After an unusually warm week for February, the temperature had dropped by the time Adam's bus arrived in Philadelphia. As he stepped out onto the sidewalk to wait for Stavros, he looked up at the tall grey stone pillars of the 30th Street Station building and shivered in the cold. He put up the collar on his long navy blue wool coat, and tugged his soft black leather gloves onto his hands. He usually dressed more casually than this, but he was going to a wedding and he didn't want to bother travelling with two coats. He spotted Stav's beige Toyota Camry at the curb and smiled. Always the practical one.

"Hi Adam!" Stavros got out of the car and they exchanged a quick hug. He was almost as tall as Adam, with a handsome face dominated by large brown eyes and straight black hair. "Here, let me help you with that," he added, reaching for Adam's garment bag. They got into the car and headed for Stav's apartment.

"You look so handsome in that coat Adam. How's everything going?"

"Good," Adam said. "Up to my neck in work for my senior project and the Apples, and auditioning this week for A Midsummer Night's Dream."

If Adam looked a little sad, Stavros didn't comment on it.

"We have some company at my apartment tonight," said Stavros. My two teenage cousins. They were out of beds at my parents' house with all the relatives in town for the wedding. Tomorrow night we'll have the place to ourselves."

Adam nodded. He was quiet and he seemed very far away, but Stavros didn't have time to think about that. When they got to the apartment, the girls were there, and Adam quickly washed up, and then they all headed to Stav's parents' house in the suburbs. Adam was quickly thrown into a loud, friendly party for all the out-of-town guests. The amount of food in the kitchen and on the dining room table was staggering. He hadn't even gotten his coat off when Stav's mom was holding out a plate way too full of delicious things for him, and his dad was trying to push a drink into his hand.

Alexis and Catherine were 15 year old twins. They spent the evening giggling together and pointing at Adam from across the room. Every time he looked up at them, they looked startled, and they would put their heads together and whisper and giggle again.

Back in New York, Kurt got out of the cab and walked over to Adam's dorm. Wait, Erin and Winston's dorm, he corrected himself. It was a little weird coming here when Adam wasn't around. Kurt felt a little nervous as he texted both of his friends to tell them that he was outside their building.

Erin soon came to the door and let him in, her basket of laundry waiting on the floor of the lobby.

"I was just coming back from the laundry room. Come on upstairs!"

"Can I give you a hand?"

"No thanks. I'm good. Besides, you have a bag to carry."

Kurt followed Erin up the stairs. The second floor looked just like the third floor where Adam lived. Erin was in a double though, so her room was a little bigger than Adam's. There were two beds and two desks with shelves over them full of books, photos, packages of ramen noodles and other stuff.

The room was full of people. Some of them were Apples: Joey, Nadia, and a couple of others. Some of them were strangers. The chairs, the beds, and the floor were covered with people.

"Hey everyone, this is Kurt."

"Hi Kurt!" yelled the group.

"Kurt, you're just in time for a toast," said Rob, who Kurt recognized from the Apples. He had a big flowing Afro and a sweet smile, and a real spark as a performer that made him one of Kurt's favorite singers at NYADA. A bottle of champagne was being passed around along with plastic cups. Kurt dropped his bag and found a spot to sit on the floor next to Erin. Rob handed him a full cup.

"So everyone, we need to raise our glasses to Joey, 'cause he got Jess knocked up and he's engaged to be married!"

"To Joey!" came the cheers.

Joey was shooting daggers with his eyes at the guy.

"Classy Rob. Real classy. I'll have you know that she is my soulmate."

Kurt cringed at the word as Joey took a drink.

Joey smirked. "My good people I am alarmed, I am appalled, I am aghast that you would rain down such judgement on my beloved and me." He clutched his heart dramatically. "And we would still be together when we are old gross and toothless, even if she were not carrying my progeny, so show some respect."

"This kid could be a doctor and save your life some day, Rob."

"Or maybe she'll be a lawyer and get you out of jail one day, my friend," said Rob to Joey with a smile.

"Ooooh, burn!" said Erin. "So when's the big day?"

"The end of June," said Joey with a beaming smile that lit up his entire face. "You guys, I am so stoked."

"To Jess and Joey!" said Erin, raising her cup.

"To Jess and Joey!" echoed the group.

"Old gross and toothless!" said Rob.

"Old gross and toothless!"

A girl Kurt didn't recognize picked up a guitar and started playing and singing in an alto voice.

early in the morning, rising to the street

"Always a stoner song," Rob muttered.

life is short, so love the one you got
cause you might get run over or you might get shot

lovin' is what I got, I said remember that
lovin' is what I got, and remember that

Kurt didn't know the song, but the chorus was basically one line repeating over and over, so he was soon singing along with everyone else, easily picking out a harmony, grooving on his little in his spot on the floor.

After Kurt finished his glass of champagne, Joey offered him a refill. "No thanks. One's enough for me right now." He smiled. "Bad things happen when I drink too much."

"Public Vomiting? Unfortunate hookups?" asked Joey.

"Been there. Done that," said Rob, nodding at Kurt knowingly, as Kurt turned bright red.

Joey gently took the guitar from the girl playing it, and started playing a familiar set of chords as he began to sing another song.

today is gonna be the day that they're gonna throw it back to you

He was immediately drowned out by a chorus of boos.

"No more Wonderwall!"

"But I love Wonderwall," protested Joey.

"We're all sick of it!" said Rob.

They were still arguing when Winston walked in. "Hi everyone! Hey Kurt! It's almost four, we should go eat soon," he said to Erin.

"Yeah let's go. They open in a few minutes," said Erin "Alright everyone, you can stay in my room until we've eaten dinner, and then I'm kicking everyone out." Kurt heard their boos as the three of them headed down to dinner.

Afterwards, Erin asked Kurt if he wanted to get changed in her room.

"Yeah, thanks."

"If you want to sleep here tonight, you're welcome to. My roommate is home for the weekend so you can sleep in her bed. These things run late and you might not want to be on the subway alone that time of night."

"If you're sure," said Kurt hesitantly.

"Yes! Sleepover time!" said Erin happily. "Just leave your bag here."

When they were all dressed and ready, Winston looked Kurt over admiringly in his tight shirt and skinny jeans. He noticed that Kurt had only brought a sweater.

"It's going to be freezing tonight," said Winston. "Do you want to borrow a coat?"

"Damn, it was so warm all week I forgot it was February."

"Come on, let's go to my room and I'll lend you one."

Kurt followed Winston to a room a few doors down. Joey was apparently his roommate, because he was walking out the door just as they walked in. He gave the two of them a big smile and gave Winston a hard clap on the shoulder as he left.

Uh oh.

Winston saw the uncomfortable look Kurt was giving him, and spoke up.

"Kurt, I'm just lending you a coat. I know Adam likes you and he's one of my best friends. You're amazing and you're gorgeous, but I would never try to go after someone he likes. Okay?"

Kurt let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

So not every guy here is like Tommy. Good.

"Yeah, that would be awkward," Kurt laughed. "Thanks. Even though Adam and I are both free to see other people. And thanks for the jacket."

"No problem."

When the three friends were ready they headed outside and found the NYADA van that was pulled up at the curb. As they rode over to the club, Kurt looked up in wonder at the tall buildings lit up against the darkness. The New York skyline still took his breath away every night.

The van stopped in front of a club with the word L'Amour written on a sign out front in gaudy neon letters. A sandwich board on the sidewalk said 18 PLUS NIGHT. ID REQUIRED FOR ALL. MUST BE 18 TO ENTER. Everyone got out and they walked to the end of the long line of people snaking around the block.

Some of the kids had fake ID's, but Kurt had surrendered his the night he got hurt at Scandals. Dave had let it slip that Kurt's name was not actually Chaz Donaldsworth. Once the bouncer knew that Kurt was safe, he had demanded the ID in exchange for not calling the cops. The club staff were sympathetic to gay kids needing to socialize, to a point, but they weren't willing to lose the club's license over it.

Kurt was going to be himself tonight, and that meant being 19, and staying sober once the slight buzz from the champagne had quickly worn off.

The line was really something. Kurt had never been in the presence of so many queer people in one place at one time. It wasn't like Scandals, which was mostly old guys in flannel shirts, although there were some of those. But it wasn't like a TV show about a gay club either. Sure there were some incredibly hot guys, some of them wearing nothing more than a tiny pair of shorts and an oiled chest under their winter coats. But there were also average people of every size and description and age. Gorgeous people, awkward people, men, women and some people Kurt wasn't exactly sure about. The one thing they all shared was an air of happiness and anticipation.

Inside, the line continued to wind up an old ornate stairway. The architecture in the building must have been stunning once, but it was showing signs of age and in need of attention.

"ID's out! I need to see your left hands!" bellowed a big muscular bouncer in a loud voice. Another guy was checking ID's. Those who were legal had a plastic bracelet put on their wrist so they could drink alcohol. The 18 to 20 year olds got hand stamps instead. Kurt got a hand stamp, and Erin and Winston, who were both 21 year old juniors, had bracelets snapped onto their wrists.

Inside it was dark, which was a good thing, because whoever had designed the interior needed to go back to design school.

"Okay Kurt, remember what we decided in the van. We meet under the huge lion statue near the bar at nine o'clock, and at the end of the night to check in." Winston reminded Kurt. "And if you get in trouble and need to pretend you're with me, the code word is honeybunch."

Erin had other friends here, but Kurt didn't, so he appreciated having a friend watching out for him.

Kurt's eyes were wide as he took in the club and his heart was pounding. Erin danced off with a group of other women and Winston stayed by Kurt's side.

"A little overwhelming isn't it?" he asked Kurt.

"It's amazing though. So many people! I remember when I was the only person who was out at my high school."

Winston smiled. "I think that guy is checking you out," he said, nudging Kurt and pointing.

Kurt looked in the direction of Winston's gaze and saw a guy who looked about 16 with a sweet face and blond hair, wearing jeans and an Iron Man t shirt. He reminded Kurt of a shorter version of Sam. He decided to be brave, and he walked up to him.

"Do you want to dance?"

The cutie looked Kurt up and down.

"I don't think so," he sneered. He and a few other young guys nearby were laughing by the time Kurt turned around.

It stung.

Winston was by his side in a flash, pulling him onto the dance floor eagerly.

"You didn't have to do that."

Winston shrugged and smiled. "Don't worry. The night is young."

And he was right. Another guy wearing only a pair of jeans was moving up to Kurt before the song was even over, pulling him away into his arms. Kurt smiled and went with it, until the guy started stroking Kurt's ribs and chest with one hand and then leaned in to mouth at his neck.

Kurt just twirled away, accidentally bumping into another guy wearing even fewer clothes than the last one, and started dancing with him instead. Looking around the room Kurt saw that most of the people were grinding up against each other, which didn't help how self conscious he felt. Sure it was hot to watch, but it was overwhelming him too. When his dance partner grabbed his ass in both hands, he danced away again and went to find Winston.

"I need a break from all the grabby hands. Pretend we're together," Kurt said in Winston's ear and started dancing behind him.

Winston laughed. "I hear you." He curled one arm gently up behind himself, around Kurt's neck, and Kurt put his hands on his waist.

"Is this okay?" asked Kurt.

"Yeah, fine."

"I am so not used to this. In Ohio this would be considered an engagement."

Winston threw his head back onto Kurt's shoulder and laughed, and they kept dancing.

Kurt saw a girl he had just met on the NYADA van walking up to them. "Hey Kurt. Sorry to interrupt."

"Hey Nicole," said Winston.

"Mark is here."

"Shit. Where?"

"He's over there," said Nicole with a jerk of her head in Mark's direction, whoever Mark was. "He looks high as a kite."

"Erin's old boyfriend," explained Winston. "He's bad news."

"Yeah, he's probably only here to bother her," agreed Nicole.

"Well Nadia and I and the other women will keep an eye on her, but if you guys could keep your eyes open too, I'd appreciate it"

"Sounds good. Thanks for the heads up," said Winston, and Nicole took off into a part of huge dance floor with more women on it.

As Winston and Kurt started dancing again, a boy walking by bumped into them. Annoyed, Kurt looked to see who it was.

"Sorry," the boy slurred as he walked away. He was short, with dark curls and beautiful eyes.

He wasn't Blaine, but the resemblance was strong enough to send a spike of pain shooting through Kurt. All of his feelings of being insecure and unwanted and angry resurfaced.

See me now Blaine? Look at all these guys who want me.

The blue and red lasers and the flashing lights and the loud pounding beat of the music were starting to give Kurt a headache, so he closed his eyes and held onto Winston, and just let himself be in the moment.

Every painful word of the song the DJ was playing seemed to be speaking directly to Kurt about Blaine, and all the hurt and sadness and anger cut through him like a hot knife.

It isn't easy for me to let it go
cause I've swallowed every single word
and every whisper, every sigh
eats away at this heart of mine
and there is a hollow in me now

Kurt just let himself feel it all, and feel it, and feel it, until it had moved through him. And he let it all go and forgot everything but the rush of the music and the way moving his body felt. He felt empty, washed clean by the song and the sweat.

When the next song began, he turned to Winston. "I'm thirsty. I'll check in with you later."

"Have fun. Meet you at the lion statue at 9:00." Winston smiled, and moved deeper into the crowd of bodies on the dance floor.

Kurt headed over to the bar and bought himself a diet Coke.

As he sipped it and looked around, he was stunned to see a familiar face. Sebastian Smythe was sitting at the bar in all of his obnoxious long-limbed glory. Sebastian was wearing a pair of gorgeous black designer slacks with a subtle pinstripe, and a green shirt that did amazing things for his eyes, not that Kurt had ever noticed them.

Kurt's heart fell.

All the jealousy came flooding back when he saw Sebastian. Kurt remembered a conversation he had once had with Blaine in his room. Kurt had asked if he was boring, sexually. What he was really wondering was how he could ever measure up to Sebastian. How long would it take before Blaine ended up in Sebastian's bed? Not long, as it turned out.

The song Kurt heard playing was perfect for the moment.

there must be poison in those finger tips of yours

Kurt walked up to the bar. "Sebastian," he said coldly.

"Kurt!" said Sebastian with a warm smile. "What are you doing here?"

"I live here. I should be asking you that."

"I had an interview at Columbia yesterday."

"Nice," said Kurt grudgingly.

"Nothing but the best," said Sebastian, his expression smug. He raked his eyes over Kurt's body.

"Seriously?"

"What?" said Sebastian with a cocky grin.

"I just came over to say you can have Blaine. He's all yours." He waited for the arrogant sneer, but Sebastian only looked confused. Something was off.

"I am with Blaine, Killer. I have been for weeks."

"Oh please," Kurt scoffed. "Then why did he hook up with me on Valentine's Day?"

"You're lying. He sent me a dozen red roses on Valentine's Day. And he asked me to be his boyfriend. But said he couldn't see me that weekend because had to go to a wedding."

"Yeah, where he hooked up with me."

Sebastian's beautiful mouth was hanging open in disbelief.

"Here, let me show you." Kurt took out his phone and scrolled through weeks worth of texts from Blaine professing his love for Kurt.

"Look at this. From last week."

I'm so grateful we're back together Kurt. You're my soulmate.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Sebastian took out his own phone and handed it over.

I love you Sebastian.

I'm so glad we're finally together. It was worth the wait.

"And here's what he wrote after I thanked him for the roses."

Anything for you, my love.

"He's been playing us both!" said Kurt.

"That little shit!" yelled Sebastian.

And suddenly the world shifted. Night was day, black was white, up was down, and Sebastian Smythe was an ally. The two boys burst out laughing, the kind of laugh that takes over your whole body until you're bent over and gasping for air. Tears were running down Sebastian's face, and Kurt thought he was going to pee himself.

"I need the bathroom," said Kurt. "Come on, we can talk about this some more in the men's room."

Sebastian raised his eyebrows and looked at Kurt with a dirty grin.

"No, you pervert." Kurt said with a laugh. "I have to pee! Come on."

And Kurt found himself dragging Sebastian by the hand into the men's room.

Of a gay club.

In New York City.

It was a world gone mad.

When he was done, Kurt zipped up and washed his hands.

"Do you want to know how I found out?" asked Kurt.

"Found out what?" said Sebastian cautiously.

"That you were with Blaine. He made a mistake with the call waiting on his phone. He said all this stuff to me he thought he was saying to you. About his fake ID and you two getting a room and everything. Wait, aren't you supposed to be with Blaine this weekend? Oh shit. He's not here is he?"

"He's not here. Blaine just assumed I was free this weekend when he booked that room near Scandals. I told him I had college interviews in New York, but Blaine isn't very good at hearing things he doesn't want to hear."

"Don't I know it," said Kurt. "So you screwed up his plans by coming to New York?"

"Yup. And I told him I wasn't interested in being exclusive right now. He doesn't listen about that either."

Kurt let it all sink in for a moment.

"Why do you think Blaine is like this?" he asked quietly.

Sebastian folded his long arms and considered Kurt briefly.

"Oh why not," he muttered quietly.

"A lot of people would love to have Blaine's problems. Rich parents, big beautiful house, brains, talent, charm. But his family is kind of cold. His dad in particular. And you know Blaine. He needs a lot of attention. And Doug is never going to be the kind of warm cuddly dad Blaine needs. His mom isn't really very nurturing either."

"Go on," said Kurt.

"At Dalton, Blaine had a family. He lived in the dorms and you know how awesome a lot of those Dalton guys are. The Warblers were his brothers in those days. But when he transferred to McKinley he lost that. He went home to a big empty house every night because his parents are always off traveling, or working late, or at some charity event. They show their love by throwing their money at people or at causes. They're good people, but they're just not what Blaine needs. He needs constant attention. He's like a puppy. It's exhausting dating him. I'm sure don't have to tell you that."

Kurt gave Sebastian a tiny smile.

"Doug throws him a bone once in a while and gives him some attention, but he's really not that interested in Blaine. And Doug will sleep with any woman with a pulse.

I know what you're thinking. What right do I have to judge? Well for one thing, I'm not married. And Blaine... if you ask me, it kind of makes sense that he would string us both along, to make sure he has always has someone to lean on. I don't think Blaine can stand the idea of being alone.

"Wow," said Kurt. "I just learned more about Blaine's family from one conversation with you than I did in over a year of dating him," he said bitterly.

"Well, I'm just telling you how I see it. Our dads play golf together." Sebastian shuddered. "Those country club guys are just...ew."

"Who are you kidding, Sebastian. You're going to be one of them in ten years."

"Yeah, probably," Sebastian admitted. "But hopefully without the raging alcoholism."

"Is Blaine's dad an alcoholic?" said Kurt, surprised.

"Oh yeah."

Well that explains a lot.

"Let me ask you something else, Sebastian. I really want you to be honest with me."

"Shoot."

"The night we were all at Scandals, did you hook up with Blaine?"

Sebastian hesitated.

"He called me after he left and asked me for a ride. He said you two had a fight, so I picked him up and drove him home."

Kurt looked angry and hurt.

"Did you sleep with him?"

"No. But Blaine wanted to."

"I knew it," said Kurt angrily.

"He asked me to have sex with him, but he was really drunk. He had never wanted me when he was sober, so I didn't think it was a good idea. I kept thinking about consent, you know? A drunk person isn't really capable of giving consent, and I didn't want to be be with him unless he was really there."

Kurt thought about Tommy, and the fact that Adam was so wasted the night they had sex. He felt a little sick.

Sebastian looked at him curiously.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I need to hear this."

"So. Blaine got in my car, and he was all over me, kissing my neck, moaning in my ear. But he was calling me your name. Another reason I said no. And his breath was foul. It wasn't actually that hard to turn him down," Sebastian sneered. "I told him to call me when he was sober, but he never did. Not until after you guys broke up last fall.

Why did he leave Scandals without you anyway? What happened that night?"

"Oh nothing," Kurt said, covering up his pain with sarcasm. "Blaine just tried to force me to have sex with him in the back of my Navigator. That's all."

"You're kidding." Sebastian was stunned.

"I wish I was. I got hurt and ended up in the ER getting stitches. Dave Karofsky drove me."

"You...he...are you okay!?"

"Yeah, yeah. I managed to stop him before he got very far."

"That's terrible. I'm really sorry Kurt," said Sebastian, his forehead creasing with a worried look.

There was an awkward pause. Sebastian seemed to be waiting for him. "I really appreciate your being honest with me. God knows Blaine won't be," said Kurt.

"I guess not. This whole thing is so weird." Sebastian ran a hand nervously through his hair. "I am really sorry. If knew what had happened I would have helped you."

"I wouldn't have asked you for help, Sebastian. You know that."

"I guess not. If I were you I wouldn't trust me either.

And as for me and Blaine, maybe if he had wanted me back when I met him, we would have eventually been serious or committed or whatever. It's hard to say. But right now my mind is on college in the fall. Moving on. Hopefully in New York. I've applied to a lot of schools here. Some in other states too."

"Well, good luck with all the interviews and everything."

"Thank you Kurt. Truce?" said Sebastian, holding out his hand.

"Truce," Kurt answered, shaking it.

Sebastian's grin lit up his handsome face. "Come on Hummel. All this getting along is making my head ache. Come dance with me." He gestured toward the door.

Kurt thought about it. "Oh why not," he said, and followed Sebastian out of the men's room. A loud song hit their ears when they stepped back into the club.

Cause you're filthy, ooh and I'm gorgeous

They walked over to the dance floor together. Sebastian started lip syncing the words of the song as he moved his long legs closer to Kurt and they started dancing.

when you're running from a trick
and you trip on a hit of acid

Sebastian put a devoted expression on his face, pretending to serenade Kurt with the nasty lyrics as if they were the most romantic lines ever written.

you gotta work for the man
but your biggest money maker's flaccid

While they danced, Sebastian caressed Kurt's face tenderly with one hand and sang right in his face.

you're an acid junkie college flunky dirty puppy dead end bastard

Kurt started to laugh so hard he lost his footing for a minute before he quickly recovered.

cause you're filthy, ooh and I'm gorgeous
you're disgusting, ooh and you're nasty

Sebastian twirled away from Kurt and then circled back to him as a new song with a fast driving dance beat started. A man with a deep voice was singing about a guy who had dumped him.

turn around
stand up like a man and look me in the eye

"This is the best breakup song ever!" Sebastian yelled in Kurt's ear. They began to move together again. This time Kurt was singing the words in Sebastian's face.

you think you're a man but you're only a boy
you think you're a man- you are only a toy

Kurt pretended Sebastian was his ex. He crowded up against him, poking him in the chest with an angry look on his face. Sebastian got the hint and played along, his face a mask of regret. Kurt kept singing.

you think you're a man but you just couldn't see
you weren't man enough to satisfy me

Kurt turned his back on Sebastian and walked away, a sneer on his lips. Sebastian pursued him with a pleading expression and grabbed his arm.

Turning toward Sebastian, Kurt smiled and hooked one arm around Sebastian's neck, pretending to give in and reunite with his lover for the final chorus of the song. Sweaty and laughing, they pressed together and moved in time to the pounding beat. A crowd had gathered to watch Kurt and Sebastian's performance and when the song ended, people around them were applauding.

Kurt's smile was so wide his face hurt.

"You want to have fun with this?" asked Sebastian, pulling out his phone. "Can I put my arm around you? I don't want to end up on the floor."

"Cuddle up, Smythe. It's your lucky day."

Sebastian used his fingers to mess up his sweaty hair and unbutton a few extra shirt buttons. Kurt followed his lead and did the same. As Sebastian embraced Kurt, he leaned over and blew a loud raspberry on Kurt's neck. Ticklish, Kurt tossed his head back with a big laugh at the exact moment that Sebastian snapped the picture.

"Oh, this is classic," Sebastian purred approvingly at the picture on his phone. "Come on, I'm thirsty. What are you drinking?"

"Just water. Thanks."

When they were leaning against the bar with their drinks, Sebastian gave Kurt an appraising look. "If you want we could exchange phone numbers. If you ever get in trouble, call me. I'll probably be here in the fall."

"Thanks. Who knows, maybe I can save your ass some time. And good luck with the college search."

"Thank you," said Sebastian, tipping back his beer. "Looking forward to meeting all the hot guys in New York," said Sebastian with a wink. He reached out and ran a finger down Kurt's arm. His gaze was intense.

Kurt laughed and shifted away.

"You know Kurt, I thought you were gorgeous the minute I met you."

"Never change, Sebastian. You're hilarious."

"Who said I was joking?"

"We both know you wanted Blaine."

"Yeah, I did. And then I saw you and I started thinking about a threesome."

"You did not!"

"You didn't see me with my mouth hanging open when you walked up to the table?"

"I...what? No! That's ridiculous!"

"Stunning, I thought. Your eyes are amazing. They're the first thing I noticed about you. But then you opened up that pretty little mouth of yours and were a complete bitch to me."

Anger flared in Kurt's eyes.

"You had your claws out the minute you met me," Sebastian continued.

"I had good reason," Kurt said through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, you did." Sebastian shrugged and took another swig of his beer.

Kurt thought back to the first time he was alone with Sebastian in the Lima Bean.

"You're right, Sebastian. I told you I didn't like you, and that was true. And I told you I didn't like the way you talked to Blaine. But then I insulted your face and your hair, and I said you smelled bad. That was cruel and I'm sorry."

Sebastian's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Thank you, Hummel. I really appreciate that. "

"I tend to attack when I'm feeling defensive. Something I need to work on." Kurt shrugged.

"Same," said Sebastian with a grin. "And I'm sorry too, Kurt, for all those times I made fun of you."

"Yeah, you can dish it out too," Kurt agreed with a smirk. "Okay, Sebastian. We can exchange numbers, but I am not hooking up with you. And no threesomes with Blaine. But maybe we could be friends." Kurt made a face, pretending to gag.

"I guess I'll just have to live with that," said Sebastian, smiling.

They traded phones to get each other's numbers, and then swapped them back, and Sebastian's grin turned playful.

"So Kurt. You have to tell me about that hot guy on your Facebook page. Adam, was it? The one in that picture with no shirt on and that delicious body. Because I would love to know..."

Sebastian trailed off, looking up behind Kurt. Kurt felt a warm hand on his shoulder and heard a voice behind him.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Author's note: Hello readers! I am so sorry it took over a month for me to update. I already have a rough draft of chapter 9, so the wait should be shorter this time. Thank you to my fabulous beta gleefulgigi for all her support and cheerleading, and thank you to the lovely dani/colferbrian for helping me with the info about Philadelphia!

Songs in this chapter:

What I Got (Sublime)

Wonderwall (Oasis)

Sweet Nothing (Calvin Harris featuring Florence Welch)

Troublemaker (Olly Murs featuring Flo Rida)

Filthy Gorgeous (Scissor Sisters)

You Think You're a Man (the version by Full Frontal, from the Queer as Folk soundtrack, Season 1.)