn't matter," he said. "C'mon. We have an hour, and I need something."

"An hour for what?"

"Toby told me I needed you to take care of me. So he's taking Mike for ice cream."

Finn looked at him, wide-eyed. "We can't," he hissed. "Not... here!"

"That's what I said, and he rightly reminded me about Dalton. We can, Finn. And I need it. Please." Kurt hated to feel like he was begging, but he knew Toby was right. He could feel the loose energy all over his body, and it was making him frantic and edgy. Part of the struggle in his voice lesson had been because of the tension he couldn't let go of, and he'd been worked up from that when he got to jazz class. He'd heard some of the kids there talking about Mike, again, and he just wanted to take care of what was his, and if that realization hadn't hit him like an anvil in the middle of warm-up, well.

Finn blinked at him, and then took his arm and almost dragged him back to the dorm. He closed the door heavily behind him, watching Kurt with a troubled expression. "What the hell's going on, Kurt?"

"Bad day. For me, and for Mike. Please, Finn, just- I need a damn spanking."

"Yeah, you said," Finn breathed, closing on him. He touched his face, brushing his hair back, and Kurt leaned into it. "And yeah, I'll give you that... God, I've missed you, baby, but... first, talk to me. That's not the only thing bothering you, is it?"

"The kids," Kurt said, tucking himself against Finn's chest. "They're still talking about Mike. Not about us, but about him and Toby and whether he's really good enough to be here. They were going on again, in jazz this morning, and it pissed me off." He growled in frustration. "Then I found Mike practicing, and it's hitting him hard, too. He's starting to doubt himself, and I... don't like that." There was more - god, so much more - but Kurt couldn't figure out how to explain it.

Finn's eyes hardened. "Yeah, I can see that. I think Toby or Darius might need to talk to those kids. They don't know Mike; they don't know what he can do. It's not fair for them to expect him to be able to dance like that, if his father wouldn't let him take lessons." He curled a hand around Kurt's shoulder. "It's really bugging you, the way they're treating him."

He shook his head. "He doesn't deserve that. Not from the other kids, not from his father."

Finn's hand tightened. "I know, baby, but... it's Mike's life. He didn't interfere when Dave was messing with you at school. I think you should talk to him, find out if he wants your help, before you jump in and go all vigilante on their asses." He grinned. "Not that you're not totally hot when you're righteously angry."

"I just want Mike to know that he matters. He doesn't have anyone telling him that, other than Tina and Toby."

"And us," Finn said, and Kurt smiled at him.

"And us. Yes."

"But right now, this isn't about Mike or what he needs. This is about you, and what I can give you." Finn scrubbed at his face. "I wish we'd brought tools. Will you be okay, if I use my hand?"

Kurt shuddered. "Christ, Finn. I'm flying apart, here. I think your hand is exactly what I need." The idea of it, the sound and the feel and the connection, it was everything that Kurt knew would settle him.

Finn nodded, glancing around the room. He went to put the blinds down, and closed the window. "Can you... uh, maybe we should put some music on. I remember when Blaine and I... yeah. You want to pick?"

"Loud, right?" Kurt walked over to his iPod where it was docked, and thumbed the wheel.

Finn smirked. "Something with a good... beat."

"I got this," Kurt smirked right back, clicking to select Nine Inch Nails' Closer. Finn nodded his approval, taking Kurt's hips in his hands and pulling him flush against him.

"Good choice," Finn nodded. Kurt's eyelids were already drooping, falling into that dream space of submission. "Come on, now... let's get those pants off you, baby."

He helped Kurt pull them off his legs and fold them over the back of his desk chair, followed by his shorts. "You locked the door, right?" Kurt said, his eyes flickering to the front of the room.

"Don't worry," Finn soothed, running a hand over Kurt's bare legs. "You don't have to be in charge of anything right now. Just let it go. I'll handle it."

Even in their most egalitarian moments, Kurt had always found it easy to trust Finn, to believe that everything was going to be okay when he said things like that. Finn had said, once, that it might be the only reason Kurt ever let anyone Top him at all, and Kurt didn't disagree. He didn't relinquish control without a fight - except to Finn. Between the two of them, it seemed as easy as breathing.

"Thank you," he murmured. Finn sat on the edge of the bed, drawing Kurt down onto his lap.

"Right here, over my knee, baby." Kurt could feel the tension flowing off him, already, just from being in this familiar situation, and when Finn placed his hand on the small of his back, he gasped. "God, you really needed this."

"Like you wouldn't believe," Kurt sighed.

Finn stroked him from neck to ass, knowing just how firmly to touch him to give him the stimulation he needed. "We won't let it go this long again," Finn promised. "Not if we can help it. Not for either of us. Understand?"

He let his cheek rest on the bed beside Finn's thigh. "Yes, sir."

The swats were sharp and quick, covering his backside with stinging blows, and Kurt found himself muffling his face in the duvet. How did he forget so soon how much this hurt? Finn's hand hit a particularly sensitive spot, and he cried out, thrusting forward to get away from the next one.

"Hold on, baby..." Finn tightened his hold with his other arm, pulling Kurt securely against him. "You're all right."

Kurt hadn't ever been more thankful for Finn's expertise as he was that afternoon, as Finn made short work of his anxiety. In a few brief minutes, he reduced Kurt to a sobbing, floppy pile of boy on his lap. Finn's arms were strong and warm as he gathered him up, cradling him to his chest.

"You're okay," he soothed. "You're just fine. I've got you."

Kurt clung to him, the unexpressed feelings and thoughts he was having about Mike swimming in his head. He didn't know how to explain it to Finn, but he also knew he had to tell him.

"Baby," Finn murmured into his hair. "My baby, what? What are you holding onto?"

"It's Mike," Kurt said. "It's not just that he deserves more, or better, from other people. I want things to be good for him, but I want to make that happen for him." He closed his eyes, let the safety of Finn's arms hold him up. "He's my responsibility."

Finn's arms tightened around him. "Are you saying he's - "

"He's mine," Kurt said vehemently. He shook his head, feeling despair. "God. How can that be? Mike doesn't even do any of this. He doesn't know anything about it. And - how can I even think that, if he hasn't asked for it?"

Finn stroked Kurt's head, putting pressure on the spots on his scalp and neck that would calm him down. Kurt felt his breathing slow, his tension ease. "You don't think he hasn't been asking for it?"

"When?"

"All summer. Before that. Kind of always. You see it, don't you?" Finn helped him sit up. "He does it, kind of, already - with Tina."

Kurt thought about how readily Mike accepted help from him, let himself be guided into action. How calm he got, when Kurt or Finn took physical care of him. The instinctive way he responded to Kurt's Voice. "You're right. He may not understand it, but he needs it."

"But you're right, too, baby; he doesn't know anything about it. He's gonna need you to teach him." Finn kissed his cheek. "When I saw what Blaine needed, Carl helped me give it to him. Now it's your turn to be in charge."

Kurt felt a little thrill surge through him. "I think - I think I can do that. But I need to talk to Mike first." And to Tina, he thought, wondering which conversation needed to happen first.

"There's no hurry," Finn said, holding Kurt tightly for another moment before releasing him with a kiss on his head. "We still have two weeks, and the whole rest of the summer once we get home."

"Yeah," Kurt said, stepping back into his pants. "Good point. And thank you. I feel better now."

"Me, too," Finn said with a lopsided grin. "D'you think we've missed lunch, because I'm starving."

Kurt laughed and turned off the music. "Only you would think about food after a spanking."

Finn's expression went solemn. He took Kurt's chin in one hand, tilted it up to look right into his eyes. Kurt felt his breath catch.

"I don't think you're done yet," he said, his own Voice unmistakable. "Your behavior's been a little out of control. You know it, don't you?"

"Yes, sir," Kurt said, and a little tickle of anticipation snaked up his spine.

"Yeah. I saw it. And you'll answer for all of it... after we take a break. All right?"

"Yes. Thank you, sir." Kurt smiled gratefully up at Finn, so happy that Finn always knew how to read him.

He kissed him gently. "That's my baby. I'm going to go get lunch for both of us, and bring it back here. Let me tuck you under the covers, and I'll take care of everything."

0M0

Mike followed Toby down the same route he'd walked Friday night with Finn and Kurt, off campus and into town. The ice cream place was a lot less crowded now than it had been then. Toby smiled and waved when they walked in the door, and Mike followed his gaze to where Darius was tucked into a corner table sipping at a milkshake.

"Hey, baby," Toby called, and Darius motioned them over.

"Avoiding the mystery meat in the cafeteria, huh?" Darius smiled at them. Mike thought that he had beautiful eyes and an amazing smile, and then he didn't want to think about what that kind of a thought meant about him at all, so he let Toby and Darius talk, and he turned his attention to the menu.

He was almost decided between a hot fudge sundae or a chocolate chip ice cream sandwich, since he was missing lunch, when he felt Toby's hand on his arm. "I'm havin' a banana split. They make the best ones, here. What about you, sugar?"

"Hot fudge sundae," Mike said.

"Good. Why don't you go sit with Darius, and we can all talk."

Mike thought about all the things he still didn't understand about the odd conversation Kurt and Toby had had, and the way Kurt and Finn were together, and the way Kurt was with him, and he kind of hoped that someone would finally be able to explain things to him. God, he was so tired of feeling like an innocent little boy.

"Where're your shadows?" Darius asked, as Mike slid into the empty chair to his left.

"Back at the room, I guess. Or somewhere together." Mike shrugged. "I'm not their keeper." He didn't quite know why he was so irritated.

Darius regarded him, one raised eyebrow the only comment on his attitude. "They're not your keepers, either, but it sure seems like you've been spending a lot of time together." He stirred his drink. "Everything okay between you guys?"

"It's fine," Mike snapped. He made himself take a deep breath, and tried again, more calmly this time. "They're fine, together, and we're all . . . it's okay."

He watched Toby walk up behind Darius and lay a familiar hand on his shoulder. Darius' own hand grazed Toby's, and he smiled up at him. What Mike saw in that moment stunned him.

"I think I might understand something about that," Darius said softly.

"Hey," Mike said, then stopped. He was so confused about so many things, but this was suddenly very clear. "You two...?"

"Mmm," Toby hummed, sliding into a chair between the two of them. "Since last summer."

"No way," he muttered. But it made sense, if Mr. Schue was really back with Ms. P. And then he realized what Toby had said. "Last summer? But you and Mr. Schue were - I mean, I'm pretty sure the two of you were still... uh..."

He trailed off at the amused expression on both their faces. "Jeez, Mike," Darius said, with a grin. "You of all people should understand that it's not always that simple."

Mike groaned and rested his forehead in his hands. "How did everything get so complicated in only two weeks?"

Toby rested a calming hand on his back. "You're seventeen, sugar. Everything is complicated when you're seventeen."

Darius shot Toby a look. "Everything's complicated when you're 33, too, Toby."

"True," Toby said, going quiet, and then he pushed away from the table to go pick up their sundaes.

"I don't think I should ask," Mike said, with a glance at Darius.

"Nope," Darius replied. "Besides, I think you're the one who needs a chance to talk. Am I right?"

"I don't know." That was the honest truth. Mike felt like he didn't know anything anymore.

Darius considered this, leaning back in his chair. "Well, honesty is always the best place to start, and not knowing is honest. So let's work from there."

"From where?" Toby set Mike's smaller sundae dish down, and then slipped back into his chair behind a towering dish of ice cream, sauce, and bananas.

Darius just shook his head, clearly horrified. "God, Toby - the calories...? You're not seventeen anymore, and -"

"You," Toby pointed his spoon at Darius. "You just shut your mouth and let me eat in peace. It's tastier than mystery meat, and my fiance is at home dating a woman. Again. A sundae isn't going to fix anything, but at least it'll make me happy."

Mike looked at both men sideways. "Does there have to be this much drama?"

"Oh, honey," Darius drawled. "We're gay men in the theatre. Of course there's drama."

"But that's not the drama we're here to talk about." Toby took a huge bite of his banana and chocolate sauce. "This summer appears to be all about your drama. Come on - this is part two of the gay men's dance intervention, sans dance. What's happening between the three of you, that must be messin' with your worldview somethin' fierce."

Mike shook his head and twirled a spoonful of ice cream into some of the chocolate sauce that was stuck to the side of the glass. "Yeah. It kind of is. But it's not just the... the gay part of things." He said this last in a whisper. "I think I've been thinking about that for a long time. It's the other stuff."

"What other stuff?" Darius looked at Toby, and Toby shook his head.

Mike turned his gaze on Toby. "Come on, Toby. You know. You probably know more than I do about whatever else Finn and Kurt do."

"Yeah, well, whatever they do is their business until they're doin' it with you. And they ain't, so I think you're gonna have to ask them about it." Toby looked like he wasn't going to budge. Mike let out an enormous, exasperated sigh.

"I'm so damn tired of people tiptoeing around me, not telling me things and talking in freaking metaphors all the damn time. How do I know what questions to ask if I don't even know what the hell everyone is talking about?"

Toby just looked at him in silence.

"Well..." Darius gnawed on his spoon thoughtfully. "I'm not a hundred percent sure I know what Finn and Kurt are doing, exactly, but I guess I can give you some more information, if that's what you're looking for."

"Please." He took a deep breath, hesitating.

Darius made a beckoning gesture. "Come on, out with it. I need more help than that."

"Kurt keeps telling me I'm a good boy," he said, and felt shocked that the words were even coming out of his mouth, given the number of times he'd even heard Kurt say them at all. "I think I like it, when he does that. Sometimes he, like, tucks me into bed, and he has this way of talking that makes me stop, and listen. I always feel really calm, then."

Toby looked somewhat startled, but Darius was only nodding understanding. "Okay. That's all pretty much within the realm of normal."

"In whose universe?" Toby snorted. Darius laughed.

"In my cousin's. She's a dominatrix. Trust me, there's plenty more I've seen, and heard talked about." He paused, thinking. "Kurt... I guess I'm a little surprised? I never would have figured him to be involved in the scene, and not as a Dom."

"Kurt's got plenty of in charge in him, baby," Toby replied drolly. "I don't think you should be surprised to find there's anything he can't do."

"Um," Mike ran his finger around the edge of his dish. "I don't know if I want to know about the other stuff you've seen, but... I need to know what it means, that I like what Kurt does for me. I'm supposed to be in control, supposed to be a man. I can't- I can't be weak like that."

Toby leaned forward and touched Mike's hand, stilling its movement. "Trust me, Mike; there are plenty of ways in the world to be a good man. My father believed I couldn't really be a man unless I acted like him, so I left home, and had to find my own way in the world, without his help. There were other men who taught me what really mattered. You don't have to listen to what your father's telling you."

Mike shook his head in despair. "My father is already going to be upset that I want to dance. He'd never understand this, not any of it."

"Who says you have to tell him about it?" Darius looked puzzled. "I mean, I never had a dad, not really, but I did plenty of sneaking around. I don't think my auntie knew half the stuff I did."

"He and my mother always taught me to be honest." Mike swallowed a slightly too big bite of ice cream, and the cold trail it left down his throat burned. It hurt, but it also felt good, and more confusion on top of everything else brought tears to his eyes. "Yeah. They want me to be honest, but they never want to hear me, because we never talk about anything. I don't know how to be the way Kurt and Finn are. It's so easy for them, and I can't- I can't- the words just get stuck."

Darius glanced at Toby with a grin. "You're saying plenty of words right now, Mike. Give yourself a little credit. Who says you have to be good at everything?"

"My father says. I'm supposed to go to Harvard or Stanford and become a doctor, and marry a perfect Asian girl and have lots of perfect Asian babies."

"Well," Toby said, nudging Mike with his elbow. "You've got the perfect Asian girlfriend part taken care of. Tina's sweet and smart."

Mike shook his head. "No, trust me, Tina's amazing, but she's so not good enough for my parents. She's not Asian enough, 'cause her mom's Jewish, and she dresses like a Goth, and she's really opinionated. She's never afraid to speak up for herself. I kind of wish . . . sometimes, that I could be more like her."

"You love her," Darius said.

"Yeah," Mike nodded. "When I told her about . . . well. When I was curious, about boys? She told me it was okay, if I wanted to figure that out. And when I told her that it was Finn and Kurt, that was okay with her, too."

"Wow." Darius looked impressed. He mixed the remaining ice cream in his bowl and grinned. "Maybe I should be dating her. She sounds pretty awesome." He ducked away from Toby's irritated swat. "Okay, so, I get that you trust her. And you trust Kurt. You think the way he wants to take care of you, that's a good thing, right?"

"It makes me feel good," Mike admitted uneasily. "Like someone cares. Like I'm not invisible."

"What the hell, Mike?" Toby looked at him in astonishment. "You're one of the brightest stars I've ever taught. And you're telling me you feel invisible, when you're dancin' Le Corsaire?"

"It's not about the dancing, Toby. None of this is about the dancing. It's just..." Mike sighed heavily. "Nobody ever looks for me, so it's really easy to stay hidden. But Tina sees me, she always has, and Finn. And now Kurt." He felt his lips spread in a grin. "And I like it."

Darius patted his hand gently. "I think that's your answer, then. Maybe you'd better go tell them that. I bet they'd answer the rest of your questions."

Mike pushed out his chair. "Thanks for the sundae," he said, feeling suddenly shy, "and, um... everything."

"Anytime, sugar," Toby replied easily. "You can come to me - to us - anytime."

0M0

Mike wasn't sure how he made it back to their hallway, the way his mind was whirling. He paused outside the door to unclip his keys, and was just about to unlock it when he heard Finn speak over the loud music.

"On the bed, Kurt."

Mike jumped a little, because the voice was so much more authoritative than he'd expected from Finn. Not that Finn wasn't a leader, but... this was Kurt he was talking to. And Mike couldn't deny he saw Kurt differently now. He paused, ready to walk away, but the roots of his conversation with Toby and Darius trailed through his consciousness, finding purchase in this exchange. Mike moved closer to the door, with one glance down the empty hallway.

"This is long overdue, baby. You know it."

Kurt's answer was too muffled for Mike to hear, but he felt a prickle of unease. Finn didn't sound very happy - not angry, exactly, but kind of stern. Like he meant business. Mike hadn't realized Finn could sound like that. It was startlingly appealing. Mike felt a little embarrassed at how much he liked it... but not embarrassed enough to keep him from listening further.

"Come here. On your knees, this time. Let me help you get these off."

Mike found himself wondering just what Finn might be getting off Kurt, but he stopped that train of thought, because it was going to lead him way off track. He paused as the next phrase floated into the room, and it made the hairs stand up on the back of his neck.

"You've been a real brat, baby."

Mike was torn between running away and barging in, but his feet felt glued to the floor. He felt someone bump into him, and then Delia was there, pounding on the door. "Hey, Finn. Nice music. And I totally know what you and your boyfriend are doing in there." She grinned at Mike. "Hey, you."

"Go away, Delia," Finn called from inside the room, with patient good humor. "And it's totally none of your business."

"Maybe not, but your third is out here looking like a deer in headlights, so one of you might want to do something about that."

Mike just stared at her, and she bumped him with her shoulder before continuing up the hall. "You can thank me later," she called, with a flip of her hair. "Trust me, it's so worth it."

Mike let his head fall against the wall with a light thunk. "I hate you, Delia," he muttered, and Finn opened the door next to him.

"Me, too," Finn said, but Delia was already into her room.

"She can't hear us," Mike said resignedly.

"It's okay, I'll talk with her later." Finn took Mike's hand and pulled him into the room. "Dude, why didn't you just knock?"

"You sounded busy?" It was a lame excuse, considering the number of things he'd already interrupted them doing, but Finn turned red and nodded. "Toby said... well, I guess you guys needed some privacy, but our conversation was done, and... here I am."

Kurt peered out from under his duvet. "Privacy," he said, with a sigh. "Yes, we could use... some more of that." He struggled to sit up, and visibly pulled himself together. "But it's okay, Mike. You're here now. And we don't need privacy from you."

"Are you sure, because really, I can go somewhere else so you can finish . . . um. Whatever you were doing? I mean..." He swallowed. "What were you doing?"

Finn closed the door behind them while Kurt reached out from the bed and took his hand. Mike wasn't sure, but he didn't appear to be wearing anything under that blanket. He glanced at Finn, who nodded in reply to whatever silent question he was asking. "Mike... do you trust me?"

"Yes, I trust you." And he did. He didn't doubt that. "What did Finn mean, that you were being a brat?"

Finn moved in beside him and took his other hand. "It means Kurt's totally been acting out. Like, he gets all stressed, and everything annoys him, and he snaps at everyone. Especially me." His smile didn't look upset; on the contrary, Finn looked like he was more in love with Kurt than ever. "So, when that happens, we -"

"Finn-" Kurt put a hand on Finn's arm, looking anxious. "I don't know . . ."

"I think it's okay, baby. We need to talk about this. About all of it. And this is Mike, right? We've already been sharing... stuff. This is just more stuff."

"So eloquent," Kurt murmured, kissing him. "And of course, you're right."

Mike looked at Finn. "You . . . um. You take care of Kurt, the way he does with me, but also... not like he does with me? Darius called it . . ." He played the conversation in the ice cream shop over in his head and then looked at Kurt. "He called you a Dom?"

Finn caught his breath, and looked at Kurt, his eyes alight. "Kurt... you're a Dom?"

"Shut up," Kurt snapped, giving Finn an impotent little push. "You're not helping."

"Oh, no, baby," Finn insisted, trying not to laugh. "I think it's awesome."

He rolled his eyes, tugging the duvet up around his shoulders. "Well, then, can someone please get me something to wear, because I'm feeling very un-Dom-like."

"Yes, sir," Finn said, grinning, and handed Kurt a t-shirt. By the time Kurt had managed to get the rest of his clothes on - and he seemed to be wincing, which made Mike wonder about precisely what they'd been doing while he ate ice cream - Mike was feeling a lot more comfortable, but not a whole lot more enlightened.

"So you didn't really tell me what you were doing," Mike prodded. Kurt sat on top of his covers, cross-legged, and beckoned Mike closer. When Mike sat down on the edge of the bed, he shook his head.

"No, sweetheart. Come here. I want you right here, in my lap."

Mike stared at him. "What, are you kidding me? There's no way I'd - hey!"

In one quick movement, Finn had scooped Mike off the mattress in both arms and deposited his behind squarely in Kurt's lap. Though his legs dangled out, the rest of him seemed to be surprisingly well-contained in the space of Kurt's arms. He found himself mere inches from Kurt's blue eyes.

"Whoa," he said, blinking. "Uh, okay." He laughed nervously. "I guess you're... in charge."

Finn stifled a laugh, while Kurt tightened his arms around Mike, pulling his head down toward his shoulder. Mike obligingly put his head there, and tried not to fidget.

"I know it's still afternoon," Kurt said, "but I think I need to tell you... a story. It's a true story, about me, and Finn, and Noah, and how we all met. And there are other people, too... you know about Blaine, and Rachel. And... Adam." Mike heard Finn take a surprised breath. Kurt gave him a pointed nod.

"And... um, Carl." The name was faint, and for a minute Mike didn't realize what Finn meant.

"Carl? Wait - you don't mean Doctor Carl?" Mike watched Finn wince, then nod. "Uh, okay." He wasn't even sure how to respond to that.

"And a very nice triad in Santa Fe," Kurt added. "I think you need to know about them all, in order to understand where we came from, and why we do... what we do. All right?"

Mike nodded again, relaxing against Kurt. He was a little surprised at how comforting it felt to be held like this. He didn't think anyone had ever held him that way, not even when he was a kid.

"It all started for us when Finn started having these dreams about Noah," Kurt began.

The story was a long and complicated one. Kurt told most of it, but Finn had several additions and side points to add, including some very surprising stuff about Dr. Carl. Most of the rest unfolded gradually enough that Mike just took it as it came. Many of the things about Puck, how he'd left town last winter, and later when Beth was born, were things he knew. But everything about Blaine's involvement, how he and Finn had met, and last summer with him and Kurt and Puck - Blaine and Puck? - and Blaine's subsequent banishment to Dalton, that was new. And to finally hear the details about the things Mike had been wondering about - that was almost too much, but Mike knew he needed to hear it. They stopped twice to use the bathroom and get water for Kurt. By the time they'd reached the point at which Kurt returned to McKinley from Dalton, it was nearly dinner.

"Wow," Mike said, feeling like it was entirely inadequate, but just about all he could say in response. "I knew about some of it, but... I never realized that you guys had all this other stuff going on."

Kurt leaned back into the circle of Finn's arms. "Nobody does, except you. Well," he paused for a moment. "Santana, Mercedes and Brad know pieces, and Toby knows almost everything. And my dad, and Carole."

He had a million questions whirling around in his head, but he didn't know which one to ask. He chose one. "Uh... the spanking... stuff. Isn't that scary?"

"Not scary," Kurt insisted. "Not with the right person. That's my experience, anyway. It's something I figured out about myself, that I wanted Finn to give it to me. It was scary, though, realizing I wanted it at all."

"I bet." Mike felt kind of young and vulnerable, and he tried really hard not to let it show in his voice.

"But then Finn and Noah and I connected, this way, and it was... well, it was amazing." Kurt blushed, and both Finn and Mike grinned back, helpless under the impact of Kurt's disarming charm. "And then Adam and Carl, and Blaine... we all figured it out together."

Mike chewed on his lip, turning thoughts over in his head. "Why do you want it?" he finally blurted out.

Finn squeezed Mike's shoulder, and Mike liked the pressure of Finn's hand, tight and warm. "It calms him down," he said. "It gives him a sense of peace inside. When he doesn't get it for a while, he gets... jumpy. Unsettled, like he doesn't fit inside his own skin. He can't focus, and he feels like things are too loud, too bright. The... the discipline..." he glanced at Mike, watching him react to the sound of the word, "it's good for him. And I understand... because it helps me, too, when I can give it to him." Finn paused, then added, his face flushing, "And, uh, it's good for me, too. When I get it."

"From... Doctor Carl?" Mike shook his head again. There was just too much information to process. Kurt laid a gentle hand on his thigh.

"Don't expect to absorb it all at once, sweetheart," he said gently. "I mean, I've been doing it for years and I still don't really understand it all the time."

"I'm a little surprised that you could... want both things, you know? To give, and - to receive?"

"So was I," Kurt agreed. "But most of us do, in our family." Kurt held Mike's gaze, suddenly serious. "Sweetheart, do you think you might want that, too?"

Mike closed his eyes. "I don't think so. All I know is that I like it when you take care of me."

Kurt hummed, low and soft into Mike's ear. "That's a part of it. Caretaking, needing someone to do those things for you. You don't ever need to worry, Mike. If that's all that you want, that's okay, and if you decide you want more, then that's okay too. We'll never push any of that on you. It's just so easy to care for you. You just let me, and it's beautiful."

"Let you," Mike echoed, and laughed, rather shakily. "I can't believe you want to do it. Yeah, I'm going to let you."

Finn reached over and placed a kiss on Mike's cheek. "I hope all... this... doesn't freak you out," he said. "But, well, if you're going to be involved, you might as well know everything up front. No lies, no hiding."

"I am a little freaked out," he admitted, nervously. He tried to say something else, but gave it up after a few attempts and just shrugged. "I'm still here, though."

Kurt gave Mike and Finn a little nudge. "Why don't the two of you get some dinner? I'm not really very hungry. Mike, take a little time to think about everything, and let me know if you have any questions Finn can't answer, okay? I'm going to take a walk."

Finn held out his hand and helped Mike up. He hesitated a moment, then bent down and took Kurt's chin firmly in his hand, almost like he was choking him. It made Kurt freeze, his eyes wide, staring up at Finn. Watching him, Mike almost felt frozen himself, like all his muscles had contracted at once.

"You sure you don't need anything else, baby?" Finn said. His voice had that same intense quality Mike had heard earlier. Kurt made a little noise. "Come on. Don't hide from me."

"I want - you to go get dinner," Kurt said, squirming under Finn's hand. "And let me take a walk... please."

"Hmmm." Finn seemed to squeeze his fingers another fraction of an inch and Kurt stilled. "And when we get back to the room? What do you want then?"

Kurt closed his eyes and breathed softly, and Mike wanted to look away, to give Finn and Kurt their moment in private, but he couldn't. It was like he was compelled to watch.

"I want-" Kurt's eyes flew open and he glanced at Mike before looking back at Finn like he was trying to figure out the right answer.

"C'mon, baby, tell me." Finn's words were low, almost a growl, and they sent Mike's stomach dropping to his feet.

"I want you to fuck me," Kurt let out in a rush.

Mike stepped back. "I'll just-" he started, but Kurt reached out and grabbed his hand.

"No," Kurt said, his eyes still glued to Finn. "I want you to stay. I want you to see, sweetheart, how it can be."

Finn nodded approval, letting Kurt's chin go, and both he and Mike took a simultaneous breath, letting it out in relief. "That's my good baby," he murmured, stroking his cheek. "So good."

Mike watched Kurt flush, bright and pretty, and to gaze up at Finn in adoration. "God, I love that," he whispered.

Mike could feel it, the approval from Finn, more vital than food or sleep or just about anything, even though it wasn't for him. Even though he didn't need it from him. I don't need it from Finn, he thought, as they all took a step away and Finn shoved his feet into his sneakers. But maybe I do need it from someone.

0M0

Kurt wandered down to the pond where the swans floated, placid and regal. He sat by the edge, letting his feet dangle, not quite far enough to touch the water, and took a few deep breaths. Whatever he'd expected to find at music camp, this definitely hadn't been it. Everybody's good at what they do here. Music, dance, acting. I'm not number one at anything. The experience wasn't entirely new, but still a little disconcerting.

Then he laughed, shaking his head. Except I'm apparently in charge of Mike. He stared at his phone, wondering exactly what Tina was going to say about that, and if it might involve her hanging up on him. Eventually, though, the anticipation got to be too much for him, and he just called her.

"Kurt?" She sounded surprised. "Is everything okay?" There was noise in the background, people talking and he thought he heard the clanging of silverware.

"You're eating."

"If you can call picking at mystery meat eating, then yes."

"I can call back later, if that's better. I had - uh, something to talk about, and... you might want to be alone for this." Really.

"Hold on, let me bus my tray and go outside," she said. He could hear her excusing herself from whomever she was sitting with.

Kurt watched the swans and tried to hang on to the calm Finn had imparted with his hand on his behind, but it was already slipping away. I'm not done yet. He needs to finish me off. He felt a quiver of anticipation. "Is... is Interlochen everything you'd hoped it would be?"

"It's good," she said over voices and the sudden startling blast of someone playing trumpet. "Some of what I expected, and a lot of different. How about I just say that it's been an experience?"

"I can relate to that." The voices and noises dwindled away, until all he could hear was Tina's breathing. "I wish I could say everything was amazing here, but... it's been hard. Hard for me and Finn, and hard for Mike."

"I figured," she said. There was finally silence around her. "He didn't say, not really, but I could hear it, you know?"

"You pay attention to what he needs. He's lucky to have you." Kurt wondered if he might be feeling jealous, because of what Tina had with Mike, but as he prodded that place in his heart, he couldn't find it in him to begrudge them any piece of it. "I really... admire that."

"It's no different from what you have with your guys," she said with a little giggle. "Did you know, watching you with them made me want that."

Kurt was so startled, he almost fell off the bank into the pond. "What? Want what?"

"Want someone who loved me so completely. Someone I could love that same way. Someone I could really be myself with."

He thought about that. "Wow. I'm... it's been such a long time since you guys got together, I guess I forgot that we got there first, you know? Because the two of you, I feel like you belong together. I can't imagine you not being together."

Tina sighed, and Kurt couldn't hear if it was happy or slightly troubled. "Yeah," she said. "I feel like he's it for me, but I guess we won't know for a while. Especially after he goes off to college."

"I forget sometimes you're a junior, since you're taking so many advanced classes," Kurt said. "I'm glad you still have a year together, at least." He paused, then added, "I know something about what it's like to be away from the person you love so much. You can do it, if you want it enough."

"I do," she said, softly. "Want it, I mean. But... Kurt? You didn't call to talk to me about what happens when Mike goes to college."

He sighed, kicking his feet. "No. I'm avoiding it, because... well, frankly, it's a little confusing. And I'm trying not to freak out, and I can't even imagine how you're going to feel about it..."

"Are you calling for permission to have sex with my boyfriend?" There was something slightly teasing in Tina's words, but Kurt knew she was being serious.

"No. I mean, yes. We already did... some things." He half-groaned, half-laughed. "I don't think Mike's ready for that yet. But this is only partly about that, and partly... Tina, he's really in love with you, you know. Not us."

"I think I know," she said. She sounded so young, and Kurt really wished that he didn't have to talk about any of this over the phone.

"Really. He's figuring all this stuff out about his attraction for boys, but he's crazy about you. He needs you. I think... uh." He bit his lip. "I don't know, really, how much you understand about how things are between me and Finn and Noah and... everybody."

"I'm not sure . . . I'm pretty sure you guys aren't, um. Strictly vanilla?"

He had to chuckle. "The fact that you know the word vanilla in regards to sex - I'm thinking you're not referring to something like flavored lube? - that tells me something. And I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"My mother is pretty sex positive." Tina laughed, too. "But I don't think she'd really want to know some of the things I think about."

"I know what you mean. My dad tries so hard to be accepting, but I think it's still hard for him to think about the things we do. Carole, though... I could tell you stories." Kurt grinned. "You might be a little shocked at some of the things I've done. Mostly I try not to talk about it at school. But - I would tell you, if you wanted to know."

She sounded interested. "Maybe when we get home, you could tell me. I think . . . I want to learn more about what it's like."

You might have to, he thought, and laughed again. "You can ask any of us. Me and Finn - when it's the two of us, he's usually... in charge? But with me and Noah, I'm usually in charge. And with Blaine..."

Tina giggled. "You're all in charge of Blaine, right?"

"Yeah," Kurt agreed, with a relieved sigh. "I thought you might understand."

"How about with Mike?"

Kurt paused, a little startled. "We - well, I mean, it hasn't been - we haven't talked to Mike about that, exactly. I mean, okay, we just did, so at least he understands something about it now, but it's all still very new, and -"

"Kurt. You're babbling."

He closed his eyes. "God. Yes, I - okay, the thing is, even before we started doing anything with Mike, I felt like... like I could help him. Take care of him, kind of."

"Do you think . . . I mean, you think he needs that?"

She didn't sound all that surprised, he thought. "Yeah, I do. And I think you guys, the two of you - you already do some of that. Taking care of him. Being in charge of him. Don't you think so?"

"Maybe? His parents . . . his father especially..." Tina began, then paused, sighing. "Mike's such a sweet guy, but he doesn't get anything close to what he needs from his parents. I just want him to know he's okay, and that I love him, just the way he is."

Kurt paused, feeling unexpected tears in his eyes. "Tina. You're amazing, you know that?"

"I'm just me," she replied, with a little laugh. "And I'm really glad that Mike has you guys, to figure this all out with."

"I'm really glad you're letting him." He shook his head. "That definitely says something about how much you trust him. And me, and Finn. We care about him a lot. I want Mike to - to get what he needs."

"I understand that, Kurt. But what do you need?"

"I - " Kurt thought about Mike, sitting in his lap, listening to the story of how he and Finn began. He thought about Mike, at the park after the movies, kneeling in front of Finn. "It's complicated. But it's a lot less about the sex, and a lot more about... taking care of him. I think I know what Mike needs, and... giving him that, or making sure he gets it... that's what I need."

"Then . . ." Tina took in a breath, and Kurt could hear the force of her exhale crackling over the distance. "I think- I think you should do that. Mike told me that you guys don't do casual. I know he matters to you both. Just don't hurt him, because then I'll have to hurt you, and we all know I have Asian vampire tendencies." She was teasing, at the same time everything in her tone was intense and serious.

Kurt almost laughed, but the phrase don't hurt him lingered in the air. "Tina... I promise I won't do anything that Mike doesn't want me to do. And I'm sure Finn would say the same thing. Is that enough?"

She was silent for a moment, and Kurt held his breath, waiting.

"I think- right now it has to be enough? I trust you and Finn, and I trust Mike." But Kurt could hear her sniffling, and he wished he were there to hold her and reassure her.

"Do you trust yourself?" he asked softly.

"I feel like there's a piece of him that's always going to be yours, now, and not mine." Her breath shook, and Kurt had to measure his own breath, slow and deep, to keep from crying himself.

"I understand that feeling so well. I... when Finn was starting his first new relationship, I was really stuck in feeling left behind. Even though I started my own new relationship shortly thereafter, it didn't make it any easier." He thought about the conversation he'd had with Finn, about not being new, just a few days ago. "But things will get easier. You need to talk to Mike. Stay in close communication with him. He'll need that, as much as you do. Is there anybody there you could talk to about this?"

"Yeah." He could almost hear Tina debating what and how much to tell him. "There's a guy in my improv class, he's in a, um. A triad, is that right?"

"Yeah," Kurt said, surprised. Even knowing Brad and Andi and Laurie, he still felt a lot of the time like he was doing something completely unique.

"Okay. Well. He's bi, and he's got a boyfriend and a girlfriend, and I guess I'm a good listener or something, because I swear, Kurt. You thought Glee had drama. We have nothing on the kids here!"

"That's amazing." He grinned, thinking of the game of I Never. "There are a couple of kids here, too, who understand about the three of us, and the things we do. Even though most of them... don't. Poor Mike. I think he's taking the worst of it. More about his dancing than anything else."

"I'm not surprised. It's like that here, a little. Being talented isn't enough; you have to have a stacked resumé to prove yourself. And Mike, being pretty much self-taught . . ."

"We're all that way, T. But we're still so lucky, to have these opportunities."

"I know," she sighed. "But now I know more about what it's going to take to make it out there. We're already ten steps behind, and that distance isn't going to get any smaller."

"I think we still have a chance, though," he said. It was easier to be confident when it was for someone else. "We have so much going for us. You're so multi-talented, and god, Mike's ballet, you really have to see it." He paused, thinking. "Hey... when are you done at Interlochen?"

"I have one more week. I get home next Friday. I'm singing with the choir, but I didn't get a solo in the showcase."

"Then you can come down and see the Honors recital. Mike is dancing. I mean, if Toby can talk him into it. Do you think you can make it? Maybe - maybe you and Blaine could ride down together?"

Her voice brightened at the prospect. "I'd love that. Blaine won't mind?"

Kurt smiled to himself. "Blaine adores you, Tina. He's been busy, but so lonely, with all of us gone. And he might like the chance to talk with you about all of this. It's the first time he's dealt with us starting things with someone new, because the three of us were already together when he and - um." He trailed off, but Tina was too quick.

"He and who? Because seriously, Kurt, you guys were super close from the beginning, and if you're telling me you knew each other before you went to Dalton . . ." she went silent again, and Kurt could almost hear her brain working, flicking back through the past year. "You did. Oh, my god. When?"

Kurt closed his eyes and curled up on the bench, ignoring the way the wooden slats were digging into his thighs. "Noah, sort of, first, fall of sophomore year, and then he and Finn that winter. Blaine and I didn't meet until we did summer theater together last year."

She sounded fascinated. "Why all the pretending, then, that he was this guy you met at Dalton?"

Kurt's heart lurched, remembering the darkness from the fall, the weeks after Blaine's father found out about everything, and banned Blaine from any contact with Finn or Noah. "Because of his father. I can't- I mean, it's not completely my story, I can't tell you all of it. But it was really bad, and it's better for Blaine if we all pretend that I'm his only boyfriend, and that we'd never met before last fall."

"I'll keep your secret, sweetie," she soothed.

"I know. You always keep my secrets." It was true. Kurt knew she wouldn't betray his trust.

"You might warn Blaine, though, that if he drives me up to see you guys, I'm totally getting the whole story from him." She paused, and when she spoke again it was less teasing and more serious. "If he's up for it, of course. I don't want to . . . make things worse."

"I'll tell him, but I think . . ." Kurt's heart hurt at the lasting image of Blaine, the way he'd been that first day at Dalton, gelled perfection and an absolute shell of the boy Kurt had fallen so hard for over the summer. "I think he might be ready, now. He doesn't- he won't-" He swallowed, hard. "He won't talk about it with me. With us at all, really, but if he does it's only with Finn, because Finn was there, that night. It took me months, Tina, to bring him back."

"Back from where?"

Kurt shuddered, the feeling of Blaine in his arms, broken and sobbing and finally letting it go in freaking March still alive and all too real. "From his damn father and the stupid fucking psychiatrist... from his own head."

Kurt wasn't sure what, if anything, Tina realized about what had gone on with them last fall, but Kurt could feel it all like it was yesterday: Noah being gone, and Blaine trapped, alone, at Dalton. His dad's heart attack, the silent solitude of the hospital at night. The gnawing pit of fear in his stomach every morning, knowing he had to go to school and face Karofsky and his fear and self-hatred. There were plenty of reasons why he tried not to remember it at all.

"Oh, Kurt," Tina whispered. "I had no idea."

"Nobody did, really. I mean, we're pretty much okay, now, but it was a really hard year. Long." He rubbed at his eyes, suddenly tired and more than ready for the shelter of their room and Finn's arms. And Mike's eyes, he thought, but he didn't let his mind linger there too long, either.

There was noise around Tina again, and even though she'd muffled the phone he could hear her say my friend Kurt, from home, and an answering squeal: oh, your gay boy in the triad!

Then Tina was arguing, and an unfamiliar voice was in his ear. "Hi, Tina's poly friend."

Kurt laughed outright. "You must be the bi boy of whom she speaks."

"Nate," the boy said, and Kurt could hear laughter in his voice. "And you're Kurt."

"Yes. I'll have Tina give you my number, we should talk. But I need Tina back, because I have... things to do."

"Boys to do, you mean!"

"Oh, god, Nate!" Tina was squealing, and then apologizing to Kurt. "I'm so sorry, Kurt." There was scuffling, and the unmistakable sound of someone being gently smacked, perhaps on an arm or a thigh. "Nate is a little forward, sometimes."

"It's fine, Tina. And really, do give him my number. But I need to go."

"I know. The boys are waiting for you."

"Yeah. Do you . . . do you want me to have Mike call you, later?" He was pretty sure he'd have Mike do that, even if Tina didn't need it, because Mike was going to need it.

"Please." Tina had gone quiet again. He stepped up to give her one last dose of confidence.

"Talk to Nate, sweetie. And I'll make sure Mike calls you before bed. Everything's going to be just fine."

0M0

When Kurt returned to the room, he was startled by the twin sounds of laughter coming from behind the closed door. Finn met him as he entered.

"You will not believe what Mike did," he gasped, grabbing Kurt's hands and pulling him into an embrace. His eyes were shining, and Kurt was caught up in his enthusiasm.

"I'm listening," Kurt said, watching Mike blushing and looking away. "What happened?"

"Well, you can guess what happened at dinner." Finn's lips twisted. "Those same kids had some stuff to say about him, about Toby, and they were totally crossing a line when they suggested what they might be doing together..."

"God," Kurt gasped, putting a hand on Mike's arm. Mike didn't look upset, but Kurt could feel the anger radiating off Finn.

"Yeah, it was really stupid. Anyway, they were outside the cafeteria afterwards, just sort of hanging out and showing off - I think you know them, a couple boys from Toby's advanced class?"

Mike shook his head. "They're really good."

"Not as good as you," Finn assured him. "And they know it, now." He grinned. "Yeah... they were trying all these moves, and there was a bunch of girls watching and making them feel like they were all that. And I said... sorry, Mike, but they totally deserved it."

"Yeah, I know," Mike said, barely able to look at Finn. "It was fine."

"What?" Kurt exclaimed, tightening his grip on Mike's arm. "Come on, tell me."

"I just said how Mike was ten times better than any of them," said Finn, "and he could prove it."

"Oh, Christ," Kurt said, trying to ignore the slightly troubled thoughts running through his head. "What if you'd gotten hurt?" He slid himself under Mike's arm and wrapped his own around Mike's waist. "You can't afford to put yourself at risk, sweetheart."

"Kurt!" Finn rolled his eyes. "He didn't get hurt. It's not like we had switchblades or anything. He just danced." He grinned at Mike. "He kicked their asses."

Kurt sighed into the warmth of Mike's body. "Of course he did, because he's amazing. And it's time everyone else saw what he can do." He looked up at Mike. "Did you dance your variation?"

Mike shook his head. "No. It was just improv, contemporary stuff. But I grabbed one of the girls I know from partnering class, and we did this little swing thing that Tina taught me. It was fun," he admitted, his eyes shining and happy.

Finn moved into the space on the other side of Mike. He hovered close to his face, not touching, but bringing his own mouth close to Mike's flushed cheek. "It was so fucking hot is what it was."

"You've always loved watching him dance," Kurt murmured, and watched Finn blush crimson.

"Yeah, that, but... no, I mean Mike - he was so hot, standing up for himself. He said, 'What did we learn about bullies this year?' and I was, like, they're scared of something, right?" He nudged Mike with one elbow. "So then he said, 'Somebody must be scared that they're not as good as they think they are.' And he creamed them." Finn's expression was as smug as Kurt had ever seen it.

Kurt let his hand sit, flat and solid against Mike's abdomen. He wanted to do more, to trail fingers under Mike's shirt, to kiss him, to press him into the bed, but the night wasn't about what he wanted, it was about what Mike needed. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. Do you feel better, now?"

"Yeah," Mike said. "Hopefully things will be a little better now, at least where my dancing is concerned. I don't think there's much we can do about what they all think of the three of us."

"Don't you worry about that," Kurt reassured him. "I can take care of all of that, if I have to, but it's really none of their business." He kissed him gently, watching Mike's smile grow as Finn mirrored the action on the other side. "Is that nice, sweetheart?"

"Yeah," Mike agreed, face still flaming, but he was responding to their touches beautifully. He wasn't nervous, now. Finn helped him, Kurt realized. Mike needed his own dose of confidence, and he gave it to him. He felt an overwhelming rush of love for Finn.

"I asked Finn for something, earlier," he whispered in Mike's ear. "Do you remember?"

He could tell by Mike's expression that he could. "I told you I could go, while you guys... uh, do that," Mike said, but Kurt exchanged a glance with Finn, and he knew it would be okay. Kurt shook his head.

"I want you here," he said, stroking Mike's chest. "Right next to me. You don't have to do anything. I know you know how good it can be, when two people love each other, because you have that with Tina. It can be just as meaningful, just as special, with two boys." He let his hand move to touch the back of Mike's neck. "Would you stay, please?"

0M0

Mike breathed in against the gentle pressure of Kurt's hand, and tried not to freak out. His simple request, would you stay, please? echoed in Mike's ears. He still had time to escape, if he wanted to. But he didn't want to. He was scared, though, and didn't know how to tell Kurt that.

Then Kurt was right up close in his space, and his voice was firm. "Talk to me, sweetheart. What's going on in there?"

"What?" Mike stared at Kurt.

"I can see you getting lost in your head. Just breathe, and talk to me."

"Scared," Mike blurted, because full sentences seemed a bit much at the moment.

"Okay. You're all right." Kurt stroked his face, watched Mike's eyes close. "Keep breathing. That's it. Let me feel you right here, against me." He put Mike's head on his chest and held him close. Mike could hear the rhythm of Kurt's heart. "I'm not going anywhere. Whatever you want, it's okay. You don't have to say yes. I can handle no just fine."

"He doesn't want to say no to you, baby." Finn was touching Mike's back, not seductively, but just laying his hand on his shoulder, letting the weight of it rest there. Mike thought he should feel trapped, with the press of two bodies around him, but he just felt safe, as he always did with Finn and Kurt. "He wants to say yes."He gazed knowingly at Mike. "Right?"

"Yeah," Mike sighed. "I do."

"Okay," Kurt nodded. Mike could feel Kurt's gaze still on him, steady and strong. "So... if you feel overwhelmed, just say so and we'll stop."

He nodded, feeling pretty overwhelmed already with everything that was going on. He wasn't sure he could deal if it was going to get more overwhelming. Kurt didn't move; he just held him tighter, kept his hands on Mike's head and his chest. Mike felt the soft press of Kurt's lips on his temple.

"You don't have to do anything for me," Kurt said. "The only thing you have to do is to be yourself. That's what I want, most of all. I think being present for this will help you to figure yourself out. That's it. I just want - so much, sweetheart - I just want to give you what you need. I want you to have peace, within yourself, about who you are." He took a deep breath and let it out. "You're such a good boy."

Mike felt his knees go weak. "Why does that always make me feel like jell-o?"

"'Cause everybody needs to hear it," Finn said softly. He smiled at Kurt. "You're my good boy."

Kurt shivered against Mike, and Mike instinctively held him tighter. "Apparently everybody does." He turned against Finn, seeking his mouth, and Mike found himself about two inches away from a blistering kiss between Finn and Kurt. He made an involuntary noise.

"You're ready for more, baby," Finn said. The suggestion in his voice was complex, and Mike felt Kurt's body relax further as he leaned into the curve of Finn's arm, let Finn's hand rest on the top of his butt. Mike flushed hot as he thought about what Kurt had told him earlier about the spankings. He wondered briefly if Kurt's butt was red, since Finn had apparently done that to Kurt, earlier, while he was having ice cream. The image was not an unappealing one, but Mike had no idea how that could be.

"Yes... sir," Kurt said. His voice was low and resigned, but there was a current of tension through it, and Mike shifted forward, far enough so he could touch his bare knee to Kurt's leg.

"You know what you need." Finn sounded calm and direct, but very intense. And it was clearly having an effect on Kurt, because he closed his eyes and nudged his hips against Finn. Mike wished he were the one still holding Kurt, that he could be the one to feel that nudge. Then he realized what he was wanting, and it made him blush all over again. Apparently Kurt wasn't the only one who needed... something.

"Please," Kurt whispered. Finn gathered him close, and Mike took a step away, sitting awkwardly on the edge of the bed. He felt like he couldn't do anything; even just walking away now would interrupt the connection between them - and he didn't really want to walk away, anyway. So he just tucked himself into the corner of the bed, his arms around his knees, watching.

Finn's focus was entirely on Kurt, now. He smiled, using his body to force Kurt to lie down across the bed, stretched out on his back. There wasn't anything Kurt could do but comply, spread out under Finn's arms. Finn drew Kurt's arms up above his head, holding his wrists captured in one big hand.

"Tell me," Finn demanded, and beside them, Mike shuddered in response. Finn's command was sharp. "Tell me what you need."

"God, Finn," Kurt moaned, tossing his head back. "I need you to fuck me, now."

Mike couldn't help it, he was trying to be invisible but it was just so hot, seeing Kurt need like that. He moaned, too, and when Finn looked over at him Mike couldn't look back. He just kept his eyes fixed on the edge of the bed, the way Finn's hand was gripping Kurt's wrists. He wondered what it felt like, being held that way. Kurt wasn't struggling at all.

Finn hummed in agreement. "Yeah, baby," he murmured, reaching under the pillow for something with his free hand. It was a little bottle of something. Mike could guess what it was for, though he'd never used anything like it himself. Finn pressed it into Kurt's hands.

"Get on your knees," Finn whispered. "Clothes, off. Come on."

Kurt moved quickly, shedding his shirt and pants and underwear faster than Mike would have guessed he could, while Finn watched him. He was still clothed when Kurt knelt back on the bed. Kurt was still holding fast to the small bottle. He handed it to Finn without question when Finn tapped him on the elbow.

"I know just how much you need this, baby." Finn ran a hand up Kurt's back, starting at the base of his spine, all the way up to the nape of his neck, and then back down again to cup his ass. "You've been taking such good care of me for the last couple weeks. Giving me what I need. Now... it's your turn. Let me give you what you need."

"God, please," Kurt whimpered, his hips rocking back against Finn's hand. In response, Finn uncapped the bottle and squirted a little clear gel onto his fingers, massaging the tips into Kurt's ass with quick, firm strokes. It didn't look like it was hurting Kurt at all, but Mike found himself wincing a little, in sympathy.

"That's it," Finn said, smiling. "Opening up so good. Such a good boy." He did something with his fingers that made Kurt twitch and moan louder as Finn unzipped his shorts.

"What . . .?" Mike didn't realize he'd even spoken until Finn was blinking at him.

"Prostate," Finn whispered with a wicked grin, twisting his fingers again, and then Kurt was sort of collapsing onto the bed and Mike wished he'd been in the right spot to catch him.

He felt unsure, because he didn't want to be in the way. He really wanted to be a part of what Finn and Kurt were doing, but he didn't know if it was okay. He didn't know if anything was okay, and he shifted a little because he was so hard he almost couldn't breathe.

Then Finn's hand was touching him, tugging him out of his anxiety. He gave him a questioning smile. "Kurt needs to be held," he said. "Tight. He needs that, to let go. You, uh... you think you could help with that?"

"Yes . . ." Mike answered, feeling like he needed to say something else to Finn, but the words he'd heard he and Kurt use were echoing in his head and he couldn't grab onto a sir long enough to whisper it.

"He has a kind of thing about textures." Finn fingered the coarse weave of Mike's polo shirt. "Might want to take this off." He shed his own shirt onto the floor and shimmied out of his shorts, keeping a hand on Kurt the whole time. Finn watched Mike take off his shirt, hesitating only a minute before adding the rest of his clothes to the pile.

Kurt was shaking a little, but Mike didn't think it was from being cold. His skin sprouted a trail of goosebumps as Finn stroked his back again. "You're so ready for me," he said, stroking his own hard cock with some of that same slippery gel. He indicated the bed next to Kurt. "Why don't you lie down there?"

Mike slipped into the spot Finn had indicated, and rested a gentle hand on Kurt's shoulder. Kurt lifted his head and gazed at Mike with bright and slightly unfocused eyes.

"Sweetheart," he whispered, and Mike's stomach dropped to his feet. Kurt looked at him with such openness and . . . love? . . . that Mike almost started crying.

Kurt must have noticed, because he lifted a shaky hand and traced a finger down the line of Mike's jaw. "You're still here."

Mike swallowed. "I'm going to hold you," he said. "Finn said you like that?"

"Mmm," Kurt nodded, and Mike opened his arms to Kurt, who nestled up against Mike's chest while straddling Mike's middle, raised on both knees and waiting for Finn. Finn smiled at Mike over Kurt's head, resting on his chest.

"That feel good, baby?" he asked, and ran fingers through Kurt's hair even as he pressed into him from behind.

Kurt sighed, and dropped his forehead against Mike's shoulder, opening his legs wider to accommodate the taller boy against him. "Finn," he moaned again. "Move."

Finn hesitated. "Mike... this might be a little intense." He touched his cheek. "You all right?"

"Yeah," Mike said in wonderment, because he was all right. Something inside of him felt settled, knowing that he could give Kurt something he needed.

Finn's answering thrust pressed Kurt flush against Mike's stomach, his cock wedged into Mike's hip, and Kurt immediately relaxed into it, letting Finn set the pace and Mike take all his weight.

"You're amazing," Mike whispered into Kurt's ear, just for him hear, though Mike wasn't sure how much Kurt was hearing in the moment. "Thank you for trusting me, for making me a part of things. You're so beautiful." He just kept talking, saying all the things he'd been thinking for two weeks and had been too scared to put out into the world. Some of the things he heard pass his lips were things he'd never even expected to say: you take the best care of me, I like the way you make me feel special, I'm scared that I love you.

And in the meantime he could feel Kurt's tension building, could feel him slowly coming undone. If he lifted his eyes, he could watch Finn moving, hard and fast and on the edge himself. Everything about what Mike was witnessing was different from the almost cautious and slightly scared way he and Tina were with each other. This was visceral and real. Mike knew that so much of the emotion and energy between Kurt and Finn was borne of time together, time learning each other, to be comfortable not only with the act of sex, but with the way sexuality was expressed between them.

He wondered if he'd ever have that, with anybody.

It was a troubling thought, but not enough to distract him from the sheer intensity of Kurt's body on top of him, giving him friction in all the best ways without anybody trying. Mike had a moment of minor panic when he realized what was about to happen, but Finn picked up on it before he could say anything, and he grasped Mike's hand over Kurt's back, drawing his attention long enough to nod and say, "Hey, it's okay... just let it happen. You're safe here. Everything's fine."

Mike nodded, and Kurt shifted, pushing against Mike's hand on his back, and Finn groaned, and Mike was done for. His orgasm was so sudden that it almost shocked him, but he didn't even have time to think about what it all meant, because Kurt cried out himself seconds later and stiffened, thrusting hard against Mike and leaving them doubly wet and sticky. Finn, contrary to rumor, seemed to have no trouble holding out for Kurt's satisfaction, but he followed shortly thereafter.

Mike watched Kurt's response to Finn's climax in fascination, and wondered if Kurt could feel it when Finn came inside him. The thought was incredibly compelling, but Mike didn't think he could bring himself to ask.

Finn kissed Kurt's neck, whispering good boy and I love you before disengaging, stiffly sitting up on the edge of the bed with his hand still on Kurt's back. Kurt didn't seem to be wanting to move, so Mike just stayed where he was. Finn's eyes met Mike's. "You okay?" he asked.

Mike tried not to think about the fact that he was sort of tentatively stroking Kurt's hair; it just felt like the thing to do, while Kurt lay against him catching his breath. "Um, I think so?" He honestly couldn't tell, because he was sort of hazy the way he always got after he came, and he didn't feel like an accurate judge of much of anything in that moment.

"That's fine," Finn assured him. "Kurt's in a vulnerable state right now. We call it subspace. He could use a little care, but I thought maybe a three person sandwich might be a bit much for you right now. You okay staying with him while I get some water and a washcloth?"

Mike just held onto Kurt, felt the other boy clinging to him. "I don't think I have an option to go anywhere, even if I wanted to. Which I don't," he added, so Finn understood.

Finn leaned over and let his lips rest on Kurt's cheek again, and when he shifted to kiss Mike, it didn't seem strange. "Good," he said. "Because I was going to ask if you might want to stay right where you are, tonight. The three of us could fit, with a little creativity."

"You think?" Mike felt bold and raked his eyes up and down the length of Finn's body. "Maybe two years ago, before Kurt got all tall and buff. But I think if we tried now, one or all of us would end up on the floor."

"Puck and Kurt and I used to manage pretty well in Kurt's old bed. But you're probably right." Finn paused, thinking. "Actually... let me try this." He assessed the room for a moment, then walked naked to stand beside his own bed. With a little effort, he managed to push it over next to Kurt's bed to make a reasonable facsimile of a double. "There. There's a little hole in the middle, but it'll be okay."

While Finn was in the bathroom cleaning up, Mike felt Kurt start to stir. He shivered a little, huddling against Mike, and he reached down to pull the sheet up over their two bodies. He'd hoped to wait until Finn returned with the washcloth, because he didn't want to get the sheet wet or sticky, but he also didn't want Kurt to be cold.

"Hey," he said quietly, as Kurt opened his eyes. "Finn will be right back." He felt suddenly uncertain, wishing he wasn't the only one there - which was kind of funny, when he thought about it. He smiled, and Kurt smiled back, and it was just as suddenly fine again.

"God," Kurt sighed, long and luxurious, and stretched every muscle in his body. "That... was incredible. And just what I needed." He blinked sleepily at Mike. "Are you -"

"Not your job to worry right now," said Finn, emerging from the bathroom. He'd brought them both a cup of water. After they drank, he handed Kurt first a warm, wet washcloth, then a dry towel. Kurt moved slowly, cleaning himself up, and, somewhat shyly, Mike as well. He seemed to notice the second bed for the first time.

"Mike?" He touched Mike's chest, a question on his face.

"I suggested it," Finn said. "I didn't think you guys should be apart tonight, not after that. Mike seems okay with it, right?"

"Yeah," Mike said, his voice raspy even after his glass of water.

Kurt smiled, flushing, and Mike found himself in Kurt's strong embrace. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered. "And thank you, for everything. You gave me just what I needed."

"You're welcome," Mike answered, letting Kurt hold him. It felt so good.

The bed wasn't particularly comfortable, but it was good enough, and Mike thought he might be able to sleep on a stone floor after that orgasm. He found a space along the wall, with Kurt spooned against his chest, and Finn flanking them on the other side, his head pillowed on Kurt's arm. It seemed familiar and comfortable to both of them, and Kurt was asleep in minutes. Finn stayed awake a little longer, watching him. He smiled at Mike, who was doing the same.

"He's beautiful, isn't he?" Finn whispered, stroking Kurt's clavicle with one finger. "Kind of blows my mind, really."

"I never realized . . ." Mike let his eyes follow the path of Finn's finger. "He's so different, from what I expected. You both are."

Finn chuckled softly. "Yeah. You should see Puck. He's... well, you'll see, when we get home."

"Do you think- I mean-" Mike wasn't sure what he was trying to ask, so he just closed his mouth and shook his head.

"What?" Finn propped himself up on his elbow and looked at Mike over Kurt's body. "You don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing, it's okay. Ask whatever you want."

"Do you think we'll keep on doing . . . this? When we get home? I mean, I have Tina, and you guys have . . . everyone." God, Mike didn't even know if he wanted that, what was he doing asking about it?

"You get as much a say in that as we do." Finn didn't look upset by the question, but he wasn't looking at Mike, either. "I think you and Tina should talk about it."

Mike sighed. "Yeah," he said. "We talked about keeping things at camp, and then again about you guys, and what that might mean when we get home."

Finn nodded, still keeping his eyes on Kurt, watching his chest rise and fall in sleep. "So... what do you think it might mean?"

"I don't know," Mike answered honestly. "I mean, I know you guys don't do casual, but I don't know if I want to have what you all do, all the time."

Finn reached out a hand and touched Mike's arm. Mike thought he looked more serious, more intense than the easy-going Finn he saw during the day.

"Whatever you decide is okay," he said. "Really. We're your friends, first. We can be, again, if that's what you need. I - nobody will pressure you to do anything you don't want."

Mike shifted, unintentionally wrapping himself a little closer around Kurt's sleeping form. "What if what I need and what I want are two different things?"

Finn nodded, dropping his eyes. "I get that," he said. "Believe me, I do. And you still get to decide. Even if the decision is hard. Even if it might seem impossible."

"But you guys won't just pretend like this didn't happen, right? Because I don't-" Mike swallowed around the lump in his throat. "I wouldn't be able to do this, anymore, if that's how things would be. This matters too -"

"No," Finn interrupted. "No. We wouldn't do that. You're way too important to us."

"Good," Mike said, feeling relief flood through him. God, he was so tired.

"You should sleep now," Finn said, rubbing the back of Mike's hand. "Today was . . . a big day."

Mike wasn't sure how to tell either of them this, but he'd never spent the night in a bed with another person, not since he was a little kid. He and Tina had done all their explorations during the day, and when he'd spent time with her in the evening after a date, he always had to leave before his curfew. So tonight, he dropped off with no trouble, but he woke up several times in the middle of the night as Kurt shifted against him, feeling alternately warm with Kurt's body next to his and chilly as they jockeyed for the single-sized sheet and blanket pulled over them.

After half a dozen wakeful episodes, he carefully climbed out over Kurt's legs and stumbled to his own bed, pulling the cool sheets back. It was a little lonely, watching the two of them snuggle in together on Kurt's bed, but sleeping alone felt more familiar, and he was able to get several uninterrupted hours before dawn.

When he woke again, it was to Kurt's quiet voice. "Sweetheart? Can you open your eyes for a minute?"

"Mmmm." He startled a little, because Kurt was right there, inches away from his face, propped up on an elbow next to his pillow. Mike hoped his morning breath wasn't too bad. "Good morn-mmmmph!"

Apparently whatever morning breath he had wasn't enough to drive Kurt away, because Kurt was right there, pressed full against him, kissing him for all he was worth. Mike's anxiety about his breath melted away in the face of Kurt's naked body touching his through the sheet. He moaned softly, and heard Finn stir in the other bed.

"After last night, I needed to thank you," Kurt said by way of explanation, but Mike's attention was solely on Kurt's thigh, tucked between his, and rocking very slightly, not enough to give him any kind of relief, but enough to transmute his morning hard-on to something more urgent. "And I thought I'd give you a choice about how to do it. How'd you like my mouth on you?"

"Yes," he gasped, without a second thought. "Yes, that would be - ohhhh." That was Kurt's fingers, pinching his nipples, pulling his sheet down. He was only vaguely aware of Finn coming over to them and seating himself on the edge of the bed, but he could feel Finn's hands touching his legs as Kurt knelt between them.

"You were so good last night," Kurt said, smiling up at him. He placed a kiss on Mike's abdomen, inching lower. "Taking such good care of me... I hope that wasn't too strange."

Mike felt a blush creep up his cheeks at the memory. "I liked it," he admitted. "I liked being able to take care of you that way. It was- um. Pretty intense."

"I bet." Finn's hand crept higher on Mike's hip, stroking lightly along the sensitive skin on his thigh. "You guys were amazing to watch."

"Mmm," Mike sighed, tipping his hips to meet the pressure of Kurt's lips as he kissed his way down Mike's skin. "You guys were amazing."

Kurt's smile widened. "You enjoyed that, sweetheart? I thought you might." He took Mike in his mouth, almost lazily, and Mike gasped at the sensation. "More possibilities to consider. Because... it felt... so good."

Mike was quickly losing focus from the wet slide of Kurt's mouth on him, but he couldn't erase the image of Finn's fingers moving, twisting, making Kurt positively fall to pieces. "Questions," he gasped as Kurt's own fingers slid against the sensitive skin behind his balls.

"Plenty of time for questions later, sweetheart," Kurt said, and Mike could hear him smiling. "Right now, just relax and let me thank you."

Mike saw Finn, hovering beside them, watching Kurt's movements with a hungry expression. He looked like he wanted to do more, but he was holding back, keeping to himself. Mike opened his mouth to take a breath, and choked out, "Kiss me - please."

Finn looked startled, but moved to comply, holding Mike's head firmly. The pressure of Finn's tongue inside Mike's mouth mirrored Kurt's actions below, and Mike cried out in surprise at the sensation. "K-kurt...?"

"He's taking care of you, baby," Finn whispered against his skin. His hands were so gentle, compared to the ruthless way he kissed. "You just let him love you, okay?"

"Okay," Mike replied, shaky and breathless, trying to resist the urge to buck against the pressure of Kurt's relentless tongue. He balled his fists in the sheet, because any second now he was going to have to touch himself, and that was going to be really embarrassing.

Kurt chuckled, and Mike could feel the vibration of that sound reverberate inside himself. He moaned. At the same moment, Finn took him in one hand, still leaning over him, and engulfed Mike's moan with a kiss. "So hot," Finn said, and Mike could hear the tension, the need in his voice. "Fuck, Mike, you have no idea what you look like, letting Kurt do you like this."

It was too much for him. Mike gave it up to the friction provided by Finn's stroking hand, the unbelievable sensation of Kurt's tongue, and came hard with a barely suppressed wail. Luckily Finn was there to muffle his sounds with his mouth. There wasn't anything he could do but lie there and try not to feel completely mortified by the way he'd lost control.

But Kurt was right there, clambering up to lie on top of him, murmuring words of praise and support and what felt a whole lot like love. Mike clutched him in his arms and held on, his breath shuddering in and out, his mind reeling while he gasped, "God... Kurt, god, you make me feel so good..."

"That's my job, sweetheart," Kurt sighed, his voice rich with satisfaction. "To do everything I can to make you know how incredible you are. Because you deserve it."

Mike was just this close to letting go, to letting it all go, and just falling apart in Kurt's arms - but he couldn't quite do it. Something was holding him back. He just squeezed his eyes as tight as he could, huddling into Kurt's embrace, and did his best to withstand the torrential downpour of emotions he was feeling. Too much, he thought. It's all too much. God, how am I going to tell Tina about this?

Eventually, he opened his eyes, and Finn was still there, resting a hand on Kurt's back and gazing at them with a worried expression. "Mike," he began, but then he stopped, and sighed. "Come on. You've got to get ready for breakfast."

0M0

Finn stuck his scripts in his folder and returned it to the slot where they belonged. He barely needed them anymore, but Amy, their drama coach, still wanted all the campers to have them on hand to mark stage directions and other cues. If anyone had told him three weeks ago that he'd be able to memorize whole scenes from six different plays, he would have told them they were nuts.

Of course, he would have said the same thing if anyone had suggested he or Kurt would be having sex with Mike Chang - and yet last night and this morning had come pretty damn close to just that. Finn felt a shiver of excitement at the memory.

Last night... Mike hadn't even done anything, had simply held Kurt, but that had been enough to drive a relatively common experience up to a whole different level. It was one with which Finn and Kurt were familiar: sharing a bed with a third person. The logistics were always dependent on the person, their comfort level, their relationship to each of the other two, and what they all happened to want or need at that moment.

Last night, it had been pretty clear what Kurt had needed, and it was a lucky situation that Mike had been so ready to give him part of that while Finn took care of the rest. What Mike needed was a little more complicated and uncertain, but he seemed to be working through that at a rapid pace. Finn was glad for that.

Which left Finn with the question: what did he need?If Kurt was going to take care of Mike, and Mike wanted that, what did that mean for Finn? He was pretty sure he didn't want to Top Mike. Which was good, because while Mike hadn't resisted Finn's gentle suggestions last night, he hadn't felt a strong response from Mike to want that from him.

Finn closed his eyes and let himself picture Mike, spread out beneath him, holding Kurt in his arms, telling him all the things Kurt needed to hear. It had been perfect - and it had taken all Finn's self-control not to be the one to climb into bed with Mike this morning and show him just how much he had appreciated his presence with them. Feeling Mike sleeping just inches away all night, that had been more erotic and tempting than he'd known what to do with.

But Kurt had woken up in his arms, and Mike had been nowhere to be seen.

"Finn," Kurt had breathed, as Finn growled and pressed him into the mattress. "What -"

"Shhh," Finn had said in an undertone. "Let him sleep. I think he's back in his bed. I need - baby, just let me -" He'd thrust against Kurt in frustration, and Kurt had simply opened up to him, welcoming him into his body.

"I know what you need," Kurt had whispered, and had stifled his noises in Finn's shoulder as Finn entered him in one, firm stroke.

"No," Finn had said. He couldn't stop, but he also couldn't lie to Kurt. "You don't get it."

"I do," Kurt had insisted, catching his breath at the forcefulness of Finn's movements. "And it's okay. I understand. It's okay for you to want him, Finn."

"Baby," he'd moaned, trying to keep his voice down, but he felt himself breaking down, already on the edge - with the object of his desire six feet away, sleeping peacefully. "How can that be okay?"

"It always was." Kurt had kissed him, fiercely, matching his motions thrust for thrust. "Adam... Blaine... Carl... even Rachel. We've always been there for each other, no matter who else was new. And I know you never stopped wanting me."

"I never did," Finn had vowed, feeling the tension peak. "God, Kurt, I never will."

It had been as quiet as he could make it, but even as they'd groaned out their release, Finn had heard Mike stir in his bed. He'd taken a few blissful moments to enjoy his lover's body, the feel of his hands, the scrape of Kurt's unshaven cheek against his own. Then he'd pushed himself off and gave Kurt a nudge.

"Go on," he had said, breathing hard. "Go to him. He needs you."

Watching Kurt take care of Mike, with his hands, his mouth, his words, it had been almost too much for Finn to handle. He'd held back, really seeing Mike, realizing for the first time just how much he wanted... and not at all sure Mike was wanting any of it in return. He'd felt the unfamiliar pangs of jealousy in his gut, twisting like the remains of a brutal impact. He'd almost stood up and walked away, leaving them to their lovemaking. Almost.

And then Mike had opened his eyes, and begged him, Kiss me. And there was no way Finn could have left, after that. He wasn't going to miss it, wasn't going to let Mike down, not if there was any little thing Finn could give him that he wanted.

"Hey," he heard, and Finn opened his eyes to see Delia next to him on the bench in the drama room, a hand around his shoulder. She looked worried. "What's the matter, Finn?"

"Shit," he whispered, blinking at her. "I think I'm in love with Mike."

0M0

Finn seldom came to Mike's practice sessions, but he was there in the back of the auditorium that afternoon. Mike hadn't seen him much that morning. After breakfast Kurt had kissed him and told him to have a good session with the baby ballet dancers. Finn had been there in men's chorus, but they were all working hard on their numbers for the concert on Tuesday, and Mike hadn't had time to do more than give him a friendly smile and a surreptitious touch on the hand. Then it was lunch, and Finn didn't show.

"He told me he had to meet with his scene partners," Kurt said when Mike asked about him, but he didn't look too convinced himself. He shrugged. "It's not like Finn to behave like this, but... it's part of a discernible pattern? So I guess I'm not really surprised. If it is what I think it is."

"What... do you think it is?" Mike asked, and Kurt laughed, shaking his head.

"I can think all I want, but it's Finn's decision to talk or not to talk about it. You'll have to ask him."

His smile was so generous and all kinds of other things that Mike could just smile back, nodding. It was the best kind of feeling to have that smile trained on him. He only wished he didn't have to be so aware of everybody watching him smiling at Kurt.

He's incredible, he wanted to say to the crowd of glaring, sneering students. He's incredible and you have no idea how happy he makes me. But he couldn't, so all he could do was glare back and pretend it just bounced off him, as they did in Glee when the slushies got particularly bad.

And he knew, too, only part of it was about Kurt at all, that his very presence was enough to make the kids irritated at him, because he got to dance in the honors recital, and he got to have private lessons with Toby... and the only reason he got those things in the first place was because Toby was Mr. Schue's friend. He wasn't ungrateful for Toby's help, but he didn't want it if he didn't deserve it. He wanted to earn it honestly - to be the best, and to get noticed for it. It didn't matter how many times Toby or Kurt or Finn told him that it was true, that he was good; he still couldn't really believe they knew what they were talking about.

So when Mike went to rehearsal after lunch, he was already on edge a little from that morning. Toby was gathered by the side of the stage with three other dance students. Mike didn't know them, though he knew Toby was coaching some others; one of them looked impossibly young, but she was working the shank of a pointe shoe back and forth in her hand, so she couldn't have been that young. Mike set his bag down with a thunk, and Toby eyed him sideways.

"You're late," he said with a stare.

Mike looked around at other kids who were slowly trickling into the auditorium. "I was at lunch, and Finn - "

"No excuses. You guys need to be early to warm up, so you're ready to go when rehearsal starts. You need to have your music cued up so everyone else doesn't have to wait." He used his arms to wave everyone in close, and he smiled at them. "And you need to go out there, every rehearsal, and kick ass. Because we all know that dance is the best department, but they don't know that."

The girl giggled, and Toby patted her head. "You get to go first, then, Danielle." She sat and shoved her foot into her shoe, tied the ribbons with ease, and boureéd over to her bag. She handed Toby a battered orange iPod, which he stuck in the dock at the front of the stage.

"You're next," he told Mike, settling in to watch, and Mike dropped to the floor in an out of the way corner to stretch and ignore the butterflies in his stomach. The other boy in the group plopped to the floor next to Mike, and he let a pair of tap shoes fall next to him with a clatter. Mike jumped, Toby shook his head at them, and pressed the button for Danielle's music.

Mike couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was so tiny, almost ethereal, and she danced like she'd been doing it since birth. Her variation was one Mike felt like he'd seen somewhere, but couldn't place, but the boy spoke up. "Prayer, from Coppèlia," he said. "She's totally a prodigy. I heard a rumor that she's going to try for SAB once she's old enough."

Mike shook his head. "How old is she?"

"Twelve," the boy answered. "You're Mike."

"Yeah," Mike said. "I don't know you."

"Jared," the boy nodded. "Toby was telling me your variation is really something." He busied himself with his shoes. "I only have basic ballet."

"What are you doing?" Mike glanced at Jared.

"I Can do That, from A Chorus Line?"

Mike nodded. "My girlfriend loves that show. We did Sing! for our duets lesson in glee club this year."

"Girlfriend?" Jared's eyebrows rose, and his voice was full of surprise. "I thought . . . you and those guys . . ."

Mike couldn't help it; he had to laugh. "Oh, god, why won't everyone stop talking about that?"

Jared shrugged. "Because you guys are the only interesting thing happening here this summer. Seriously. At least last year there was a scandal in the theater department. So, are you bi or what?"

Mike spluttered, because not even Finn or Kurt had asked him any questions about how he viewed himself. "I - wow. Um. I don't know?" He went silent for a moment, watched Danielle glide across the stage. "Nobody's ever really asked me before. But I guess . . . I guess, yeah, I am bi." His hands were shaking, and his heart was racing. "Damn."

"Hey," Jared put a hand on Mike's arm. "You okay?"

"I, uh. I don't know." Mike couldn't think, and Danielle was at the edge of the stage taking correction from Toby. "And I'm next." He tried to stand up, but his head felt fuzzy.

"No," Jared said, tugging on the hem of Mike's shirt and pulling him back to the floor. "I'll go next, you need to put your head down and breathe, and you'll be just fine in a minute."

"You sound so sure." Mike watched Jared start to move away, the taps on his shoes clacking against the floor.

"I am sure," Jared reassured him. "And hey, it gets easier, saying it. I would know," he added with a little wave and a wink.

Kurt is right, Mike thought while Jared got his music set up. We really are everywhere. Then his breath caught, because he'd never felt like a real part of any community before, and he'd never willingly made himself a we unless he was talking about Tina. And somehow, I'm not freaking out about it. He kind of couldn't wait to tell the guys.

Mike focused on his breathing while Jared knocked his number out of the park. He had exactly the right kind of loose energy and playful voice to portray the teenager who'd learned to dance after following his sister to class. Mike felt more than a little self-conscious that his own variation was a classical piece, when compared to Jared's contemporary Broadway number, but that self-consciousness dropped away after launching into the first few bars of Le Corsaire.

He could hear Toby's voice in his head, counting out the beats, encouraging him, even though Toby was just standing silently, watching. He had a momentary flash of fear as he launched into the turns that always hung him up, but Toby's voice was there again from that morning that seemed so long ago, come on, Mike, dance the shit out of it.

No fear, he thought. Let it go, Kurt's voice overlapped with Finn's in his head, and he could feel the three people who'd always believed in him, even when he couldn't believe in himself.

They lifted him, kept him focused, and when he finished at the edge of the wings he was right on time with the music. Finn was nodding at him from the back of the auditorium, Toby was smiling, and from a seat in the front row Danielle was staring at him with wide eyes. He crossed the stage, took his iPod back, and tried to get past Toby without a scene. But Toby grabbed him into a rough hug and just said in a choked voice, "That's what I've been looking for. I'm proud of you."

Mike slid back to the floor near his bag and started stretching to keep warm, a smile playing over his lips. What do you know? he thought. I'm proud of me, too.

Finn's eyes wandered around the room, watching Danielle and Jared practice, but they always came back to Mike. He thought it should have made him feel anxious to have somebody's attention on him that way, but it was actually kind of nice. He felt himself being a little more self-aware while he was stretching, conscious of his body in a way he wasn't always. He aimed his tentative smile at Finn, and his return smile was both gentle and intense. It reminded Mike of his touch this morning on his leg while Kurt had sucked him off.

Okay, not helping with my focus, he thought, consciously looking away. He was here to dance.

And with every pause, Mike could see Finn's eyes, warm and brown, caressing his limbs as they spun out. Even before any of this, before Mike had even been aware of any kind of attraction or feelings for any boy, Finn had watched him dance with appreciation approaching awe. He'd never made fun of Mike when he'd talked about dancing in middle school, when everything was embarrassing, and his compliments had always felt genuine.

But now Mike had the sense that when Finn watched him, he was seeing something beyond the movement of his body, that Mike affected him in a very personal way. He couldn't quite comprehend how it made him feel, to know Finn was watching him like that. Wanting him, just because of the way he moved. Finn was leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, shifting in his seat, and Mike knew with a wave of dizzying certainty that Finn was hard, right now. It was far more of a turn-on than Mike was used to feeling during a rehearsal.

After that, Mike's performance changed. Instead of rehearsing for the honors recital, he was performing for Finn. Each flourish, each turn was delivered with the aim of eliciting another smile, another nod of appreciation, and especially another of those smouldering, slack-jawed stares. It made Mike feel powerful, to be able to do that to another boy. To Finn.

When Toby finally let them go, Mike busied himself with his dance bag and tried to pretend that he couldn't feel Finn's gaze deep in his gut. When he righted himself, Jared was standing there with his own bag slung over his shoulder.

"Your guy, he's cute." Jared lifted his chin to where Finn was standing in the doorway, leaning with his arms crossed and his backpack at his feet. "Honestly, if I hadn't heard about what went down at Delia's party, I never would have pegged him for our team."

Mike watched Finn's expression with a growing feeling of anticipation. "There's a lot he keeps hidden," he agreed. "Uh..." He paused, cocking his head at Jared. "What about me? How did you, uh, peg me?"

Jared sort of squinted at him. "Is it true, what I heard? That you don't take lessons?"

"Yeah," Mike admitted. "It's complicated, but I haven't since I was a little kid. Toby coaches me and a few other kids from my school, and we help with his garden in exchange for his time. Why?"

"Jeez, like, all the guys at my studio are at least bi. You really don't know any other guys who dance?" Jared sounded incredulous.

"I live in Lima, man." Mike shook his head, and Jared just slung an arm over his shoulder and steered him up the aisle toward Finn.

"You need to broaden your horizons, Mike. Stick with me, I'll hook you up with the right crowd."

Before Mike could reply to that astonishing offer, Finn was standing before him, disentangling Mike's arm from Jared's and taking his hand in a firm grip. He glared at Jared.

"Dude. I think we've got the right crowd covered. Mike?" Finn's gaze was hooded. "Kurt's waiting for you. Are you coming?"

Mike's heart beat triple time. Kurt. "Yeah," he said, following Finn. But he turned back and nodded at Jared, because he also knew that he needed to meet other guys who understood his passion and absolute overwhelming need to dance. "Thanks. And... can we talk more? About your routine?"

Jared nodded. "Breakfast tomorrow?"

"How about lunch?" Mike countered, because his brain and his heart and his dick were already focused on the promise of their room and Kurt and Finn,and if things went the way he thought they might go tonight, he wasn't at all sure they'd be out of the room that early. Jared nodded again, and waved them goodbye.

Mike felt the squeeze of Finn's hand on his own, and he glanced over at him with a grin he didn't bother to disguise. He figured Finn could see exactly how he was feeling, but just in case it wasn't clear, he leaned in and said, "I - saw you watching. Watching me dance."

"Yeah," said Finn, the tension clear in his voice. He took a long breath. "God, Mike. You were - I can't even describe it. You're... really talented."

Mike wanted to argue with Finn, because it was what he always did when people complimented his dancing. But he thought about Danielle, watching him, and her soft voice as he'd passed her chair. Just like Nureyev, he'd heard her say, and Jared had fist-bumped him and told him he was awesome, dude. Even so, he still looked at the ground when he nudged Finn with his shoulder to lighten the moment. "Thank you," he said.

"I mean, you know I always thought that, but... Mike, I've never seen you dance like that." Finn shook his head. "Holy shit."

"It was you guys," Mike said softly, trying to figure out how to explain what had happened there one the stage, all the energy and support he'd felt coming together to give him what he needed to get through the hard parts. "I could feel you, both of you, and Toby, and it made it easier to just dance it instead of thinking about it."

Finn opened his mouth to answer, then shut it again, turning away for a moment. "That's... I'm..." Mike could have sworn Finn's voice was shaking, but he paused, and when he resumed, it was steady again. "I'm glad. Really."

He let Mike's hand go, and he didn't touch him again before they got back to their third floor room, but seconds after the door had closed behind them, Finn had his hands on Mike's head, gripping him tight, pulling him into a kiss that left them both gasping.

"You're gonna have to tell me if I'm going too fast," Finn said, his voice barely a groan. He swept a hand under his shirt, brushing his nipples with rough hands, and Mike couldn't even pause long enough to suggest a shower. "I don't think I'm going to stop, otherwise."

Mike pushed into Finn's touch. "Don't want you to stop," he breathed, because he didn't, but he could feel an absence in the room and he did pull away from Finn's kiss. "Where's Kurt?"

"Listen," Finn said, kissing him again, and Mike focused through the blood pounding in his ears to hear the rush of water in the bathroom. "Shower."

Mike shivered under the pressure of his mouth. "That... mmm... might be a good idea. Maybe I should do that when he's done."

Finn grinned. "I think you should go in and join him. I bet he'd like that."

He twisted one of Mike's nipples, and Mike felt his knees buckle. "God," he moaned. "Hard to think about anything else when you do that."

"You won't be thinking much at all, soon," Finn said. "Here. Let me help you." He lifted Mike's shirt, and Mike raised his arms, letting Finn slide the fabric up and over his head. Then he hooked his thumbs into the waistband of Mike's shorts, and he shoved both shorts and boxer-briefs off Mike's hips and into a puddle on the floor. He ran his eyes over Mike's chest, his stomach, and blew out an appreciative breath. "You're really hot, you know that?"

Mike ducked his head and blushed. "Thank you?"

"It's true," Finn said, circling around Mike, staring at him. Mike squirmed a little, because even after everything that had happened between the three of them these past three weeks, he wasn't used to being looked at like that. Finn hummed, and slid his palm down the length of Mike's spine before swatting him gently and playfully on the ass. Mike jumped, and Finn smiled at him again. "You should go, catch Kurt before he turns the water off."

Mike darted across the floor and into the bathroom, which was warm and steamy and smelled of Kurt's citrusy shampoo. "Kurt?" he called out, not wanting to startle him.

Kurt peeked his head out of the curtain and smiled at Mike. "Hi!" He looked so happy, and Mike almost melted. "Finn sent you to join me, didn't he?"

"Yeah," Mike said, and Kurt shook his head.

"He knows I do enjoy wet, soapy boys. Come on in, the water's still nice and warm." Kurt pulled back the curtain and waited while Mike stepped over the edge and into the shower.

"Mmmm," he sighed. "I definitely needed this."

Kurt moved so Mike could duck under the spray, and he was almost surprised to feel Kurt's hands on him, rubbing soap over his back with a washcloth.

"How was your rehearsal?" Kurt's touch was soft, almost protective, and Mike felt rooted to the floor. He let Kurt wash and rinse his body, pepper his shoulders and chest with delicate kisses.

"It was really good, actually," Mike answered, taking the bottle of shampoo that Kurt held out to him.

"I'm still not tall enough, or I'd wash your hair for you," Kurt admitted, and Mike felt weak-kneed again.

"Nobody ever takes care of me like you do, you and Finn."

"Good," Kurt said, rising up on his toes to kiss Mike full and hard and more than a little wet from the water cascading over them. "That's exactly how we want it to be. Giving you exactly what you need."

"How do you know what I need?" Kurt's hands dipped lower, settled on Mike's hips, and Mike could feel Kurt's own body, so close and yet still so frustratingly far away.

"I know," Kurt said, swirling his tongue around one of Mike's nipples, "because I need to give it to you. That's the way it works. You open yourself to me, and I give it to you... and we both get what we need." He gazed up at Mike, his eyes so blue, each eyelash beaded with moisture from the shower. "Can you feel it, sweetheart?"

"Yeah," whispered Mike. "I just... I never even knew I wanted that."

Kurt laughed, rich and full and fond. "It happens like that. Or, it did for me at least." He wrapped his arms around Mike and pulled him close in a tight hug. "You're so beautiful, and I'm so distracting you right now. Here," he pushed Mike back under the spray. "I'm going to get out so you can finish. Come out to us when you're all done, okay?"

Mike nodded, feeling unsteady, and leaned back on the wall of the shower, watching Kurt's secret smile as he closed the shower curtain. He took a few deep breaths, touching his chest, feeling his heart beating hard. What are you about to do, Michael? he asked himself. Are you sure you want this? Because you can't go back after something like this.

But the answer was clear. He did want it, even if it was scary, even if he was uncertain. Even if he'd only just said the words yeah, I guess I am bi for the first time that afternoon. Because this was Kurt, and Finn, and in three weeks they'd come to mean something to him that went far beyond anything he'd felt for a friend before. He didn't know what that meant for the future, but he didn't think he could say no to this, not if he could have it right now.

Mike finished his shower as quickly as he could, paying more attention to certain parts of his body than he usually did, because if anyone else was going to be touching or... or entering them, he wanted all of his parts to be really clean. He turned off the water, fumbled for a towel, and found one folded and waiting for him on the edge of the sink.

He could hear Finn and Kurt talking softly as he dried off and scrubbed hard at his hair, because he always hated wet hair leaving wet spots on his sheets and pillows. He didn't bother to comb it, but he did stop and brush his teeth, and thought longer than necessary about whether to wrap the towel around his waist or just go back into the room naked.

"Hey," Finn said, opening the door an inch. "You okay?"

Mike looked down at where his hands were clenching and unclenching around a wad of his towel, and took a deep breath. Yes or no, Michael. You're either in this or out of it, but you need to decide. He looked back up at Finn, remembering his and Kurt's continued mentions of openness and honesty. "I think I'm a little scared," he finally admitted softly.

"If you don't want to . . ." Finn trailed off.

"No, no," Mike was quick to reassure him. "I want to, I just... I don't know what I'm doing."

Finn's smile was easy, and when he reached for Mike's hand, Mike took it with no question. "Dude, if you're okay with Kurt leading, you don't have to do anything. Just let him take care of everything. And if you decide you want to do something, or try something... you can try it with me." He touched Mike's chin, feeling the smooth skin where he'd shaved. His eyes softened. "I'm guessing there's nothing you can think of that we haven't already done."

"Yeah," Mike said, laughing nervously. "That's probably true. I suppose that should freak me out, right?"

Finn's hand continued around to the back of his neck, still gentle. "But... it doesn't?"

"No," he said, leaning into Finn's touch. "It... I like it. With Tina, we were both trying to figure it out together, and... I guess I felt bad, like I should know what to do. Or one of us should, anyway."

"That's how it was with me and Kurt. We had to figure things out together, too." Finn squeezed, just a little, and pressed his lips to Mike's neck, his teeth grazing his skin. Mike felt the flutter of his tongue and heard himself make a little noise. "But with Carl, he was the experienced one. I liked that, too. He taught me... a lot."

Mike stayed close to Finn as he began to take slow steps out of the bathroom, trying to step carefully and not stumble. And then he felt another pair of arms encircle him, these from behind, and he felt so warm and supported that he relaxed, letting Kurt hold him up, letting Finn draw more noises from Mike with his teeth and tongue. Letting himself want what they had to give him. Letting himself feel all the confusing things that had been coming up in his head and heart, that he wasn't quite ready to say.

"We've got you, sweetheart," Kurt said, carefully nibbling at Mike's shoulder. "Just let us take care of everything, and if you want to stop just say so."

"No," Mike murmured. He turned his neck a little further to let Kurt's mouth settle against his neck. "Don't want to stop."

"Good," Kurt said, his lips tickling and his breath falling hot on Mike's still-damp skin. "Then I won't stop until I've given you what you need." He gave Mike a little nudge, making him fall against Finn. "Go on. Onto the bed."

Mike had several sets of images in his mind about what this might look like, but when Finn lay down on his back and opened his arms to Mike, smiling, Mike knew instantly what Kurt had in mind. "God," he moaned, letting himself settle on top of Finn's long body.

"That's right." Kurt ran his hands up and down Mike's back and sides. "So beautiful," he murmured, and followed the path of his hands with his lips, whisper-soft and tender and demanding at the same time. Mike felt himself arching his back into Kurt's caresses, wanting each one more. By the time Kurt reached the center of his back, he moaned, and he heard Finn's quiet chuckle.

"I think he knows what he wants, baby," Finn said.

"Yeah," Kurt sighed, and Mike thought he could hear Kurt's smile. "I think he does. I don't think he's ready yet, though." His fingers trailed lightly over the curve of Mike's ass to massage his thighs, and Mike shifted, trying to open his legs a little.

"Not yet, sweetheart," Kurt said into his ear, and Mike shivered when Kurt's breath tickled the side of his neck. "Relax. Just let me love you."

"Why don't you rest, here," Finn said, pulling his hips down on top of him. "We've got all night."

Mike settled further into the nest of Finn's body and tried to focus on the security of Finn's arms around him even as Kurt's actions were getting him harder and more turned on every second. He could feel the tingle of Kurt's touch at every point on his skin, and deep inside himself, there was a resonating response that he could barely understand. He could feel Kurt's hands on the inside of his leg, making traces up and down his skin, toward his knee and back toward his ankle.

"You can feel him touching you," Finn said, kissing him gently at first, then letting it build as Kurt's hands reached higher with each stroke. "He loves it. And I love feeling you here, on top of me."

"Yeah?" Mike asked when he broke away to breathe.

"Oh, yeah," Finn sighed. "I don't get to do this, much. I'm usually the one in charge."

Mike wasn't sure what to say to that, so he just leaned in and kissed Finn again. He was just settling into the rhythm Finn was setting of tongue and teeth and lips when Kurt's fingers brushed the opening to Mike's body, and he jumped.

"It's okay," Finn said, cupping his head in one hand. "Relax into it. Kurt's an incredible lover, he's gentle and patient, and he's going to make you feel so good..."

"Want that," Mike said, trying not to feel too nervous. He could feel Kurt's finger circling him, softly, and god, how his body wanted, but his brain was getting in the way.

Finn chuckled. "Stop thinking about it, man. If you do that, you'll never let it happen. Just let it all go, and focus on what feels good, okay? And Kurt won't do anything until you're begging for it."

Mike nodded into Finn's chest, and Kurt's finger stayed where it was, the motion and pressure constant and unchanging. "Feels . . . good," Mike murmured, and it did, even though he didn't think it should.

"That's right," Finn said, running an hand over Mike's cheek. "Just feel. What do you want, Mike?"

Mike opened his mouth to say I don't know, but the words changed somehow between his brain and his tongue, and they came out like, "Your tongue."

Kurt's moan was just about the hottest thing he'd ever heard, and Mike felt himself being rearranged, his legs opened and pressed up and suddenly there was heat, and wet, and he could feel Kurt's tongue thrusting inside him. He cried out in surprise, and an overwhelming desire for Kurt to keep going.

"Feels awesome, doesn't it?" Finn kept talking, and Mike really wanted to tell him to please just stop, because it was distracting, but what came out instead was please, more.

"Soon, sweetheart," said Kurt. Mike could hear him doing something, but he wasn't sure what it was until he saw the condom wrapper on the bed next to them. He swallowed.

"Not yet," Finn promised. Mike could feel Finn's own erection, resting on his stomach, pressed against him, and every time Kurt moved, Finn rocked his hips a tiny bit. He moved a little bit faster now, with more focus. "It's better if you wait until you can't stand it any longer."

Mike remembered Finn using his fingers with Kurt, so he wasn't surprised to feel Kurt pressing against him with a finger that felt cool and wet. He flinched a little at the intensity of the sensation, but Finn was still talking, telling him to push against it, to breathe, and to let his body get used to it.

"How does it feel, sweetheart?" Kurt asked. Mike squirmed.

"I'm - not sure," he said.

Finn's hand slipped between the two of them, brushing against the skin of his balls, and he took Mike's cock in his fist, squeezing a little. It felt slick, and Mike wondered what it was he'd used to give it that feeling.

"Go on," Finn urged. "Fuck my hand. Let me feel it."

Mike hesitated, feeling a little silly, but he tried an experimental thrust. It felt so different from his own hand, he wasn't quite sure what to make of it, but then as he raised his hips to try again, he felt the pressure of Kurt's finger again, slippery and firm. He pushed forward against Finn's hand, and back again, taking a little bit more of Kurt's finger, again and again until Kurt's finger didn't feel strange anymore.

"You're ready for more, sweetheart," Kurt said. His finger vanished for a moment, sliding out, and Mike kept thrusting against Finn, already missing that sensation - but then it was back, two this time, and he was more ready for the experience of stretching, the brief discomfort. He knew what was coming after that, and he sought it out, thrusting harder, and back against Kurt's hand. He heard himself moaning louder, and heard Finn's shush.

"I love it too," Finn said, low and urgent into his ear. "Later, you can fuck me if you want."

"God," Mike said, and he didn't want to wait until later, he wanted everything right that instant. He shifted against Finn, seeking. "Want," he whined.

Finn's breathing was rapid, and Mike heard him groan. "I know, man. I know, me, too, but we have all night. Right now, this is about Kurt, taking what he wants from you."

"Please," Mike said, pushing back against Kurt's hand again and again. "Please, Kurt."

Kurt's fingers were withdrawn in one instant, and something else was pressing into him, something much thicker and smoother than his fingers. For a second Mike was sure he was never going to be able to take something that big inside himself... and then as he thrust again into Finn's hand, he could feel something new, inside, and he cried out at the sensation. This time when he pushed back into Kurt, it was Kurt's body he felt against his back, and Kurt's legs wedged against his ass.

"Do you feel me, sweetheart?" said Kurt's voice, both breathier and more rough than Mike had ever heard it before.

"Oh, god," Mike cried out again. "God, Kurt, you feel - that's you."

It had been him all along, of course, but Finn nodded, as if he knew exactly what Mike meant.

"That's it," he said into Mike's ear, his voice catching. "Feel him inside of you. It feels so good, doesn't it? And you look so hot, man, so beautiful, taking him... taking all of him, like that."

Mike couldn't quite grasp it, the experience he was having. The sounds of Kurt and Finn making love were nearly identical to those he'd heard last night, but now, they were making love to him. He was sharply attuned to the experience of Kurt inside him and Finn's hand around him, but strangely, the sensation of Kurt's hands gripping his hips, and the sight of Finn's eyes rolling back each time Mike thrust into his hand, those were just as sharp and poignant.

"Hey," said Finn, sounding surprised, and so tender. "Does it hurt?"

"No," he said, his own voice coming out hoarse. "No, it - not at all." He wasn't at all sure what would happen if Kurt moved, but right at that moment, it didn't.

Finn's other hand came up and touched his cheek, and Mike realized with a start that it was wet. "You're crying, baby," he murmured. "What is it?"

"It's just so much," he choked out. "I'm sorry."

Kurt stroked his back with a soothing hand. "No, Mike... you have nothing to be sorry about."

"I'm sorry," he said again, swallowing around his tears.

"Do you want to stop?" Kurt stilled, and the only sounds Mike could hear was the three of them breathing raggedly.

"No," Mike said, softly, and then more decisive. "No, please. Keep going." Because god, the sensation was a lot, but it was also good and something Mike wasn't sure he'd ever experience again, at least not like this, not with two people who cared about him.

Kurt slowly, carefully let Mike fold forward into Finn's grasp, and just as slowly pulled him back, their bodies sliding together and apart. Mike kept waiting for the discomfort, the pain he expected, but when there wasn't any, he found himself seeking more, trying to speed things up - and Kurt's gentle pace wouldn't let him. It was a little frustrating, and suddenly not nearly enough. Mike made a noise that made Finn laugh in surprise.

"You trust me, sweetheart," said Kurt, still long and languid against Mike. "Don't you?"

"Yes," Mike sighed, because he couldn't muster enough breath to do anything else. "Always." He knew as soon as he said it that it was true; he'd always trust Kurt.

"That's so good." Kurt leaned over him, and Mike groaned at the weight of Kurt's body on top of his, pushing him into Finn. "So... you have to let me be in control. I promise, I'll make it wonderful. Just let it go."

God, Mike knew he was so close to coming, and he shuddered against Finn. "C-can't," he ground out. "Too- too close."

"Oh, holy fuck," Finn cried, and Mike felt him suddenly buck and flood Mike's stomach with warmth and wetness. The sensation was unexpected, but Mike experienced a wave of relief on the heels of Finn's orgasm. He didn't have to feel like he was so out of control, now.

"Don't worry about it," Kurt urged, keeping the slow, steady movement. Mike thought he might feel something, just the edge of something really amazing. Kurt must have felt it too, because he kept moving and told Mike, "That's it, just feel it. Let it go. That's my sweetheart, my good, good boy, come on."

Mike could feel the tension in his body uncoil, just as slowly as Kurt was moving, and unlike the suddenness of Finn's orgasm, Mike's just rolled through him and he came and came and came until he was weak and limp and laughing.

Kurt's smooth, controlled motion paused, and when he withdrew, it was with such perfect care that Mike swiveled around and launched himself into Kurt's arms. Finn watched them with a little uncertain smile.

"God, Kurt," he said, still laughing. "You're magic, that's what you are. You make me feel..."

"I know," Kurt murmured into his hair, kissing him on the forehead, holding him tight. "I feel it, too. It's so good."

Mike was riding so high on the rush of the whole experience that it took him several minutes to realize that Kurt hadn't come yet. He watched Kurt dispose of the condom with astonishment. "Kurt? Aren't you - I mean, can't I..." He reached for Kurt, laying a hand on the inside of his thigh, and delighted in Kurt's shuddering gasp. "I want to..."

Kurt smiled at Mike, and ran one hand through his hair. "I won't say no this time, sweetheart." He tightened his grasp, and Mike felt his head jerked back in a sharp, imperious movement. It made the bottom drop out of his stomach, and he groaned at the unexpected rolling wave of desire that swept over him. He wasn't sure how it was even possible, after the climax he'd just had. Kurt's hand directed his head up, so their eyes met. "As a matter of fact, I might make you do it."

"You don't have to make me," he said, still smiling. "I want to."

Mike lost himself in the smells and tastes of Kurt, the feeling of Kurt's hands in his hair, but then he noticed Kurt's own responses had slowed. Eventually Kurt's hands slipped to the bed, and he leaned forward, nudging Mike to sit up. "Finn?"

Mike turned to see Finn pulling on his shorts, his face turned away. "What - Finn, what's going on?" He felt a pang of unease.

Finn shook his head. "Just - you guys go ahead. I can't do this right now." He stood, shooting a look at Kurt. It was so hurt, so resentful, that Mike barely recognized it as belonging to Finn. "I don't want to get in your way, but I can't stay here and watch you -"

"Finn." Kurt's voice was firm and commanding. It made Finn stop in his tracks, cringing a little, and his eyes widened in fear and surprise. Kurt held out a hand. "Come over here and sit down."

Finn hesitated, drawing away with a glare, but Kurt patiently repeated, "Finn. Stop that right now, and sit... down."

Finn sat, hunching over and holding his own elbows. He was silent, but Mike could almost hear him saying You can't make me do anything. Mike glanced between the two of them unhappily.

"Finn, look at me." Mike shifted a little so he could watch; Kurt didn't touch Finn, but Finn responded to Kurt by leaning a little closer to him. Mike wasn't even sure either of them noticed it. It was like they were magnets, always circling each other unconsciously anyway until the moment they connected.

"What?" Finn held Kurt's gaze, but he stayed curled in on himself. He sounded unbearably sullen. Mike tried to put a hand on his leg, but Finn shook his head, pulling away, and Mike dropped his hand. He felt sick.

"Finn." Kurt's voice was quiet, now, and it held a note of reproach that was even more distressing to Mike than his command had been. It was impossible for Mike to comprehend why he couldn't disappoint Kurt. He just couldn't. But it seemed like Finn was resisting, and even Kurt's sigh wasn't making him respond. "You know better than that. Imagine what Mike must be feeling."

"Mike has everything he wants," Finn snapped. "You guys don't have to pretend to care about what I want. Just forget about me, and enjoy your connection." He gave Mike an apologetic glance. "Don't feel bad, Mike - you really don't have to waste time worrying about me."

"But-" Mike protested, and Finn shook his head.

"I told you, don't worry about me." Finn's voice had an odd, flat tone to it, and it was making Mike a little nervous.

"You're part of this, though," Mike insisted. "You're the whole reason why I started thinking about this in the first place. You were first."

Finn didn't even respond, so Mike turned his simmering nerves on Kurt. "Is he always so stubborn?"

Kurt's lip quirked up in a sad, not-quite smile. "Only when he's, well. When he feels certain things."

"Christ, you guys and your cryptic talking makes me crazy!" Mike stood, raking his hand through his hair and searching the room for something to wear. "Why can't you just freaking say what you mean? Because I have no clue at all what's going on here." He stepped into boxer briefs and stuck a blind hand into his dresser before pulling it back with shorts and a tank top.

"You just gave me the best orgasm of my life," he said to Kurt before turning to face Finn. "And you, god. Finn. I've been freaking halfway in love with you for years. How could you think that you don't matter at all?"

Finn jerked back in shock at Mike's words. "You... no, you're not," he stuttered. "Because, believe me, I know how it is, Mike. You want your Top, and you don't need me around to get in the way. Not when I -" He stopped, turning away, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, then forcing them back open to glare at Kurt. "You were right, okay? And neither of you need to deal with my stupid feelings."

"Seriously?" Mike shrugged into his shirt and focused on not getting tangled in his shorts. "You guys are worse than girls. At least Tina talks to me." He dropped to his knees on the floor in front of Finn, figuring he'd give it one last try before leaving them both to deal with their drama without him around. "Finn. Your feelings aren't stupid. I may not know what they are, but they're not stupid."

Finn was shaking his head, clearly not listening, but Kurt put a hand on Mike's back and gave him an encouraging nudge. "Go on," he murmured, "hold him."

Mike pushed himself onto the bed and arranged himself as best he could around Finn. He guided Finn's head to rest against his chest, the same way both Finn and Kurt had been doing for weeks when Mike was freaking out about anything, and he let his hand hover over Finn's head for a moment before he figured what the hell and set to work sliding his fingers through Finn's hair. "Do you think my feelings are stupid? Because man, that was amazing. And I'm pretty sure you told me that I could f-f-um. Fuck you, later, unless I was hallucinating, which is a possibility. And I know I don't talk a lot, but Tina will tell you that I sometimes babble when I'm nervous, so you're either going to have to listen to me or tell me what's going on."

Mike felt Finn shaking under his hand, and this time it was Finn's cheek that left wet marks on Mike's clean t-shirt. Mike just used the hem to dry his face, and dared to kiss his cheek. Finn looked like he might pull away again, but Kurt just said "Finn," sharply this time, and he sighed, resting his head on Mike's shoulder.

"Dammit," he whispered. "I didn't think this would happen - not again. Guess I should know better by now." He pulled back far enough to look Mike in the face. "Dude, I definitely don't think your feelings are stupid. And I'm really glad that was as good for you as it was for me, because... well, Kurt can tell you, I don't usually have that kind of a control problem anymore." He grinned sideways at Mike. "Kurt might also tell you I've been halfway in love with you for years, too, but... I guess it's more than halfway, now."

Mike's heart was thundering in his chest, and he was sure that Finn could feel it. "Really?" he asked, not wanting to say more mostly because he couldn't quite believe what he thought Finn was telling him.

Finn let out a shaky laugh. "Uh. Yeah. Kurt totally called it, too, but I said I'm not going to fall in love with Mike." His smile was loving, and just for Kurt. "You're way too smart, baby."

"I just know you, Finn. I've seen this before."

"Yeah." He sighed. "I guess I'm pretty predictable. But - Mike, you and Kurt, god, I never expected it to turn into - this. What you guys have. I've been there, with Carl. And it's incredible. I'm really glad for you, and I - I don't want to get in the way?" He hesitated, seeing Kurt's steady gaze, and took a deep breath before adding, "But you're telling me that I'm not in the way, huh?"

Mike shook his head. "Not at all." He knew emotions were high, and he was still feeling a little giddy and buzzed from the sex, but he had to make sure Finn and Kurt understood him. "I- god. I don't even know how this happened, or what it's going to mean for anything, but I- I-" he broke off with a sigh, scared to continue but knowing that he didn't really have a choice. "I love you," he said, kissing the top of Finn's head. "Both of you."

Finn's breathing stopped for a moment, and when it continued, it was erratic. Mike felt the weight of his body as he sagged into his arms. "Really?" he said, sounding amazed. "God... Mike, you're sure?"

"I think you can be sure we're all feeling something," Kurt said quietly. He moved to stand behind Mike, with both hands on his shoulders, squeezing gently. "And none of us expected it, not like this." He bent down and kissed Mike's ear. "There are a lot more people involved, here, but there's one in particular I think you need to talk to. And I have... some words for Finn."

Mike watched Finn shrink back a little, but he looked a lot more calm than he had a few minutes before. Finn looked at Mike, there in his arms, and gave him one more tight hug. "Okay," he whispered, and reluctantly let him go. His smile was hopeful, and it made Mike's heart skip another beat to see it.

"Come on," Kurt said, reaching for Finn's hand, and this time he took it with no hesitation, letting Kurt pull him to his feet. Kurt was the only one without any clothes on, but his presence wasn't any less because of it. "Mike, we'll go find somewhere else to talk. Text me when you're ready for us to come back, all right?"

Mike nodded, not trusting his voice and knowing he needed to get himself together before he called Tina. He watched silently as Kurt gathered clothes and dressed, trying to sort through the feelings that were overwhelming him, but everything seemed to calm when Kurt put his arms around him and kissed him gently.

"You're amazing, sweetheart," Kurt said, and Mike felt the words reverberate through him, affecting him, changing him. It was as if Kurt's voice was making him amazing. "I'm so proud of you. And we're all going to be all right - together."

0M0

Mike walked the length of the room for a few minutes after Finn and Kurt left; he couldn't settle to call Tina, even though he knew he needed to. He could still feel Kurt's hands, his tongue, his cock. Could still hear Finn's voice in his ear, could still smell them both, and it was all too much to handle. He finally shed his clean clothes and climbed back into the shower, using Kurt's shampoo and Finn's soap so that he felt the two of them there, with him. Then he took his phone and climbed into the pushed-together beds, curling deep under Kurt's duvet and dialing Tina's number with shaking hands.

"'lo?" Mike heard a thunk and Tina's soft voice whispering a string of curses. "Mike?"

"T?" Who else would it be, idiot?

"Wh-what? What time is it?"

"You were sleeping. God, I'm sorry, I didn't- I wasn't sure- what time is it?" He pulled back the blinds, and was startled to see that it was dark, because it didn't feel like it had been long at all, since he'd left rehearsal with his hand in Finn's. They must have missed dinner. "It's late. I can call tomorrow."

He could hear Tina's sigh. "You wouldn't call now unless you needed to talk now. What's going on, Mike?"

"Something h-happened." He took a deep, shaky breath. "I don't know- I mean, it wasn't like I thought it was going to be."

"Mike." Tina's voice was firm, much the way Kurt's had been, and Mike stopped, with a brand-new realization of just what that meant about the two of them. He took another breath. "Just tell me."

"We- we- um. We- it was different, and amazing, and I never thought-" he stammered, trying to grab onto anything to tell Tina. "I can still feel him," he finally got out. "We had sex, T, and I don't know what anything means anymore."

"You and Finn?" she said, sounding faint, and a little afraid.

"Kurt and me."

"Oh!" Tina gave a little laugh. "I thought for sure that Kurt would... um. Wow." Her voice dropped. "How was it? Are... are you all right? Did it hurt?"

"It hurt a little, at first, but it wasn't bad. Once I stopped being scared it felt really good, and Finn was holding me, and Kurt was really gentle. I'm - god, T. I think I'm okay, but I'm not sure." He pulled the blanket further up and bunched it around his shoulders and neck. He was inexplicably cold, and feeling a little shaky.

"Oh, baby," she whispered. "You're okay. I'm right here. Is - where's Kurt now? Is everything okay between the two of you? What about Finn?"

"Kurt said we're all okay, all of us together, but Finn was freaking out a little bit, so Kurt took him somewhere so they could talk, because they have lots of other people involved, and he wanted me to have privacy to talk with you..."

"Mike, you're babbling. I guess that should tell me something." He heard her moving around, and knew she was pacing whatever space she was in, because Tina always did that when she was nervous or worried. This actually made him feel a little better, because it was so familiar. "I figured it would happen eventually, from what Kurt told me yesterday, but... I was expecting maybe next week, or... okay." She made a decisive sigh. "Do you still love me?"

"What? Tina - yes. Of course I do."

"Okay." She blew out a breath, and he could hear creaking and a light snap of wood against wood. "Sorry, I needed to come outside before I woke everyone. They're nice girls, in my cabin, but you and I don't need to become the best gossip to hit the senior division."

Mike laughed, thinking of Jared and his forwardness that afternoon. "I, um." He bit at his lower lip with his teeth. "I came out to someone today, told someone I was bi."

"Oh, Mike!" She made an abortive squeal. "Really? How did that feel?"

"It was okay. He asked, actually, because I mentioned you and he seemed surprised I had a girlfriend, because people have noticed, um. The way Kurt and Finn are, with me? And it was the first time anyone had asked, because I don't think the guys really care whether I label myself or not. But Jared asked, and I couldn't lie, T. So I told him, and I feel bad because I should have told you first, but I really didn't know for sure, until I had to say something . . ."

"No, baby, no, you're fine, it's okay," she soothed. He could almost feel her hands reaching for him through the phone, holding onto his. "I'm glad you told me, and I'm so proud of you for figuring that out. And... I guess that means you still want me, right? Even if you want them, too?"

"Of course I still want you, T. I love you, I think I'm always going to love you." Mike thought about something Kurt had said the other day, when he was talking about falling in love with someone new. "Kurt said- he said it's like, loving someone else doesn't change the way I feel about you, because love is different between different people. Not better or worse, or more or less important, just different."

"I think I understand that," she said slowly. "But that doesn't mean you have any control over your hormones. And, well. I may have had feelings for Artie, but that didn't mean I wanted him the way I want you, no matter what I thought I should feel. So... I just want to know, honestly, if you still want me. Like you did before we went away this summer."

Mike wished he could wrap Tina up in his arms and hold her, reassure her that everything was going to be okay. "Yes, baby. Yes, I still want you."

She laughed in relief. "That's really good to hear. Believe me, I miss you so much... and all these stories I've been hearing from you, and Kurt, they're not helping."

"What, have they been making you worry?"

"Not exactly worry." Her voice was teasing. "But keeping me up at night, just the same."

"Tina!" he exclaimed, feeling the heat on his cheeks, and she laughed harder.

"Hey, I told you what I think about two guys together, I can't imagine what three is like."

"And if one of the three guys is me?" He couldn't believe he was even teasing her about it, but it felt natural and comfortable, and like nothing had changed even though everything had changed, and he wanted to hold onto the moment as long as he could.

"You and two other guys, well. I think I would classify that as incendiary!" She laughed outright, then, but broke off suddenly. "Crap," she whispered. "I gotta go. If the counselor on patrol catches me, they could take my phone."

"I'll call you tomorrow, T. And - thanks. For everything. I -" He wanted to tell her, right then, all the things he was grateful for about her, how lucky he felt to be in a relationship with somebody who not only wanted him to be happy, but who wasn't afraid to let him be himself, no matter what the cost. But he knew he could never get all the words out before she had to go. "Just - thank you. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Mike," she said softly, the wood clacking and creaking again. "Goodnight."

He ended the call with Tina, and scrolled immediately to Kurt's number, which Kurt had programmed in the previous night. Done with T, things ok, he typed, and Kurt's reply was almost immediate.

on our way.

Mike stayed there, burrowed under Kurt's duvet, his head on Finn's pillow, waiting. Waiting for his boyfriends to come back to him.

0M0

Kurt stood, staring at the neon display of the pop machine. "Do you think Mike likes orange?"

"I dunno, baby, but he's got to be just as hungry as us. I can't believe we missed dinner." Finn tucked his Dr. Pepper into the crook of his elbow and fished some crumpled bills out of the pocket of his shorts. Kurt frowned.

"You have a wallet, Finn," he said, pressing the button for his own Sprite and an orange for Mike before stepping sideways to peruse the snack machine.

"Oooh, they have Cool Ranch," Finn exclaimed, bouncing a little on his toes.

"No," Kurt said, feeding Finn's cash in and selecting a granola bar, a bag of Chex Mix, and something labelled as Pure Juice Snacks. He was doubtful about both the pure and juice parts of that statement, but it was the closest thing to real food he could find, and they all needed calories. He was kind of surprised that Finn hadn't fallen over yet, either from the emotion of the evening's events or the energy left from the too-short and too-soft spanking Kurt had given him down in Darius' room. He knew it hadn't been enough, but it was all he could manage without tools, and Carl had said on the phone that he couldn't make it down until Saturday to take care of Finn.

Finn reached into the bottom of the machine and gathered the snacks, cradling them in his arms. "I feel bad, leaving Mike alone like that," he said, starting back up the hall to the room. Kurt had to scramble to keep up, because Finn was always going to be frustratingly tall.

"Tina will take care of him until we can get back. I needed to take care of you first." Finn was still trying to avoid his eyes, but he was a lot calmer, and hearing him admit how he felt, that was a good step. "You're not going to try to take off again, are you?"

"No." Finn hesitated, then added, sheepishly, "Sir."

"Good," Kurt said. "I know, we both have lots of feelings about this, and about Mike, but we need to be careful with him. This is all new, for him, and he trusts us."

"I know," Finn replied. "I'll try not to freak out again. I'm just a little... surprised, by Mike's feelings. I'm not sure I believe that he means what he's saying, you know? Because I remember how it was, at the beginning. With you." He brushed Kurt's hand with his knuckles. "All those feelings... it was confusing."

"I remember. But we're not fifteen anymore, Finn. And Mike . . . he's not one to rush into things. I don't think he'd say that, if it were untrue, and this is something he's been thinking about for a long time. It's not casual for him, any more than it's casual for us."

Finn's face split into a goofy smile. "Yeah. I think you're right."

It was clear from Finn's expression how he was feeling about Mike. Kurt wished he could throw himself into his own feelings with equal abandon, because, really, this summer experience with Mike was becoming unexpectedly, overwhelmingly intense, and it wasn't showing any signs of receding. There were ramifications, consequences, long-term effects he had to consider. Because he was the one in charge. He couldn't afford to let himself get carried away, not yet.

Finn was apparently thinking along the same lines - which wasn't a surprise, after all; he was good at considering the big picture - because he paused, shifting the bags of snacks in his hands. "We're going to have to talk to everybody. Holy shit, Kurt, what are we going to tell Puck?"

"I don't know," Kurt admitted, moving a little closer to Finn. "We still don't know what Mike wants, or what Tina's going to decide about things after the summer. Do you know what you want to have happen?"

"I know what I think I want to have happen." They approached the door to their room and stopped just outside, making room for two girls to pass them through the hall. "But I think the best thing here is what we've been doing all along, for Mike to be the one to set the pace, and until I know that, I'm not sure if I can let myself -" He stopped, gazing at Kurt. "I think you know what I mean."

"Finn," Kurt said gently, touching his shoulder. "You let yourself over a week ago. I saw it. What Mike decides isn't going to change that for you. And I know you have trouble letting anyone else be in charge, but-"

"I'm not," Finn interrupted, just as softly. "Baby, I know I'm not in charge here. And yeah, it's hard, but... you're doing great. You can trust that. With me, as much as with Mike. Okay?"

It felt a little strange, to be coached by his own Top, when Finn clearly wasn't performing that role here. Kurt shook his head at the juxtaposition of his feelings about being the caretaker and needing to be cared for, and just said the thing he was most sure about. "I love you, Finn. With all my heart." He kissed him, once. "And I'm so glad to be doing this with you. Mike was right. It's the three of us in it together, here. We're making something new, all of us together."

Kurt almost didn't see Mike, when he opened the door, because he wasn't expecting Mike to be in the two single beds pushed together, and he certainly wasn't expecting Mike to be wrapped up in his duvet.

He sat gently on the edge of the bed. "Sweetheart, are you okay?"

"Think so," Mike said. He was shivering a little, but Kurt didn't think it was because of the air conditioning. He put his arms around the duvet, with Mike inside it, and held him close. He felt Mike's long sigh. "Thanks for coming back."

"Dude, it's our room," Finn said softly, putting his own arms around them both. "Even if it weren't, we wouldn't just not come back."

Mike didn't answer, but he put his head on Kurt's shoulder, sighing again, and when Finn kissed his cheek, he turned his head to catch the kiss on his lips instead. It took Finn by surprise, but he wasn't objecting to Mike's kiss.

Kurt smiled, watching them kiss gently. "You guys are pretty hot together," he said, running a finger along Finn's jaw. "I could watch you forever, but none of us have eaten since lunch."

"Oh, yeah," Finn said, pulling away and looking at the snacks he'd set on the bed. "I hope I didn't crush anything."

"You didn't have to-" Mike started to protest, but Kurt stilled him with a hand on his arm.

"Oh, yes, I did," Kurt insisted. "You need to eat, Mike. Please. Let me take care of this, even it's just with vending machine food."

They ate in silence for a few minutes, cellophane crackling and chips crunching. Kurt tried to stay as close to Mike as he would allow, but he kept pulling back into his own space, struggling with whatever demons were plaguing him. Finn was clearly not pulling away, but even that looked like it was so much work, it was exhausting Kurt just to watch him. Finally, he sighed.

"I think we're done tonight," he said. Mike looked startled, even a little panicked, and Kurt held up a hand. "No, we're all exhausted, and we're low on calories, and hopped up on adrenaline. We're not doing anything else together right now except rest and relax."

"Kurt," Mike said unhappily, and now he was reaching for him, clutching at his arm. "What about you?"

Kurt gave him what he hoped was a gentle smile, even though he was feeling so much turmoil inside. "This is about what's best for all of us, sweetheart. I can hold off until tomorrow."

"But I told you I would-" Mike pressed closer, his hands moving frantically to touch, and Kurt just acted on instinct: he grabbed at Mike's wrists and held them in his hands, using his fingers to put pressure on the insides. Mike stilled and looked at him in shock.

"We're waiting," Kurt said with as much conviction as he could muster. "It's okay. We're all okay."

"O-okay," Mike stammered. He didn't resist Kurt pulling his hands down into his lap, and when Kurt tried to tuck him under the duvet, he only gave a feeble protest. "I'm not dressed for bed."

Kurt gazed at him until he looked away. "You don't need to wear anything for bed, sweetheart. But if you feel like you need to, go on in the bathroom, and I'll be waiting to put you to bed when you get back."

Mike nodded, climbing out and grabbing a clean pair of boxers before heading into the bathroom, but he didn't look very happy about it. Kurt took Finn's hand after Mike disappeared and gave him a nudge toward the door.

"You should talk to him," Kurt said, keeping his voice low. "He's not hearing me quite right."

Finn nodded, gazing at the closed bathroom door. "I think I know what to do... thank you, baby." He knocked on the door, leaning in with a soft, "Mike? Can I come in?"

Kurt didn't even consider whether or not it was appropriate for him to listen in. This was Mike, and he wasn't going to miss any opportunity to give him what he needed. Right now, he needed to know what was upsetting him. After Finn followed Mike into the bathroom, Kurt pressed against the door. He could hear Finn clearly, and Mike's quieter responses.

"Hey, man," said Finn. "You need anything?"

"What did I do?"Mike said. He sounded hurt. "I thought, Kurt was going to let me - we were going to - and then we didn't, because..."

"Because I was acting like a spoiled brat," Finn said wryly. "Yeah, sorry about that. But, Mike, you didn't do anything at all."

"But it feels like I did everything. Nothing's the same anymore, not with you or Kurt. Not with Tina. Not with me. Everything feels so different, now." Kurt could hear water running, and Mike's next words were garbled. "Wha thoubd I do?"

Kurt tried to suppress a giggle as Finn laughed. "First, wait till you're done brushing because I can't understand you. Second, you need to remember that none of this started overnight, and nothing's going to get all figured out overnight, either."

"When did you get so sure? I thought you were the one freaking out a half hour ago."

There was a pause, and Kurt could only guess what Finn and Mike were doing, but he thought he had a pretty good idea. Finn's next words were almost too soft to hear. "That was before you told me how you felt. It's true, isn't it? You weren't making it up?"

"It's true," Mike said, just as softly. "I wouldn't lie about that. I wouldn't have done any of this if I didn't feel it." Everything went quiet for a moment, and Kurt held his breath. "It's not casual for me, either, Finn. I need you to know that, okay? I have no idea what this means for us back at home, or for me and Tina, but this is so not casual."

It was silent after that, and Kurt moved away from the bathroom door, leaving them to their moment of connection. He didn't feel the least bit bad about it, but Mike's words gave him a whole new set of worries. He'd have to check in with Tina again tomorrow, and they were all going to have to have a conversation. Maybe when Blaine came to visit, they could conference-call with Puck - if Mike could handle talking with all the guys at once. Kurt shook his head, smiling. He could just hear his dad now: "Do I already need to put an addition onto the Hudson-Hummel Home for Angsty Lovestruck Boys?"

When Finn and Mike came out of the bathroom, Kurt was waiting for them in the center of the two beds. He'd layered a blanket on top to fill in the space between the mattresses, and he'd left his pajamas in the drawer. Mike gazed at Kurt, sitting there naked, and swallowed. Then he slipped his boxers off and climbed into bed next to Kurt, waiting for him to pull the duvet up to cover them both. Finn crawled in on the other side after turning off the light.

"That's it, sweetheart," Kurt said, feeling Mike's tense body begin to relax beside him. "Tonight, we'll sleep. And tomorrow... well. We still have one more week to figure things out. Don't worry." He tried to sound convincing, stroking Mike's hair as he settled in against Kurt with a sigh.

"I... I love you guys," Mike said softly into the dark. Kurt felt his heart stop momentarily.

"Love you, too, Mike," Finn replied, his voice low.

Kurt bit his lip. "Sleep now," he said again, and kissed Mike as tenderly as he could.