AN: Hello lovely readers! I am updating 2 nights in a row, because I'm not sure about the state I will be in after Harry Potter tomorrow. Now, here we have a time lapse, almost a month. Some of you noted that Blaine will be working a hell of a lot, and he will be. I still don't think you guys are giving Bryce enough of a chance. He could just have Kurt's best interests in mind. Also, I hate doing this to Blaine, I really do. Like I've said, I prefer Goober Blaine so much more. :)!

Chapter 10

Mid-October

Blaine was exhausted, in every sense of the word. Emotionally, physically, heartbreakingly exhausted. He didn't realize when he signed up for 70+ hours of work a week, he wouldn't be able to handle it. In high school, he attended classes, had odd jobs, led the Warblers, and played soccer. He slept a maximum of four hours a night, and it was fine. Not even two years later, he could barely keep his eyes open past ten on weeknights, and he only did that so he could kiss Kurt goodnight when he came in from rehearsals.

Emotionally, he felt further away from Kurt than he ever had. Even when they were friends, Blaine and Kurt were closer than they were now. They literally spent an hour together each day. Blaine tried to connect with Kurt as much as he could. He rode the subway with him every morning on their way to work, but they didn't really converse – both were too tired. Since Bryce, who Blaine now referred to as "Golden Boy," rode with Kurt at night, he was at least spared of that ride.

But Blaine felt like he knew nothing about Kurt anymore. Kurt was growing as a person, and in a month had matured. He was still the Kurt that Blaine loved when they spent time together, but when Kurt would come in to the diner to meet Bryce to go to practice, he wasn't. He didn't joke with Blaine, didn't like it when Blaine would perform to him. He acted like he didn't want him around. Inside the apartment, it changed. Kurt constantly apologized because he wasn't around, but he always stayed at practices late if even one person wanted to. Blaine felt like he was being pushed to the back burner.

Blaine threw himself into his jobs. He loved working at the diner, even if it meant he had to see Bryce. He didn't like the guy, even though he knew he really didn't have a reason not to, he had never really done anything. He was nice to Blaine, and helped him on the mornings when Blaine was really tired. For Paparazzi, Blaine quickly became friends with the other bartenders, and even started working out with Marco.

His six pack was improving, not like Kurt would even see it, neither boy had the time, energy, or strength to do anything other than spoon at night – and even that was becoming less and less.

But those friendship lasted at work, they didn't extend into the real world.

Even Hayden, who Blaine slowly grew to depend on, was busy. When she wasn't, Blaine wouldn't have the cell phone so she couldn't get a hold of him.

Blaine felt alone in the city, like it was just him against the world – and Abu.

Abu had grown considerably in just a month, gaining a few much needed pounds and a few inches. He was getting harder to hide from the landlord. But he was holding Blaine together.

Blaine woke up on a particularly cold Friday morning to face his hell day. On Fridays he worked from 9-5, and then 7-1. He literally had enough time to go home, eat dinner, change, and then go back to work.

Not to mention he worked until 1 the night before, and was operating on about five hours of sleep.

When he rolled over, he found an empty bed, "Kurt?" Blaine yelled through the apartment, and found his boyfriend fixing his hair in the bathroom.

"Good morning!" Kurt said brightly, "How was work last night?"

Blaine groaned in response, "I'd rather not even talk about it. How was the extra practice?"

Kurt leaned against the wall and watched his boyfriend shave, "Really, really well actually. I know you don't want me to tell you about the story so you can be surprised, but they added a whole new scene just for me. I think this is going to be big, Blaine. I think I got really, really lucky."

Blaine smiled, because in reality, all he wanted was for Kurt to be happy, "I hope so honey." It came out tired and forced.

Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine's waist, "I know you're tired, Blaine. I wish I could tell you to just take days off, but we need the money. This will be our path to making the kind of money we need to survive. This show is going to be our ticket out of a crappy place like this."

Blaine didn't have the heart to argue. "Are we hitting up Starbucks this morning?"

Kurt chewed at the side of his mouth, "Actually, Bryce is picking me up and we're going hunting for some set pieces."

"You took the day off?" Blaine tried to control his temper.

Kurt's eyes grew, "Well, only the morning." It was a lie, "Hayden closed the store for the morning, so I offered to go with Bryce. But hey," Kurt smiled and whipped the phone out, "Hayden wanted you to call her. Maybe she wants to do something?"

Blaine smiled and grabbed the phone, quickly dialing Hayden. At least someone wanted to be with him.

"Hey Blaine!" Hayden's voice rang clear across the phone. When did everyone turn into morning people?

"Morning, Hayden. What's up?"

"Can you stop by the shop after you're done work? I was going to ask Kurt to move some cases today but since he just told me he can't come in, I need someone. Please Blaine? San and I can't move them, and you're my only other guy friend. And please Blaine?" Hayden pleaded.

Blaine knew he was really in no physical shape to move anything, but he didn't want to let Hayden down, especially if Kurt already had, "Yeah. I'll be over." He figured he'd just pack his jeans in a bag, then he wouldn't have to come back.

"You're a lifesaver, Blaine."

Blaine hung up and handed the phone back to Kurt, "Next time you lie to me, you might want to tell Hayden."

Kurt looked down at his hands, guilty, "Well, I don't lie to you usually, so I don't know how it works." He looked up at Blaine, his eyes swimming with emotion. "Please don't be mad."

This was the longest conversation they'd had in weeks that didn't revolve around bills, or who would buy the groceries that week. Blaine didn't want it to turn into an argument. "I'm not mad, baby. I just wish you'd tell me. I could have picked up an extra shift or something."

Kurt grabbed Blaine's face, "Look at me, Blaine. You cannot, under an circumstances, pick up any more shifts. You are going to pass out at work. You need to take care of yourself." Kurt kissed Blaine, both of their stomachs doing a little flip flop at the touch, and smiled sadly, "But I have to go. So I will see you later?"

"Yeah, later." Blaine turned back to fix his hair, "Like…Sunday night."

Kurt met his eyes through the mirror, "Wake me up when you get home tonight."

Blaine nodded, even though he knew he wouldn't. Kurt looked almost as tired as Blaine felt.

Kurt's heart broke whenever he looked at Blaine lately.

Kurt was the reason Blaine's eyes had permanent dark circles.

Kurt was the reason Blaine's ribs showed a little more than they used to.

Kurt was the reason Blaine looked like he was constantly about to break into tears at any second.

And it hurt Kurt more than he let on. But he knew he was doing this for them, because if this play was going to be as big as Bryce told him it was going to be, they would have the time to actually achieve their dreams. Blaine could actually write and perform music, instead of sing other people's music.

Kurt saw Bryce's car waiting by the sidewalk, and he put his best smile on. He knew he needed to act like everything was okay, even if it wasn't. "Morning," he said as brightly as he could, which wasn't really that bright.

"Are you okay?" Bryce's voice dripped with concern, and he turned Kurt's face towards him, "Kurt? Are you alright?"

Kurt nodded, he figured it wouldn't help to tell Bryce that he'd prefer to be drinking coffee with Blaine right now, laughing and flirting with each other. He knew Bryce wouldn't understand. Bryce didn't do relationships, and found them to be a waste of time, and he'd just tell Kurt the same thing he always did – that his life would be easier if he just broke things off with Blaine.

Which is would be. But Kurt was positive breaking things off with Blaine would take away every little bit of lightness in his life. He would give up a career in theater for Blaine.

But having a career would mean so much for Blaine's career.

Kurt had been having the circular argument in his head for the past few weeks. Whether the torment now would be worth it in the end, and neither boy really had any way of figuring that out. It depended on luck and faith.

Blaine fed Abu and ran to the subway.

Once at work, he ran around the diner. Since Bryce took the morning off too, they were down a waiter, and Blaine took over his entire section.

Blaine figured if things ever fell through, he could be the best waiter New York had ever seen. He charmed everyone and performed songs twice as often as everyone else who worked in the diner.

"Kid, you need to stop running around this place like you are seven." Another waitress pointed out, "You look burnt out."

"That's because I am," Blaine commented, "But I'm off to help my friend, so I'll see you later."

"Wait! Can you sing one more song? They love you."

Blaine groaned, "Fine. Just one more. And I'm doing it on the second tier so I don't have to move as much." He ran up the stairs just in time to start the song.

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
God took up Daniel once again,
Stood by his and side and- miracle of miracles-
Walked him through the lions den!

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
I was afraid that God would frown,
But like he did so long ago, at Jericho,
God just made a wall fall down!

Blaine let his performer self take over, and it took him to a place where nothing was wrong. He fell to the ground on the last line, laughing at the little girl looking down at him from her spot in the booth.

When Moses softened Pharaohs heart, that was a miracle.
When God made the waters of the red sea part, that was a miracle too!
But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is that out of a worthless lump of clay,
God has made a man today.

Blaine pulled up a man who looked to be celebrating a birthday with his family and started dancing with him, pulling him into an awkward tango. His family laughed and clapped, taking pictures.

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
God took the tailor by the hand
Turned him around and- miracle of miracles- Led him to the promised land!

Blaine returned the man to his seat and went towards the group of high school girls at the end of the platform. He tried to ignore the fact that they were swimming in front of him.

When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a miracle.
When God gave us matter in the wilderness, that was a miracle too.
But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is the one I thought could never be:
God has given you to me.

Blaine ended up on his knees, using a hand to settle himself, he was extremely dizzy. He stood once he found his footing and soaked in the applause, "Good night everyone!"

Everyone was still clapping when he left the diner.

Blaine ran to Hayden's, stopping at a corner store on the way to grab his dinner – a Red Bull.

He ran into the store and grinned at Hayden, running forward and giving her a hug. "I missed you," he whispered in her ear, picking her up off the floor.

"I missed you too, but Blaine, you don't look good," Hayden took his face in her hands, "Have you been eating?"

Blaine ignored the fact that he could see three of her, "I mean. Not today. But yeah, I am. Let's move these shelves and then I can go eat something." That was a lie, he had no money for food.

Hayden watched Blaine walk back towards the shelves, and he wove from side to side in the aisle. "San?" she yelled.

Santana popped out of the back, "Yeah?"

Just as Hayden was about to answer, the world spun around Blaine. The shelves surrounded him, and he couldn't stop his eyes from closing.

"Oh my god, Blaine!" Hayden ran forward, grabbing him, "Blaine?" She tried to shake him, but he wouldn't wake up. "San, call 911!"

Santana pulled her phone out and called for an ambulance, "Hello? We have a hobbit down!"

Kurt was tired, groggy, and he just wanted to go home and sleep. "I don't see why we had to go all the way to New Jersey to get this stupid thing." He motioned to the wooden windmill, "and I have to pee."

Bryce pulled into a gas station, "This is the best we've got right now."

Kurt groaned, "I think I'd rather go in a tree." But he got out of the car and all but ran towards the gas station.

Bryce watched Kurt, admiring his ass in a pair of dark jeans. Bryce felt Kurt's phone vibrate and glanced at the name – it said Satan. His interest piqued, Bryce opened the text message.

Kurt – Blaine fainted at the store. We don't know what's wrong with him. Get here as soon as possible.

Bryce grinned at the screen, "Not possible, sweet Satan, Kurt has a rehearsal to attend." Bryce quickly deleted the text message, and then thought better.

He sent Satan a new message – Okay, I have rehearsal. Can you take care of it for me? Don't send another message, my phone is dying. He deleted that message too.

Kurt came wandering out of the gas station, and he had fixed his hair while he was in there as well. He looked so good. Bryce gave it two weeks until he could call Kurt his own.

Blaine woke up, confused. "Where am I?" He looked straight at Hayden, who had been holding his hand.

"You're in the hospital, baby. You passed out." Hayden looked up at the bag next to him, "You'll need your IV filled soon. I'll go get the doctor."

Santana sidled up to the bed, "Look Hobbit, I don't know what you're doing, but you need to take care of yourself. It's been three weeks and you worked yourself to the bone. I don't think Hobbits have any magical powers that the rest of us don't."

Blaine smiled, "Where's Kurt?" Even though Kurt was busy, he thought he would at least show up for this.

Santana's eyes darkened, "I texted him, but he…well, he said rehearsal was too important. And that he trusted us to take care of you." She made up that last part, but she didn't want to see Blaine hurt. She also didn't tell him that Kurt referred to him as an "it."

Blaine swallowed the rather large lump forming in his throat, "Oh." He tightened his jaw, and it took every bit of strength he had to not to sob in front of Santana.

"Well don't cry about it," Santana's acid voice ripped through the air, "That's not going to make it better. I love Kurt, Blaine, but he isn't treating you fairly."

"He's working hard," Blaine reasoned softly, "He needs to do this, for himself. He needs to know how special he is."

"So you're going to become a whipping post? You're going to work while he's out in Jersey with Lothario?" Santana looked at Blaine, trying to read something in his eyes.

"It's his dream, Santana. He needs to have it happen." Blaine pleaded with her not to press the situation any further.

"Blaine. You need to take care of yourself. If Hummel can't see that you're literally dying, then he needs to shape up. I remember when everyone found out you were in the hospital after getting attacked. I remember everyone talking about it. Kurt was there every single day. Why isn't he here now?" Santana's eyes blazed.

"Santana, do you actually like me?" Blaine wondered aloud.

Santana stamped her foot, "You were my girlfriend's first real friend, so excuse me if I want to keep you around."

Blaine tried to respond, but sleep overtook him again.

When he awoke next, at around 10PM, the doctor was above him, "Mr. Anderson?"

"Yeah," Blaine sat up, and realized he didn't have an IV in his arm.

"Son, you need to take care of yourself. You were dehydrated and malnourished. You're exhausted. Slow it down, you're not superman." The doctor smiled down at Blaine, "Drink fluids. We filled you up. Go home and sleep, son."

Blaine nodded, throwing his legs over the side.

"Oh, and Mr. Anderson?"

"Yeah?"

The doctor smiled, "Go Giants!"

Blaine slipped back into his Anderson-family mode, "Absolutely."

The entire car ride home, Hayden lectured Blaine, "I cannot believe you have been so stupid, Blaine. You need to sleep. Tell Kurt he needs to open his eyes. Or I will. You need to drink drinks that are good for you too, not that piss in a can Red Bull. Dear lord. You are nineteen, you should be able to take care of yourself. I can't even. Do I have to act like your mom? Because I will."

When they got up to the apartment, Abu was there to meet them, licking at Blaine's legs. "Hey Abu, I'll feed you, come on."

"Oh, feed him but not yourself." Hayden remarked, turning down the heat.

"Why does everyone take stuff out on the dog?" Blaine remarked, grabbing a water bottle.

"Because, Blaine, you love too much. You let love blind you. You don't see the bad in people, and it's starting to negatively effect you." Hayden shook her head, "Go to sleep, Blaine. And don't let your love blind you."

Blaine sat and checked his email quickly, seeing a message from Kurt. They had taken to emailing each other from the phone if they needed to get into contact. Blaine quickly opened the email.

Blaine, rehearsal isn't ending until late, so I'm sleeping at Bryce's. Please don't get mad. I'm too tired to come home. Please, trust me on this. I'll be fine. I'm sleeping on the couch. I love you.

Blaine trusted Kurt, it was Bryce he didn't trust. But his heart warmed when he read the "I love you" at the end, so he didn't get mad.

Blaine threw off his jeans and walked towards the bedroom. He saw cotton all over the hallway. Bending, he picked it up, wary of what it could be. He followed the trail into the bedroom, where he saw a heap of red fur on the floor.

Abu had gotten Lightning McQueen and ripped him to shreds.

"ABU!" Blaine bellowed, marching out to the living room. The dog whimpered, "Abu, what did you do?" Blaine held the stuffed car in his hand. "You can sleep out here tonight." He said to the dog, throwing Lightning McQueen on the floor.

Abu ran behind Blaine, nipping at his legs. "No, Abu." Blaine brushed his teeth quickly, not really bothering to floss.

He stood at the door, staring down at Abu, "Abu, Daddy can't look at you right now." Blaine walked into the bedroom, slamming the door shut on the puppy.

Blaine threw himself on the bed, and for the first time since middle school, let the sobs consume him until he fell into a restless sleep.

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