Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

- John Mayer

Kurt was floating. Blissed out. He was crowded up against Adam who was behind him, wrapped up in Adam's warmth, naked together, skin on skin. Adam's strong arms were around him, his warm lips kissing Kurt's neck, and Kurt was getting more and more turned on.

And John Mayer was standing next to the bed.

Singing to them.

Because it was a dream.

One that Kurt was unfortunately waking up from.

The alarm on Adam's phone was John Mayer, singing The Heart of Life.

Kurt and Adam were in bed together all right. But sadly, they were dressed. Adam's big hand was warm and soft on Kurt's belly, caressing the bare skin where Kurt's undershirt had pushed up while he slept.

Tragically, there were no lips on Kurt's neck, just warm puffs of Adam's breath blowing on Kurt's throat and his bare shoulder.

And then the pounding on the door started.

"Adam!"

Adam began to stir behind Kurt, mumbling a little.

"ADAM!"

"Just a minute!" yelled Adam sleepily. He got up and opened the door to a panicking Winston.

"I'm locked out. And I…..oh my God. I am so sorry! I didn't know you were with someone…"

"It's fine," answered Adam, rubbing a hand over his face. "I'll be right there."

Winston continued in a loud whisper.

"I'm so sorry. I'll come back later."

"I can hear you, you know," interrupted Kurt with a sleepy voice.

"Kurt?!" said Winston. "Hey, I just need to borrow Adam for a minute."

"I'll be right back," said Adam as he left and shut the door.

Kurt stretched, looking around the room as he got out of bed and stood up. He went to retrieve his striped white shirt and and found it had fallen under the bed. It was wrinkled, with mud on it from Kurt's boots.

Kurt swore.

He spotted Adam's soft blue plaid flannel shirt on the back of a chair, and buttoned it on over his undershirt. It was too big so he rolled up the sleeves. He felt like a little kid, safe and warm.

A quiet knock came on the door, and Adam opened the door and walked back in.

"Lockouts. One of the joys of being an R.A.," Adam said. "How are you feeling, Kurt?"

"Much better. I borrowed your shirt. Is that okay?"

"It's wonderful," said Adam with a broad smile. "Looks good on you," Adam said. Stepping toward Kurt and pulling him close, Adam leaned in for a kiss.

One that Kurt happily returned, sweet, slow and deep.

They came up for air, but were still holding each other.

Kurt looked up at Adam.

"You are way too good to me. I don't want you to feel like you have to take care of me all the time."

Adam chuckled and held Kurt closer. "It's not as if holding you is a chore," he whispered low in Kurt's ear.

Kurt shivered.

And then his phone went off.

"Hi Tommy. Yeah, I'm in the building already. I'm with Adam. Hold on, let me ask him."

"Tommy wants to know if we can meet him for dinner before I rehearse with him."

Adam nodded.

"Let's go," Adam answered. "Only, you might want to do something about your hair."

"Shit," Kurt answered, staring at his hair pointing in every direction in the mirror on Adam's wall. "People are going to give me so much crap aren't they."

"Yes, they are," Adam replied with a huge grin.

Kurt grabbed his things and headed into the bathroom across the hall to try to fix his hair before they headed down to the dining room on the ground floor.

Kurt tried not to feel embarrassed as he walked into the crowded, noisy dining room with Adam. He was a college student now. He wasn't a small town boy anymore. He could hold his head up with pride after walking out of another boy's….man's room wearing an over sized shirt that obviously wasn't his, with his hair sticking in several directions, no matter what he had tried to do with it.

He could handle this.

He followed Adam though the buffet line and filled his plate and then they sat down next to each other at a table in the middle of the room where Tommy was already waiting for them.

"Well hello," said Tommy to the pair of them, not disguising his amusement as his eyes raked over Kurt.

Looking at Adam's plate, Tommy said "Ah, the tofu stir fry. Still a vegetarian, I see."

Kurt turned curiously to look at Adam.

"Yes, I am." he said with a shrug.

"So is my roommate," answered Kurt. "You two can have all the tofu you want."

Tommy laughed at the adorable way Kurt's nose wrinkled on the word "tofu."

"I think it's delicious," replied Adam with a smile. "And you should taste my vegetarian curry recipe. It's amazing."

"Yeah, we all know there's only kind of meat Adam likes." Tommy took his hot dog out of the bun and moved it slowly toward his open mouth in the most obscene way possible.

"You're disgusting," answered Kurt.

Looking at Kurt's messy hair, Tommy answered,

"And you look like you've been well fu…"

"Tommy," Adam spoke over him, his voice low and angry. "That is quite enough."

"Am I interupting something?" a girl's voice asked behind them.

It was Erin.

"Erin!" Adam declared happily and stood up to hug her.

She happily squeezed him back.

"Erin, I want you to meet Kurt," said Adam.

"We met in class today. Good to see you again Erin." Kurt was glad to see her.

"You too Kurt."

Erin took the seat next to Tommy, across from Kurt.

"I'll tell you everything you need to know," said Erin. "Adam is a sweetheart, Tommy is a pig, and the tofu here is disgusting."

Adam looked down and smiled an embarrased but pleased smile. Tommy laughed delightedly.

Kurt let out a laugh and smiled one of his big crinkly smiles. "I agree completely."

"So Kurt," Erin asked him, "Are you going to come to the club with us Saturday night?"

"Yeah, I think I am," answered Kurt.

"Great! How about you guys?" Erin asked looking at Tommy and then Adam.

"I have other plans," said Tommy.

"Me too," answered Adam, praying silently that Tommy wouldn't ask him what they were. Thankfully he didn't.

Adam's phone vibrated with a text.

It was Erin.

Is he wearing your shirt?

Seriously? thought Adam, who smiled a sarcastic, tight lipped little smile at her

"So Kurt," said Tommy, "there's a lounge down the hall where we can rehearse. Are you done eating?"

"Yeah, I'm done."

"Let me show you where the trays go," said Adam as they stood and moved over to the conveyor belt.

"This is where I say goodbye," said Adam. "I have a staff meeting in the RD's office."

"Okay," said Kurt, his eyes focusing on Adam's.

"I'm leaving tomorrow for the wedding in Philly. I won't be back until Sunday. So I won't see you until next week."

"Okay," Kurt said, managing a small smile. "Have a good weekend."

"You too," answered Adam, his heart in his beautiful blue eyes. Kurt wondered how Adam was ever going to make it as an actor when every emotion played over his face like this. He looked at Kurt like he was a starry sky he'd never seen before, and Kurt could also see a lot of insecurity and worry on Adam's face.

Adam stepped back, his arms open, offering a hug that Kurt gladly stepped into and returned. "Thank you for putting me back together," Kurt whispered.

"Anytime," murmured Adam.

Once Kurt and Adam had said their goodbyes, Kurt went back to the table to get his bag, said goodbye to Erin, and headed out the door with Tommy.

The "lounge" turned out to be a room with a row of kitchen cabinets, a small but fully equipped kitchen, and a table and chairs at one end, with a couch and two comfortable arm chairs at the other end.

"So are you ready for our performance tomorrow?" asked Tommy, standing near the kitchen counter.

"Yeah," Kurt smiled. "I think I am. Rehearsing this part has been the most fun part of my week."

"Okay, let's run through it again," said Tommy, smiling back. They moved to the middle of the room where there was space to stand and run their lines.

Kurt opened his book and began to read Puck's part:

Now, when thou wakest, with thine own fool's eyes peep.

Tommy read Oberon's part:

Sound, music! Come, my queen, take hands with me, And rock the ground whereon these sleepers be….

They ran through their dialogue a few more times until Tommy stopped and said he thought they were ready.

"I think so too," answered Kurt

"You really should consider auditioning for the show. You're very talented," said Tommy, moving closer to Kurt.

"Thanks."

"So tell me," Tommy asked smoothly, "what's the situation with Adam? Are you two…exclusive?" said Tommy, reaching up and gently stroking his fingers over Kurt's flannel covered bicep.

"No," Kurt said, wondering why the hell he was getting so much male attention this week. Whatever the reason was, he should bottle it. And maybe send it back in a time machine to his high school freshman self.

"I just went through the breakup from hell," Kurt said, moving away from Tommy a bit.

Leaning close to Kurt's ear, Tommy purred, "I could make you feel better. Much better than Adam could."

Kurt took a big step backwards and gave Tommy a death glare.

"Although I have to admit, you do look hot in Adam's shirt," Tommy said with a predatory glance over Kurt's body. "But I can show you a much better time than he can. Trust me."

And then Kurt got really angry.

"What the hell is your problem? Just because I'm single doesn't mean I want you. I've known Adam for what, a few weeks?. I don't care who has more experience. I've only had sex with two guys anyway. Who cares? It's not a contest!"

Kurt's eyes were blazing.

"I may not be ready yet, but I will say that anyone who does get to sleep with Adam is incredibly lucky because he's so sweet and hot and just….amazing. I bet he's amazing in bed, actually. I bet he's a lot better than you!"

"Oh come on Kurt, don't take it all so seriously." Tommy moved forward and took hold of Kurt's arms, backed him up to the wall, and leaned toward him for a kiss.

Tommy didn't know that grabbing Kurt's arms to force a kiss on him was a really bad idea.

And just as Tommy saw Adam standing in the doorway, Kurt pulled out of Tommy's hands, grabbed Tommy and spun him around to face the wall, holding Tommy by one arm behind his back.

"Did I say you could touch me? Keep your fucking hands off me!" Kurt was screaming.

Adam stepped cautiously into the room.

"Kurt, let go of him," Adam said firmly.

Which Kurt did, breathing heavily, his pupils dilated. He looked terrified.

Tommy looked furious and rubbed his arm.

"We all need to talk," said the woman standing next to Adam.

"Angela Hampton, RD," she said directly to Kurt.

Kurt hadn't noticed her follow Adam into the room. Ms. Hampton was a tall, elegant African-American woman in her thirties, with an air of authority and long braids down her back.

Kurt was confused by all these initials, but he nodded.

"Do you live in this building?" she asked him.

"No, I live in Bushwick."

"Let me explain then. RD means residential director. Like a house mother. I'm in charge of all the RA's in the building, like Adam. That means Residential Assistant. The RA's are upperclassmen…and women…who supervise their individual floors, and report to me.

I already know Tommy and Adam. And you are?"

"Kurt Hummel. I am so sorry. He just wouldn't stop…I never meant to hurt him. Is you arm okay Tommy?"

"Yeah," Tommy answered gruffly.

"Kurt. I am obligated to keep a record of any physical altercation that happens in the building. And Adam, I'll need a written statement from you as an RA because you witnessed it."

"So, Kurt. Are you a NYADA student?"

"Yes, but I live off campus."

"I see. And who are you here visiting?"

"Me," Tommy and Adam said in unison.

She raised an eyebrow.

"Adam?" she asked.

"Kurt was signed in as my guest a few hours ago, and then he had a scene to practice with Tommy for their Shakespeare class."

"Okay" she nodded. "Kurt, please go on."

"Tommy and I had finished working on our scene, and he was trying to get me to hook up with him. And I said no. And then he started badmouthing Adam. And then Tommy grabbed my arms and held me, and he went to kiss me and that's when I pinned him to the wall."

"Did you feel like you weren't safe?"

Kurt nodded his head. "Yes. It reminded me of…yes. It scared me. But I never wanted to hurt him. I just…panicked."

"Thank you Kurt. Okay, Tommy, your turn."

Tommy was angry. He was furious. He was about to tell Angela that Kurt was overreacting, that Kurt was crazy….but he looked at Adam, his mouth in a tight line, his arms folded across his chest. And he looked at Kurt, looking down at his lap, twisting his clenched hands nervously. Kurt was obviously shaken.

"It was my fault," said Tommy. "Kurt, I never meant to scare you. It happened just like Kurt said, Angela."

"I see. Well then, do either of you want to file a complaint against the other?"

"No," said Tommy.

"Me neither," said Kurt.

"Alright," she said, looking relived. "Do you have anything to add, Adam?"

"Not really," Adam began.

"As you know, we ran into each other in the hallway after dinner. You and I were heading to the staff meeting when I walked by the door to this room, where Tommy and Kurt were practicing. I looked in and I saw Kurt holding Tommy by the arm and yelling at Tommy to stop touching him. You followed behind me right after that."

"Okay. Thank you Adam. Tommy, Kurt, you're both free to go. Adam, I need you to come with me to the office and write up a formal statement for me, as a staff member."

"Of course," said Adam. "I'l be there in a couple minutes."

"Tommy, I need to talk to you in my office before the day is over," said Angela. "But I need to talk to Adam first."

"Great. Just great," muttered Tommy as he left the room.

"I am so sorry Adam," Kurt said. "I can't believe I got you in trouble with your boss."

"Are you okay Kurt? Did Tommy hurt you?"

"No, he just scared me."

"I really wish I could talk to you right now, but I have to go to this meeting. Call me later if you want, okay? I want to hear what happened."

"Sure. Of course. I'm sorry," said Kurt.

"Don't be. As long as you're okay," Adam said.

"Yeah, I'm okay."

Adam left for the meeting while Kurt headed for home.

Angela's office was full of the other RA's in the building when Adam walked in.

"Adam, come in," Said Angela. "Would the rest of you wait outside please?"

The other students headed out into the hallway. Some of them were staring at Adam.

"Please, sit down." said Angela. Adam joined her, sitting in one of the chairs that was placed around a large conference table.

"Look Adam, you're the best RA I have. You're always calm in a crisis and fair to everyone. What's your take on this?"

Adam took a shaky breath. He knew Angela was a good woman and a great boss. He'd seen her handle emergencies over and over, handling drunk students, fist fights and medical emergencies at all hours of the day and night with a steady hand. He trusted her. But this was personal.

"I'll be honest. I can't really be objective here. I'm involved with Kurt, and I was once involved with Tommy last year, briefly. But I think Tommy needs to learn to listen when people say no.

Kurt did confide in me that Tommy…touched him inappropriately. A couple days ago. Please don't repeat that to anyone."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Angela.

"And I'm sure you can understand how difficult my position is. If Kurt wanted to file a complaint, that would be the second one I've received against Tommy, and I'd have to seriously consider forcing him to move out of the building."

"I know," sighed Adam, "You mean because of the guy on the second floor."

"Exactly," Angela replied. "I am going to have a talk with Tommy about it. But on the other hand, if Tommy were to file a complaint against Kurt, I would have to ban Kurt from the building. Visitors only get one strike."

Adam looked shocked.

"I hope it doesn't come to that. And thank you for your honesty Adam.

I will need your statement in writing, before we start the meeting. And Adam.…I don't want anymore trouble. See what you can do about that." Her gaze was piercing.

"I don't want any trouble either."

Back near the lounge, Kurt and Tommy had made a tentative sort of peace with each other in the hallway. .

Kurt was standing, folded into himself, his arms around his middle. Tommy had his head down, his hand rubbing his sore arm. They both looked tense.

"I'm sorry about your arm," Kurt began.

"It's fine. Really. I need to learn to keep my big mouth shut. I won't apologize for being a flirt, but I don't want you think I'm a complete dick. And I certainly don't want to scare you."

"Thanks. Tommy, we have to do a scene tomorrow. I don't want us to be fighting."

"No, of course not. Show must go on an all that. I'm not going to hit on you again. I'm not. I really am sorry."

Kurt's phone vibrated.

"Oh hey, that's my roommate," Kurt said after reading the text. "We're going to take the train home together. I'll see you in class tomorrow."

"Bye, Kurt."

Tommy was waiting for Adam when he came out of the meeting an hour and a half later.

"Look, I'm really sorry," said Tommy.

"You just don't know when to quit, do you Albright?"

"Yeah, I get it. I feel like shit. Did you hear what Kurt said? He said he pinned me to the wall because it reminded him of something, when I held him by the arms. It was like I triggered him or something. And did you see those finger-shaped bruises on his arms? What's going on with him?"

Adam was livid.

"I am not having this conversation with you.

How stupid do you think I am? I overheard you trying to convince Kurt that you're better in bed than I am. And now you want to have a nice chat about how much you suddenly care about him?

Just leave him alone, will you? Kurt doesn't need this. And neither do I."

Adam walked away.

As he headed up the stairs to his room, Adam remembered the fire in Kurt's eyes when he had told Tommy that Adam was probably amazing in bed.

This boy was killing him.

On the train home, Rachel was impressed with Kurt's brief version of the day's events.

"You've been here less than two months and you already have two upperclassmen fighting over you! This is so exciting!"

Kurt sighed heavily and bit his tongue. Because as usual, Rachel Berry just didn't understand.