'You promised me you'd be home tonight!' Janie screeches down the phone, the sound of a baby crying hitting Blaine's ear and making him wince, his brow creasing as the first twinges of a headache twitch behind his tired eyes.

'I know honey but I have to call a cab from here so I'm just going to be late! Its not my fucking fault!' Blaine says, his voice rising a little. A woman looks up from a table, muttering under her breath at Blaine's profanity and Blaine wants to hit something.

'Don't you swear at me!' Janie yells back and Blaine pulls the phone a few centimeters from his ear, a dull throb starting in his temple. 'Just… get home please, I'm tired Blaine… I'm so fucking tired.'

Blaine leans against the side of the bar, not caring that he is pressing the shoulder of a thousand dollar suit into the wall of scabby bar where the peeling wallpaper smells like smoke and sex. 'I know honey, I won't be long I promise.'

Janie hangs up. Blaine holds the phone to his ear for a few more moments as he looks around, contemplating whether to call a cab right now. The idea of going home makes his headache feel like someone is cracking his skull with a rock and he cant help but wonder where it all went wrong. But maybe that's life. Its certainly Blaine's life. Blaine wonders why his head won't just go numb like the rest of him.

Blaine walks back to the bar after closing the phone and sits back in his seat, handing the phone back over to the bartender before downing his drink, the slick gold liquid burning down his throat and making his lungs tighten briefly and fuck a small part of him likes the discomfort.

'Was that your wife?'

Blaine looks up slightly surprised at the question for a moment, realizing this is the first time the boy with the grey eyes has spoken and Blaine feels his stomach twist at the soft and sweet dulcet tones of his voice. His headache subsides slightly as he turns his head to look at him.

Kurt's head is cocked slightly to the side, his soft long eyelashes beating at the tops of his flushed cheeks each time he blinks and Blaine can't seem to take his eyes off him. He reminds Blaine of an angel, so very out of place in this dark and smoky bar. A fallen angel.

'Yes, Janie.' Blaine replies simply, looking back into the empty glass, the ice beginning to melt and turning the once rich gold liquid into a dirty looking light yellow. Blaine feels a shift beside him and suddenly his side feels a lot warmer than before. The boy has moved an inch closer and he's the only thing in this bar that doesn't smell like death gone cold, he smells like cologne and mint all wrapped up together and its cheap but its fresh and Blaine tries to stop the slight flare in his nostrils, the way his mind wonders if the boys skin tastes the same…

'I'm Kurt.'

'Blaine.'

Kurt rolls his tongue softly behind his lips. Blaine. A nice name, Kurt thinks as he keeps his eyes firmly on the side of Blaine's face. Kurt recognizes the hunger in Blaine's eyes; he's seen it a million times before. They always look hungry, like they need something more and Kurt is that something, something for them to dine on and then leave having paid their bill. But Blaine seems different. Hungry but… subdued. No hand pressing to Kurt's thigh or groping blindly at his lower back.

Are you hungry Blaine?

Kurt eyes his wallet. 1000 for the night before… they took 600… 500 in his room… 20 dollars in his wallet. Kurt eyes Blaine's watch again and wonders if its worth the generous tip Blaine might throw his way. Kurt's tired, his limbs feel like they weigh a ton but if he works tonight maybe he can take tomorrow off and come back to the bar to watch some TV with Jeff. They would be pleased if Kurt brought in someone as rich as Blaine appears to be… maybe he would even get two nights off.

It's decided. Kurt lets his knee thump softly against Blaine's as he turns to face the other man. Kurt doesn't even realize how hard Jeff is staring at him, how much he is willing Kurt not to do what he has seen done so many times.

'We have a kid together… Janie and I.' Blaine says suddenly, his fingers gripping into the glass of his drink and his knee still warm where Kurt brushed into him. Blaine's been so good, years and years of being so good and he isn't about to waste all that work on a boy so young and Blaine honestly doesn't want to even know what Kurt is doing in this bar but he bets he can guess. Blaine gets his phone out of his pocket and flicks the screen on, the smiling face of a baby lights it up and he holds it out to Kurt. 'Erin.'

Kurt swallows, wondering if perhaps he was reading the signs wrong. 'She's beautiful.' Kurt mutters softly, the photo reminds him of the only picture in his possession. An old and wrinkled Polaroid of himself as a baby and he's smiling. Just like Erin. He's smiling because back then he didn't know that this would be where he would be sitting 18 years later, didn't know of the rough touches and sweaty skin. He only knew a world that seemed so new and kind. So bright until those cracks begin to spread.

Blaine nods because she is. The only thing keeping his marriage together smiles up at him from the lit screen. Erin had been a surprise; Blaine had packed his bags and was ready to move out when Janie told him she was pregnant. They decided to give it another shot but a marriage born from their desire for their baby to have a family was a marriage that was doomed from the start.

Blaine orders another drink, the bartender eyes him warily as he gets another glass, fills it with ice and pours the liquid over the top. Blaine is surprised when Kurt also orders another drink and the bartender gives it to him without blinking. The boy doesn't look older than 19 but Blaine wonders if that is all part of his act and shifts uncomfortably at how much that turns him on.

Blaine had always figured his urges were just part of a phase, the young adventurous side of him wanting to seek and explore every thing the world had to offer him. Never once had he considered it a lifestyle. Anderson's married well, had beautiful children, good jobs and lived long, Blaine certainly wasn't about to ruin the reputation his family had worked so hard to accomplish. And yet the urges never left, burning deep within his belly, an ache between his legs that made his toes curl and a painful thud in his heart should he ever let his mind wonder.

Kurt talks. He has always found that talking is the best way. He might hate every second of it but this is his life now and he does it well. Once Kurt realized he would never escape he figured he would at least become good at what he did. Talking makes the more nervous clients trust him. Whereas some just want him to shut up and take it others want him to talk to them, craving some sort of human attention. The kind of human attention that Kurt used to crave. The cradle of his mother's arms, his fathers strong hugs or any kind of physical affection that wasn't tainted by the fact that they only wanted to use him.

'So, Kurt… you at college?' Blaine asks, amidst Kurt talking about how he met Jeff. His golden hazel eyes are resting on the porcelain arches of Kurt's face. Kurt stares right back at him. Game set.

Game on.

'No.' Kurt replies, popping the top button of his shirt gently. Not too far. Too far and it will reveal a soft long mottled bruise across his collar. That's not good for business, they tell him. Stop sending me the violent ones then! Protect me! Kurt had snapped back, balling his sheets up into his fist. You are protected, you let them mark you, whore. 'Where did you study?'

'Any plans to attend?' Blaine questions again, ignoring Kurt's attempt to change the subject, the weathered pad of his thumb rubbing unconscious circles into the glass of his cup.

Wishing that was me? Kurt wonders with his eyes, flicking from Blaine's hand to the glass and then back up at Blaine's face. Blaine ignores him. He sees the question in Kurt's eyes. The alcohol beginning to settle in his mind like a soothing fog. He really should be calling a cab…

'Perhaps.' Kurt says, letting the tips of his own fingertips play across his own throat gently. No bruises there. I don't do hickeys, touch my neck again and I'll scream.

'I should call a cab, don't want to keep the wife waiting.' Blaine stands up slowly, pulling out his wallet and dropping a 100-dollar bill onto the counter. Kurt swallows. 100 dollars… that's 60 dollars extra. He was right. Blaine was a generous tipper. 'May I borrow your phone for one more call?' Blaine asks Jeff, sliding the bill across the counter towards the barman. Jeff snatches it up quickly; this guy really did have a fucking death wish if he was waving around money like that in a bar like this, handing Blaine his mobile.

'I'll wait with you outside… don't want to stand about in a neighborhood like this money man.' Kurt says.

Blaine laughs, his head tilting a little so that Kurt gets a full view of the Adams apple bobbing underneath the cleanly shaven skin of his throat. 'No offence kid but you don't really look like you could protect me.'

Kurt slides off the barstool, his new shoes thumping against the floor softly as he smiles. Kid. They always say he looks like a kid. That's why they like you… people pay big money to feel like they are deflowering an angel. How eloquent Kurt had thought at the time, thick gruff fingers gripping at his jaw as they stroked over the slightly plump flesh covering high and well-sculpted cheekbones. 'Trust me, you don't want to stand out there alone.'

'Kurt.' Jeff speaks for the first time in a while and Kurt turns to look at him.

'What?'

'Can I speak to you for a minute? Alone?' Jeff says quietly, his face displaying not a single thought that he is thinking as he throws the bar towel over his shoulder, tired eyes still on Kurt's face.

'I'm going to wait outside.' Blaine says, holding up Jeff's phone. 'I'll pop this back in when I'm done.' Blaine turns and walks out, fingers curling around his sodden umbrella as he drags it out the door slowly.

Kurt turns to Jeff once the creaking door has slammed its closure, his slender arms folded over a boned chest, taking the stance of a child about to be told off and thoroughly ready to hold his ground.

'You are going to stay here.' Jeff says firmly, leaning against the bar so that he can speak closer to Kurt's face. 'You are going to stay here and you will not go with that man, I'll pay you what he would if you just stay here, sleep at mine tonight please Kurt? Just one night? Paula wants to see you.'

Kurt swallows softly. He can almost imagine it, taste it on his tongue, Jeff and Paula's warm home, a sofa bed with thick blankets and plenty of pillows because Jeff has always told him that Paula is simply obsessed with pillows, she loves them, cant get enough. Says they brighten up the place, make it a home. Kurt glances at the clock on the wall. He only has an hour until curfew. If you are not home by curfew we will find you, you hear me? We. Will. Find. You. 'Maybe some other time, tonight I have to work.'

'You don't have to do anything Kurt! Come on, let me fucking help you I don't know what else I can do for you!' Jeff yells, a few heads turn this time, a few eyes look Kurt up and down then flick to Jeff, wondering if their lovers or related before turning back to their drinks or the drunken hookup they were on the cusp of scoring.

'Yes I do, I don't need your pity okay? Just let me do my job.' Kurt says, trying not to let his face convey any of the hurt behind his eyes because he has to be rude, he cant let Jeff think that anything is wrong. 'I want this, I… enjoy doing this okay?' Kurt tries not to choke on the words as they leave his throat tasting as bitter and as strong as bile, clamping his mouth shut.

Jeff sighs and takes a step back. 'Just take care of yourself Kurt, I don't want to be the one to get the call that your dead in some fucking ditch.' And with that he is at the other side of the bar serving two young women in short dresses, leaning into each other and giggling as they get their drinks. Kurt watches him leave without another word. He wishes he could tell Jeff the real story, the story why he turns down the older mans offers every night but he would never put Jeff or Paula in danger like that. Kurt hopes that they get their baby, they are going to be great parents.

Outside Blaine closes the phone after having called a cab, who tell him they are going to talk half an hour to get one to him and after calling Janie to tell her the cab will be half an hour and god Blaine just wants to kick something again as he swears under his breath. A few young guys in black hoods stroll past, calling Blaine a few names as they do. You don't dress well in this part of town without being a pimp apparently. Blaine turns back into the bar and gives Jeff his phone back without a word before returning outside, about to do up his suit jacket against the winds but a soft voice startles him from behind.

'You want to roll your sleeves down big guy, they wont hesitate to take your whole hand if its got that watch on it.' Kurt says, making his way slowly over towards Blaine, a tell tale swish to his hips as he approached the older man. Blaine couldn't help but notice Kurt looked cold, the beaten jacket he was wearing not looking substantial enough to keep the boys soft and pale skin warm.

'I think the only danger I'm in out here is from you kid.' Blaine replies, giving Kurt a smile and trying not to give away how suddenly nervous he is. All he needs to do is resist for another half an hour. He can do that; he's not an animal for Christ sakes.

Kurt only smiles. 'I'm no danger to you, you said so yourself how weak I look.'

'Physically perhaps, but you play a good game kid, I'm almost impressed.'

Kurt takes another step forward, one more inch and his breath would touch Blaine's face on every soft exhale, his pink lips still curved ever so slightly in the corners. 'You think this is a game?'

'Absolutely.' Blaine says, taking a step back, one more step forward and Blaine was sure he would be able to smell what the boys skin smelt like, feel his breath tickling his lips even. 'A loosing game, get out while you can.'

'I can take care of myself, and you if you only let me.' Kurt says, his voice has dropped an octave Blaine notices and he hates the way his brain immediately cooks up images and sounds of Kurt saying his name in that gravelly tone, groaning it out hoarsely perhaps.

'I'm married.' Blaine says, and he knows how lame that sounds but it feels good to say it. He's not sure if he's saying it to Kurt or himself if he is honest.

'I can see the hunger in your eyes Blaine… Let me feed you Blaine, you've been hungry for so long.' Kurt takes those last two steps forward until he is almost nose to nose with the older man. Blaine was right. He smells the mint on Kurt's breath again mixed with the cologne and a hint of soap on Kurt's skin. Kurt's breath tickles his chin and suddenly the whole day is enough, Blaine has had enough.

'Get away from me.' Blaine hisses, giving Kurt's chest a shove. 'I don't want your fucking business! Just fuck off and be a whore somewhere else!'

No one around them blinks an eyelid at the scene; Kurt stumbles back and hits the curb with a thump, wincing as pain shoots up his lower back. Its not the first time he has been called a whore and it certainly wont be the last so Kurt cant explain the tears that suddenly fill his eyes. 'Fuck you, ass hole!' Kurt yells back at Blaine, trying to shakily get back up onto his feet.

Blaine looks momentarily shocked that he had managed to shove the boy over, his mouth opening and closing before he leant down and wrapped his arm around Kurt's waist, helping him stand up slowly. 'Shit, I'm so sorry… Fuck, are you okay?'

'Whatever, get off me.' Kurt snaps, trying to shove Blaine back off him but Blaine holds on. He's older and stronger than the boy in his arms and he'll be damned if he's going to let him limp home in this neighborhood. Kurt tries to shove again but his lower spine throbs in protest and he leans into Blaine's side a little.

'Come on, let me walk you home.' Blaine says. 'Just… just lean into me okay?' Blaine tightens his hold around Kurt's waist and Blaine can't help but notice how thin he is, soft rib poking into Blaine's own muscled chest.

Kurt doesn't say another word, only gently nudging Blaine when they need to turn a corner until the large house with the dark windows and large door looms before them and Kurt stops. 'This is me, you can go get your cab now.'

'You sleep upstairs?' Blaine asks, wanting nothing more than to get away from this place but at the same time he just cant leave. Not yet.

'Yes.'

'Let me help you up the stairs, you're hurt.'

Kurt goes quiet again as they enter the house, which is oddly silent for the evening. Kurt wonders if most people are still out. He never speaks to the others, he is not allowed to. In fact Kurt is sure he has never even looked one of them in the eye before. They walk the stairs and Kurt finds he has to lean even more into Blaine as they ascend to the hallway that leads down to his room, they pass the stains and Kurt notices Blaine's eyes fall to look at them more than once.

Finally they reach his room and a veil of silence has fallen over them so thickly Blaine can barely think straight. His cab. He has to get his cab. Kurt opens the door and manages to step inside without Blaine. Blaine stands still, his positioning preventing Kurt from fully closing the heavy door to his room with the creaking doorknob.

Blaine gets out his wallet. Kurt really is the most beautiful angel he has ever seen. Angel.

Blaine pulls out a wad of bills that he conceals in the inner lining of the leather wallet.

He holds the cash up to Kurt, splaying it out so Kurt can count it quickly with his eyes. Blaine steps a little forward and the door closes behind him. 'This enough?' Blaine can barely recognize his own voice as he asks the question, rough and guilty as he drops the money on a nearby table.

Kurt nods.

And starts taking off his clothes.

I was so overjoyed that you guys liked the first chapter I had to give you the next one as soon as possible! I wrote and re-wrote this about ten times and I'm still not sure its completely believable but I really hope you guys like it. In the next chapter I will definitely explore more why Blaine has a change of heart.

Let me know what you thought, every one of your reviews inspires me to write more and I'm kind of nervous about this chapter...