"You can never regret anything you do in life. You kind of have to learn the lesson from whatever the experience is and take it with you on your journey forward." - Aubrey O'Day

November

Kurt didn't set the alarm clock the night before, so he wakes up naturally in the late morning. He takes a long hot shower and spends double the usual time on his moisturizing routine. When he's finally ready for the day, it's almost noon. He leisurely strolls to the corner bodega, pulling his jacket lapels up to fend off the cold wind.

"Hey, Kurt. I was expecting you earlier. You must have had a late one last night. What did you get up to on Halloween?" Samar, the newsagent, greets him as he pulls out a few issues of Elle from under the counter.

"I stayed home last night, greeting trick-or-treaters. After all, Halloween was invented for children. They were so adorable in their outfits."

Kurt hopes this excuse is plausible, because he ended up alone on Halloween night, staying up late polishing off the left-over candy and watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Sure, Sebastian had invited him out to a party at a gay nightclub and even picked out matching costumes for them. Kurt couldn't imagine wearing the costume at a gay club – it was a burgundy-colored spandex one piece outfit, so tightly fitting that it left nothing to the imagination. Kurt didn't want photos of himself dressed like that showing up on the Internet the next day. After all, he has his dad's health to consider.

"You look different on the cover. Elle is selling like hotcakes. You're good for business," Samar remarks.

"Good to know. I'm getting a few more things and then you can ring me up."

Kurt heads to the refrigerated section and picks up some fat-free milk, then goes along another aisle to pick up some Indian herbal tea. He pauses at the magazine rack, then quickly grabs the new Vogue issue.

After paying, Kurt walks to Gramercy Park. He had planned to sit on a park bench and drink a grande non-fat mocha while pouring over the Elle issue, but the cool wind is whipping across his face and the clouds look dark. Kurt abandons the park and quickly goes back home to 8 Gramercy Park South.

After climbing a flight of stairs (there's an elevator in the building, but using the stairs is one more way Kurt can keep fit), he enters his one-bedroom apartment and turns on the electric kettle to make a pot of Indian herbal tea. He looks around the main room and can see his knick-knacks and personal items, but in spite of them, it doesn't feel like home. Even though the furniture that came with the condo is sleek and ultra-modern, it's not very comfortable. The super-king-sized bed takes up most of the bedroom's space. Most nights, he feels lost in the huge bed on his own, so he sleeps with Bruce, his boyfriend pillow.

Sebastian had offered the services of his interior designer if he wanted anything changed, but Kurt declined, knowing that to make this his home, he would have to decorate it by himself. Kurt has already bought posters of his favorite Broadway musicals and plans to replace the modern abstract paintings on the wall once the posters have been framed. Even so, the condo needs little warm homey touches to make the space feel like his. Normally, Kurt would be excited to explore the little markets around New York City, but he dreads doing it now because it will remind him of Blaine. They had so much fun at the Brooklyn Flea Market together. That day had been pretty perfect, with Blaine getting more enthusiastic and confident as they explored the stalls. After sharing that experience with Blaine, he's not looking forward to shopping on his own.

He takes a close look at himself on Elle's cover - they have used one of the photos of him in the kinky boots posing on the dance pole. Elle has selected a photo that makes him look a bit slutty. He quickly scans the issue and sees the full spread about boots. He covers the bottom of each photo and tries to guess the iconic scene. After he's guesses Pretty Woman and imagines Julia Roberts in similar black PVC thigh-boots, Kurt realizes that he hasn't had the usual morning call from his father when a new issue goes on sale. He takes his cup of tea and sits down on the sofa. He shifts around, not able to get comfortable, so he gets a pillow from the bedroom and lies down on the sofa instead.

"Hi, Dad. I was expecting you to call earlier today. Did you see this month's issue of Elle?"

"Yeah, I saw it, buddy. Sorry I didn't call sooner. I had to get to the garage early to make sure Mrs. McMillan's car was ready before noon. Gimme a sec – I'll close the office door."

Kurt waits patiently, hearing his father tell Timmy to take over and which cars to work on. He's surprised that his father is closing the office door. Usually, the other mechanics are fighting over the phone to congratulate him and talk about the magazine photos.

"I'm back, son."

"So, what did you think of the Elle issue? I knew I would be on the cover."

"You certainly look different, kiddo. I wasn't expecting to see you on a stripper pole. They didn't make you do anything…."

"No, I didn't strip, if that's what you're thinking. Besides, it's called a dance pole and there are lots of people who use it to work out to keep fit."

"That's what they might do in New York, but here in Lima, that pole is only used for one thing. Frankly, I'm a little concerned. The cover photo made you look as if there was no-one important to you."

"It's just a job, Dad. You know, like a role in a play. I was acting a part. Of course, it's not really me," Kurt reassures his dad.

"I know there's been a lot of changes in your life in the past month… The new job, the new condo, the new friends. I've seen those photos of you stumbling out of nightclubs, and places I never thought you would go. Don't throw yourself around like you don't matter. 'Cause you do, Kurt."

"I haven't done anything wrong, Dad. I'm not drinking or doing drugs or having random hook-ups, or anything like that. I'm trying to experience New York City with other gay men."

"I get it, Kurt. I really do…. And I'm glad you've met other gay men. But there's all different kinds of gay men in New York City. I'm worried that you've gotten into the wrong sort of crowd. Treat both yourself and others with respect and you'll find that they will respect you back."

After another five minutes of awkward conversation about Kurt not going home for Thanksgiving, Kurt promises his dad he'll try to make it home for Christmas. When he presses the 'end call' button, Kurt feels exhausted.

Kurt picks up his tablet, and after replying to his e-mails, he switches to Twitter. As expected, #KurtHummel and #Elle are trending. He grimaces as he sees that #KinkyBootsKurt is also on the list. As he continues to look at the trending tags, Kurt's curiosity is peaked when he sees #Nightbird. The only time he has heard of Nightbird was from Blaine teasing him about his high school fantasies. He thought that Nightbird was a superhero Blaine had made up in his head. He presses #Nightbird to find out what it is. Kurt mouth drops open when he sees a photo of Blaine. OMG! He really does have a Nightbird outfit! How can Blaine look so dorky and sexy at the same time? God, he really is my teenage fantasy come true!

Kurt carefully looks at the photo of Nightbird. Blaine's hair is slicked back with so much gel that it almost looks like a helmet. He notices that the lycra suit fits him comfortably but not too loosely as Kurt's eyes move from Blaine's powerful thighs to that pert ass of his. Kurt moves quickly on, trying hard not to think about how those fleshy cheeks had felt when he was squeezing them. The plastic shield over his chest looks a little bit corny, but it does accentuate Blaine's tiny waist and broadens his shoulders. The black cape is flowing and the electric-blue lining makes the whole outfit pop. Then Kurt looks at Blaine's face and notices that he's sporting a tan. Blaine isn't the sort of guy that would spend time in a tanning salon. Blaine must have been somewhere with a hot climate, and Kurt wonders if it was for work or a vacation.

He scrolls through the photos and can tell that Blaine is at a party. When he sees Isabelle Wright's name mentioned in a tweet, he realizes where Blaine is and does a quick search. The new photos show people having fun at Isabelle's place on Halloween night. He spots Tina dressed with an oriental fan on her head (tagged as #AsianPersuasian), Isabelle as Catwoman, Liam as the Green Lantern, and Unique's own remarkable interpretation of Wonder Woman. Sam's conspicuously absent from the photos and Kurt wonders whether it's because he and Blaine are really broken up or whether Sam was on the west coast getting his own action.

There's photos of people talking, laughing, and having a great time. He spots videos of people dancing and can't help but notice how Blaine uses his cape on the dance floor. He then sees a group photo with Blaine in the center. They all have their arms around each other's shoulders with huge smiles on their faces. Blaine's life seems so different to his right now. Kurt has had enough and tosses his tablet aside.

This is totally unfair! It should have been ME there – having fun with a great group of friends. Not sitting home by myself in a self-induced chocolate haze.

Kurt is so lonely.

Since Kurt joined Elle, he hasn't made a single new friend. There simply isn't the comradery at Elle that there is at Vogue. Although he enjoys living at Gramercy Park South, he hasn't met any of his new neighbors. They seem to keep to themselves and there's no neighborhood feel like there is in Bushwick. Sure, Sebastian has gone out of his way to take him out at night and introduce him to his friends. But it isn't fun, and it makes for awkward conversations when Kurt doesn't want to hook up with other guys. Kurt would much prefer to spend time with his old friends at Vogue… and with Blaine.


"I saw those photos on Twitter today. I can't believe you still have that Nightbird outfit," Pamela chuckles.

"I wasn't planning to go, but then Unique told me in no uncertain terms that I had to go out with her and have some fun. And you know, she was right. After one Black Devil Martini, I loosened up and really enjoyed myself."

"I like that Unique. She's a positive influence on you," Pamela replies.

"I'm not sure whether you'll still think that when you hear her plans. Unique wants to take me back to Lips NYC to catch the drag queen show. We went there once a couple months ago when I was preparing for the diva-off."

"It sounds interesting - just don't go on stage and give a performance. That would definitely give your father a heart attack."

"How is dad? We haven't spoken much since… you know. I'm a little bit nervous about seeing him again at Christmas."

"I'm not going to lie. Your father was very angry when he saw that video of you and Kurt on the Internet. You can't imagine the talk at the country club and at work. However, we've discussed it a lot and he has calmed down in the meantime. He wants to have a talk with you when you're here in December."

"I'm so not looking forward to that."

"I think that sometimes you underestimate your father, Blaine. Promise me you'll hear him out and not get angry and run away this time when the talk gets difficult. If you listen carefully to everything he has to say, I think your father will surprise you."

There's a pregnant pause in the conversation as both Blaine and his mother think about the upcoming talk. Fortunately, Pamela switches the topic of conversation. "Cooper told me he's going to New York next weekend to attend the Whitney Art Party with you. Something about Kurt being there as well?"

"Yeah, the Smythes give generous donations to the museum, so I know that Sebastian will be there, and I'm sure he'll take Kurt."

"You and Sebastian… I can't believe this rivalry has been going on for so long. I'm not sure whether you bring out the best or the worst in each other. How do you feel about seeing Kurt again?"

"I have mixed feelings. Part of me can't wait to see him. I really miss him. But there is another part of me that dreads it. I still feel so raw inside. Thank god Coop agreed to come and help me out."

"I'm glad that you and Cooper have worked out things. Cooper loves you and really wants to be there for you."

"I know, and I love him too."


"You look hot tonight, killer. You're gonna make every person wish that you pick them to go home with tonight. Maybe we can make our own after-party?" Sebastian smirks, waggling his eyebrows.

"Cut it out, Seb. You know I'm not going home with anyone tonight."

Kurt is secretly pleased that Sebastian has complimented his looks tonight. He's spent the entire day pampering himself and getting ready for the big night. He's wearing a Maoschino sports coat with the New York City skyline printed in the fabric. A simple pair of black pants and a white cotton shirt tone down the outfit. The bright blue tie highlights the color of Kurt's eyes.

After posing for photos along the red carpet, Kurt and Sebastian enter the museum, which is already heaving with people. They have quick words with Adam Abdalla, one of the event's co-chairs. Sebastian then guides him to meet other event VIPs and celebrities, and before Kurt knows it, he is face-to-face with Blaine Anderson. Kurt quickly looks Blaine over, who is looking very debonair in his suit. Kurt knows the black Dsquared2 Jacquard Camouflage blazer very well – he owns it himself. He smiles at Blaine but instead of the usual sparkling eyes responding, Kurt sees a forced smile and soft sad eyes.

"Sebastian… Kurt. Nice to see you both. Do you remember my brother, Cooper?"

Sebastian steps forward and shakes Coopers hand. "Of course I do. I haven't seen you since the Dalton graduation. What are you up to these days?"

As Cooper chats to Sebastian about The Young and Restless, Kurt looks down at his shoes to stop himself staring at Blaine. His heart races when Blaine leans in and whispers, just loud enough for only himself to hear, "You're just as stunning as I remember, Kurt."

Kurt looks up and sees the tinge of red spread across Blaine's cheeks, the sweet shy smile, the warm honey-colored eyes, and the sincerest expression across his face. Kurt clears his throat and tries to keep calm.

"You're looking good yourself, Blaine. I notice you have a tan. Have you been anywhere exciting recently?"

"I went to India last month for a few weeks. The country is amazing."

"Did you go for work or play?" Kurt politely asks.

"A bit of both. I needed to get away from New York City… and things for a while."

"It obviously did you some good. You look… umm… great."

Kurt chews on his bottom lip, contemplating saying something else. He misses Blaine so much and he wants Blaine back in his life, but he's not sure how that could work. But this sort of opportunity is rare, so Kurt decides to test the waters.

"We must get together soon, perhaps for a coffee?"

"Yeah, I'd like that," Blaine whispers. "You know my number. Now, I'll have to excuse myself. Isabelle was expecting me to return with her drink ten minutes ago."

As Blaine disappears, Kurt's glance lingers on his ass. If anyone had asked him, Kurt would have told them he was merely was making sure that the tailoring of Blaine's suit was perfect. And it was.

"I promised my mother that I'd speak to that artist over there. I won't be long," Sebastian mumbles as he heads toward an exhibition.

"Don't call him."

Kurt turns around and is surprised to see Cooper still by his side. "Excuse me?"

"Don't call Blaine… No coffee date. You've put him through hell and back this past month. I'm not going to let you hurt him again. I know guys like you - all hot and cold when it comes to other men. But Blaine isn't like that, and he deserves better. So, don't call Blaine unless he really means something to you. If I hear that you've met up with Blaine and got his hopes up without a substantial commitment, rainbows, unicorns and hot make-up sex…."

Cooper looks around and then takes his finger and points, poking Kurt at every next word, "I. Will. Tear. You. Apart."

Cooper pulls back his hand and adjusts his tie. "I think we understand each other. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find Blaine."

Kurt is stunned by what Cooper had said. It's Blaine who's hot and cold and had an open relationship with Sam. It's Blaine that called their first time an 'unfortunate incident'. It's Blaine that wasn't there when Kurt needed him the most. However, a part of his heart tugs when he remembers Cooper telling him that Blaine isn't happy. Maybe Kurt means more to Blaine than he has realized.

Kurt looks around to find Sebastian and finds him still talking to the artist. Kurt knows by the way Sebastian is standing and the expression on his face, that Sebastian is arranging for a hook-up later that night. At that moment, Kurt wishes he was with anybody at the party but Sebastian.

Kurt's father has raised him to believe that he matters, and love and family are the top priorities in life. There's no room for this in Sebastian's hedonistic lifestyle. By being associated with Sebastian, other people will think he has the same views. The proof was right there in Cooper's conversation with him. Somehow, he has to disassociate himself from Sebastian.

Kurt couldn't possibly say anything to Sebastian. After all, Kurt is not his mother. Sebastian has never pretended to be someone he's not. But what can he do?


Kurt is sitting in the back corner at the latest Elle photo shoot, waiting for the signal that it's his turn on the set. After hearing the others snigger and whisper when he left the dressing area, Kurt feels self-conscious in the all-leather one-piece body outfit. It's not so much that the studs are digging into his skin, but more about how tight-fitting the bodysuit is. There's absolutely nothing left to the imagination. Kurt wonders what his father will think when he sees the photos of him in a 'Leather and Lace' photo spread.

To top it all off, his outfit is a gaudy combination of leather and lace. Kurt knows that this could be misconstrued by some – a sort of announcement that he's bisexual. This isn't the message that Kurt wants to convey at all - he's is definitely into 'leather' and not into 'lace'. Since he had figured out his sexuality back in high school, Kurt has been proud to be gay, to be himself. No, he doesn't like this photo shoot one little bit. He quickly shoots off a text to Sebastian. "We need to talk. I'll come to your office after the photo shoot."

After the photo shoot is over, Kurt goes to Sebastian's office and declines the offer of a glass of wine. He needs all his wits about him for this conversation.

"I'm not happy at Elle, Sebastian. I feel very uncomfortable in the clothes that I'm modeling. It's about the image I'm conveying."

"You don't like looking sexy and in control? Most models would kill for that look," Sebastian replies, chuckling.

Kurt sees Sebastian's smirk and wishes that he could wipe it off his meerkat face.

"I know that… But with each photo shoot, I feel I'm losing a piece of myself. It's like I don't matter and neither does anybody else."

"Kurt, chill out. It's just a photo - an image – you need to keep it in perspective. It's like an acting job and this is the role that you were born to play."

"I know all about acting roles, Sebastian. I've auditioned for plenty when I first arrived in New York City. The difference is that I was able to choose the roles I auditioned for. Here at Elle, I have no choice."

"Kurt, I'm going to be brutally honest with you. You're by far the highest paid model that Elle has ever had and we need to recoup the cost of your salary, housing and other perks. If we use you for traditional photo shoots, our readership numbers will go up a little, but not enough. You in edgier photo spreads boosts Elle's circulation numbers and profits so much more. I know you would prefer photos of yourself in trendy and conservative clothes. But it isn't going to happen – sex sells. You need to get your head around that fast, because it isn't going to change."

Kurt can't argue with that logic – after all, Elle is a business. But that doesn't mean he likes the role he's playing. After a quick goodbye, Kurt calls a taxi to go home. He doesn't feel he can stomach Dick and his rap music in the private car right now.

Later that night, Kurt thinks over his role at Elle. When he signed the contract, he had thought he knew what he was getting into, but boy, was he wrong. He lost the control over any say of what he was doing, and what his image would be.

During his time at Vogue, his wishes and their demands intertwined seamlessly. The more Kurt thinks about it, the more he understands that it was all down to Blaine. Kurt admired Blaine as a person – his goals and values. It was this very essence of Blaine that made him a great editor-in-chief and Kurt had implicitly trusted how Vogue used him as a model.

At Elle, it's different. There is always the push of their demands and pull of Kurt's wishes. Kurt can't put his hand on his heart and say that he trusts Sebastian. He's out for himself – look at the way Sebastian parties and hooks up every night. There was no doubt in Kurt's mind when he left the Elle offices - he would have to model exactly how they want him to.

Kurt bitterly laughs, now knowing that he should never have left Vogue in the first place. Kurt does have a break-out clause in his Elle contract, but he's not sure whether to use it. Would he be burning bridges like he did when he left Vogue? Would he ever get another modeling assignment after that?

Kurt really needs a break from it all so he can think the whole thing through. Next month is Christmas, and it would be a perfect time to go home to Lima and talk things over with his dad. He makes a mental note to himself to push Elle to agree to the time off.


"Pleeease come home for Christmas. I'm going to be in Lima too. It will be like old times. We can go to the Lima Bean and have sleepovers. I miss our heart-to-heart talks."

"I miss them too, Rach. I desperately want to go home next month. I haven't seen you since September and my dad since July. Elle said there was a 99% chance that I could have the Christmas holidays off, but they don't want to commit until the very last minute."

"So how are things at Elle?"

"They're okay, I guess. They certainly have no end of rather interesting photo shoots for me to do."

"And Sebastian Smythe? Is he looking out for your interests? Introducing you to the right sort of people? Are you keeping your eye on the ball? What matters?"

"Oh, Sebastian is certainly introducing me to a lot of people, but I'm not sure they are the right ones."

When they end their phone conversation, Kurt is angry at himself. Angry for listening to Rachel and following her past advice. She has made plenty of mistakes herself over the past six months – quitting NYADA and Funny Girl, and getting involved in the worst sitcom in the history of television, just to name a few. If he had followed his own instincts, he wouldn't be here by himself working for Elle. He could have been in Blaine's warm arms with love wrapped around him.


Kurt checks in the mirror one last time and decides that he looks fine for tonight. The outfit consists of a conservative dark gray suit, combined with a medium grey waistcoat. Underneath his T-shirt is a light grey long-sleeved shirt, buttoned up to the top. Over that is a grey and olive green paisley scarf and his blackbird brooch on the jacket lapel. He's not sure if this is what to wear for the premiere of Yank My Doodle, It's A Dandy!, but then again, he's never watched a gay porn movie before.

Sebastian had insisted that Kurt go with him, and told Kurt he would learn a lot from the movie. Kurt only agreed once Sebastian had assured him that there was no red carpet event involved. He prays that there won't be any paparazzi hanging about afterwards. He can just imagine what his dad would think if he knew what sort of movie premiere he had attended.

Once the guy has yanked out his doodle, Kurt shuts his eyes, and keeps them firmly closed for the rest of the movie. At times, Kurt puts his finger into his ears, quietly humming to himself. It was one thing to hear Blaine when they had their time together after the diva-off, but these guys sound like cheap by-the-hour whores.

"I thought that was very tastefully done," Sebastian remarks when the movie finishes and the lights switch back on.

Kurt rolls his eyes at the pun.

"Come on, Kurt. We should go to the reception. There will be a lot of really interesting people to meet."

The premiere's reception is held in the theater lobby. Sebastian blends right into the crowd, talking to the performers and other enthusiastic audience members. Kurt gets himself a glass of mineral water and stands quietly in the corner, hoping nobody will notice him. After fifteen minutes, Kurt decides he's had enough and wants to go home. He doubts that Sebastian will even miss him with all the eye candy around. Before Kurt heads off, he decides to go the restroom. He opens the door and finds Sebastian there with the star of the movie. Are they re-enacting a scene in the movie? Kurt didn't think that position was even possible.

"Kurt! Wanna make it a threesome?" Sebastian asks between thrusts.

Kurt doesn't bother answering. He needs to get out of there fast. He races out the back door and jumps into the first taxi he sees. When Kurt gets back to the condo, he takes a long hot shower, hoping to cleanse away the memories of tonight. Once settled in his bed, Kurt grabs his tablet and goes to the LastMinuteTravel website. He needs to go home and regroup.


"Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned on the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign. We are now crossing a zone of turbulence. Please return to your seats and keep your seat belts fastened. Thank you."

Kurt chuckles to himself as he checks that his seat belt is securely fastened. It seems to him like his life is filled with turbulence at the moment. It's hard to believe that only fourteen months ago, he was on a plane from Lima to New York City. So much has happened to him since he has moved, both good things and bad. He reminisces over the early days, living with Rachel and working at the Spotlight Diner. Even though life seemed easier then, he also remembers the pain of audition rejections and not fitting into the theater scene.

Everything had changed when he interviewed at Vogue and got the modeling job. Kurt had found something he enjoyed doing and, as it turned out, he was pretty good at. But it was more than that. It was how everyone at Vogue was so warm and friendly. Unique's special brand of sassiness, Isabelle acting like a mom, … Even Chandler with his ridiculous flirty texts. And, of course, there was Blaine.

Blaine had sparked something inside him that Kurt had never felt before. It wasn't only his gorgeous looks. It was his brains, his generosity, his sincerity, his… everything. Kurt had genuinely enjoyed hanging out with Blaine and doing stuff together. It was as if they were soulmates, and he had deeply fallen in love. Their first kiss cemented the feeling in his heart forever. Kurt blocks out thoughts about the diva-off and the video from his head. It's too painful to rehash that period in his life – it still feels so raw.

Elle has opened his eyes about how there are different ways of doing things. The magazine is almost as popular as Vogue, so it does produce results. Even though everyone gets paid more money than at Vogue, the atmosphere is different - more competitive, everyone out for themselves. While Vogue had featured him as a model to project an image of youthfulness and innocence, Elle uses him in an edgier, sexier way. It's a way he doesn't like, because it's not him, not his very essence.

And, of course, there's Sebastian. He has shown Kurt a whole other side of being a single gay guy in New York City. Kurt cringes thinking about places he's gone to with Sebastian and his friends. Last night was the final straw – what the hell was Sebastian thinking when he invited him to join as a threesome at the reception of some stupid gay porno movie?

He can't fault Sebastian per se. After all, Sebastian's been brutally honest about his views about guys and relationships. However, it doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel like Kurt. Kurt prefers watching trashy reality shows, exploring new places, seeing Broadway shows, spending time in classy places. Things he had done with Blaine.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you."

Kurt double-checks his seat belt and deposits his empty plastic cup and crumpled napkin into the sack when the flight attendant performs a final check. Kurt then tries to figure out what to do. Part of him wants to talk it over with his dad and let Burt's wisdom guide him to a decision. But a bigger part of Kurt wants to make the decision by himself and prove to his father that he's now his own man. One thing he knows for sure is that he's very strong – he has managed to survive the hell hole that was McKinley and get out of Lima – and so he will get through this.

Kurt has had enough of life in the fast lane to last him a lifetime. He also knows that he cannot continue to do the photo shoots Elle wants without feeling morally conflicted.
Over the past few months, his moral compass has been spinning, and Kurt knows which direction he wants it to point.

So maybe it's not necessarily knowing where life is going, but more about knowing where he doesn't want it to go. Rachel is right in one way - life is full of options, but the most important lesson she doesn't seem to appreciate is that one option is 'no'. Kurt isn't sure what he wants to do, but he'll trust his instincts and let his core beliefs guide him. He can't be true to himself without them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Dayton, Ohio. Local time is 2pm and the temperature is 26F. Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight. At this time, you may use your cellular phones if you wish."

When Kurt hears those magic words, he turns off the airplane mode on his phone. He quickly fires off a text to his dad. Landed. Meet you at baggage claim. K xx

The second text is easy to compose as well. It's short and to the point.

Sebastian. We need to talk. I'm breaking my contract with Elle, effective immediately. - K Hummel


Author's notes

I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah (they happen to fall in the same period this year). If you have some spare time over the holidays and are looking for something to read, I suggest checking out the "Klaine Fiction: Reviewers' Choice"community on this site. You can access it from my author page under the 'Communities' tab. I've added loads of fic recs over the past 6 weeks so there's probably something you haven't read yet.

Thank you to Lilyvandersteen, the most fabulous beta ever, although all mistakes are mine. Come visit me a Tumblr (HKVoyage) for the story artwork and my thoughts when writing this chapter.

Next up: Kurt is in Ohio for Christmas and makes an important decision about his future.