Kurt was dreaming.
Kurt was in the living room of the loft, having hot, sweaty, amazing sex on the couch with Adam.
Just when Kurt was about to shake apart, Blaine walked in the front door and stood in the living room, his arms folded across his chest, glaring at Kurt and Adam.
"I thought I talked to you about this, Kurt," scolded Blaine.
"Get out of my apartment!" yelled Kurt.
As Blaine turned to go, Kurt noticed Sebastian standing in the corner of the room. He was grinning and holding up a sign with a number ten on it.
Kurt woke up at one o'clock on Saturday afternoon to the sound of his phone ringing.
"Dad?"
Kurt stretched and sat up to take his dad's call.
"Kurt! How are you? No Carole, I need the red folder. Thanks hon. Sorry Kurt, how are you?"
Kurt chuckled.
"Are you laughing?"
"I'm good dad. I just had a really funny dream."
"I'm sorry I woke you. Is this a bad time?"
"No, it's good," insisted Kurt.
"I was just about to take a break for lunch."
"Well I don't want to keep you if you're hungry Dad."
"Kurt. Lunch can wait. I'm very well fed." Burt let out a belly laugh.
It felt good to hear him sounding happy.
"How are you feeling Dad? How's Carole?"
"Good, good. Can't complain."
"Are you sure? How are your treatments going?"
"Well I get a little tired sometimes, but my appetite is good, and the doctors say everything is going well. They're happy with my progress. I'm on a break from the chemo right now, so I feel pretty good."
"That's good."
"So how are you doing buddy?"
"Fine dad. How are you? How's work?"
"Great, great. Hey listen, I hope Blaine hasn't been bothering you since Carole and I set him straight."
"He texted me last night. I didn't answer."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want me to talk to him?"
"No, please don't." The last thing Kurt wanted was his dad getting upset about this. "It was just a couple texts, he hasn't been bothering me except for last night."
"No, it's in the other filing cabinet," Burt said in the background. "Okay, if that's what you want. You change your mind, you let me know. Hey, did you hear marriage equality passed in one of the Brazilian states? Sao Paulo."
Kurt smiled. "That's great dad."
"So what's new at school?"
"I got cast as an understudy to a lead role in a Shakespeare play dad. Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream."
"Oh that's fantastic! You know your mom loved that one."
"Yeah, I remember." Tears pricked at his eyes. Kurt wished she could see him in it.
"She would be so proud of you," said Burt. "So proud."
"Dad, enough! You're going to make me cry."
"Let me know the dates. I'll be there if I can."
"Well I'm only an understudy dad. I mean I'll be in the ensemble most likely. I'll barely have a part."
Burt let out a huff. "Yeah, like that's going to stop me from coming. Should I be hoping that whoever is playing Puck breaks his leg or something?"
"DAD! No! Don't even say that!"
"All right! Just kidding!"
"When we say break a leg we don't mean it literally you know."
"I know that kid. I'm just pulling your leg."
"Enough with the leg jokes, Dad! My...Adam says they hardly ever cast freshman but if I'm going to make it in this business I have to try right? So even a tiny part is great at this point! For a first semester freshman!"
"Your Adam?" said Burt.
"God, Dad! I...that's...going pretty well too. I'm kind of mixed up though."
"Go on," prompted Burt.
"Things are great with him, but I have all this...anger coming up about Blaine. Sometimes I get so mad about how he's treated me, how he always wanted to push me into the background, and...you know."
"I know?"
"What happened in that parking lot."
"Yeah," sighed Burt heavily. "You've got every right to be angry! Remember whatever you're feeling is okay. Right?"
"I'll try," said Kurt quietly.
"You know there are people you can talk to about it," reminded Burt.
"I know. I started seeing a counselor."
"Good for you," said Burt. "I hope it helps. And no matter what I love you. You know that right?"
"Yeah Dad. I love you too."
"Kurt?" Rachel called through his room divider. "Can we talk? We need to go get groceries before the storm hits."
Kurt's phone buzzed with a text.
"Just a minute," Kurt yelled to Rachel. "Hey Dad, can I talk to you tomorrow? We have to get to the store before this blizzard gets here tomorrow."
"Yeah, sure. I need to go eat now anyway. I'll call you back tomorrow. You got everything you need?"
"Like what?"
"You know, gloves, flashlights in case you lose power, batteries..."
"We'll take care of it."
"Okay. Bye Kurt. I love you."
"Love you too Dad. Bye."
Kurt looked at his phone.
Sebastian: I have more interviews in NY today! What are you up to tonight?
Kurt smiled and rolled his eyes.
Kurt: I have a date.
Sebastian: he's a lucky guy
Kurt: smooth, that's what you are my friend
Sebastian: I try. Have fun.
Kurt stretched his arms above his head and looked at his bed covers.
Time to change these sheets, he thought. Adam is going to be in my bed tonight.
A grin spread over his face as he got up, tossing his comforter and blankets on his chair and stripping the sheets and pillowcases off the bed. Maybe there was a scene or two from that dream he could recreate tonight. Without the extra company.
He laughed, and went to the washing machine with his bedding in his arms to start a load before heading to the shower.
Once he had showered he put on his robe and headed to the kitchen where he found Rachel and Santana.
"Good morning ladies. Oh you started coffee! I love you! What's the latest on the storm?"
"We're supposed to get eight to ten inches with high winds starting tomorrow afternoon," answered Rachel.
"Okay. I have a ton of work to do. Then we'll see about the store."
"But Kurt, we need to go now before they run out of things. Everybody panics when a storm is coming," said Rachel.
"Well I only have a couple hours to work before Adam is coming over at four. Can you guys go to the store?"
"Fine with me," said Santana.
"All right," said Rachel. "And if we have to do the shopping then I'm going out for brunch first, come on Santana."
"Any requests Kurt?" asked Santana.
"Wine. Junk food. Make sure you get enough vegetarian stuff for Adam."
"Well don't get too naked when your guy shows up," said Santana. "I don't want to walk in on anything."
Kurt rolled his eyes. "I'll be sure to do it right on the couch where you're going to sleep tonight," he said sarcastically.
Santana smirked at him.
And then Santana and Rachel were gone and there was quiet.
Blessed, wonderful quiet.
There was the occasional ambulance or police siren outside of course. Horns honking. But no voices in the apartment. No other people.
Kurt ate some breakfast, worked in peace on his laptop, drank more coffee, moved the laundry to the dryer, and worked some more.
He brainstormed costume ideas for A Midsummer Night's Dream and emailed a copy of his notes off to Winston and Erin.
He finished a Shakespeare paper.
He emailed Professor Giordano and told her he would be happy to accept the ensemble role and the role of understudy to Puck.
After texting directions to the loft to Adam, Kurt watched a couple of the music videos of the Shocking Mistakes performing live that Adam had sent him.
They're really good, he thought. Hard rock. Powerful guitar leads. The lead singer was hot as hell.
He checked the time. Three thirty. Adam would be here in half an hour.
Kurt went to his closet and picked out a beautiful black dress shirt with swirling gold lines on it that emphasized the way the shirt hugged every muscle in his chest. He hung it from a knob on his dresser, put on his favorite black skinny jeans and tossed on a hoodie.
He had just finished styling his hair when he heard his phone again.
Adam: I'm outside your building
Kurt: come on up
His heart sped up as Kurt went to open the heavy door and let Adam in.
Adam folded him into a warm hug and squeezed him hard.
"I'm glad to see you too," Kurt laughed.
Adam softened the hug, leaned down to kiss Kurt along his temple, and stepped back.
"Hi," said Adam. His smile lit up his entire body.
"Hi yourself," said Kurt. "You look so excited."
"I am. I love this band and I am so happy to see you." Adam looked around the loft and his eyes opened wide.
'This place his huge," said Adam.
"I know. I can't believe it either. It's not like I'm from a rich family or anything."
"You're not? Wait, let me guess. Are you secretly a drug dealer or something?
"No wait, You won the lottery but you don't like to talk about it so you won't get favored unfairly at NYADA.
"Or you're secretly a prince, and your American accent is all a ruse, and your extensive knowledge of English history and the Royal Family are all a part of this elaborate hoax.
"You could have told me you know." Adam's eyes were playful.
"Excellent guesses. The truth is one of Rachel's dads is a doctor, and he saved our landlord's life once years ago, and the guy became his friend, and when he found out Rachel and I wanted to move to New York, and he insisted on renting this place to Rachel at a very low rate."
"One of her dads?"
"Rachel was raised by two gay dads."
"Oh how nice." Adam smiled and dropped his messenger bag near the sofa. "Well, you'll have to give me the grand tour."
"Here, let me hang up your coat," said Kurt.
Adam slipped off his winter coat. He was wearing a tight faded black t shirt with the words The Shocking Mistakes World Tour 2011 on it. The shirt looked well loved and hugged Adam's biceps like a glove.
"This is the living room, obviously."
"Obviously."
"The kitchen is over there." Kurt waved his hand. "The bathroom is that way."
He took Adam by the hand and led him down to the other end of the loft. "Rachel's room is behind that divider."
"And mine is in there," he said, waving toward his own room.
They grinned at each other, standing in front of Kurt's room, and then Adam moved closer to Kurt and looked down at his lips.
Kurt got the hint, wrapping his arms around Adam and leaning up to press their lips together.
Soon Kurt was pulling back, looking a little dazed. "So how long do we have?" he asked.
Adam pulled out his phone to check the time. "The show is standing room only, so if we want to get up close we should leave in about a half hour. Which doesn't leave much time for dinner first. We could eat at the club, but it's horribly overpriced and they don't have much for me to eat that's vegetarian."
"We have some really good veggie curry in the fridge that Rachel made if you want."
Adam smiled. "Wonderful."
They went to the kitchen heat up the food, and they brought their bowls over to the coffee table in the living room and sat on the couch.
"Rachel is out at the grocery store stocking up for the storm."
"Ah yes, the storm." Adam smiled all the way to his eyes, and Kurt grinned back.
But then Kurt smile fell and he suddenly looked nervous, and when his expression changed, Adam looked concerned.
"Adam could we...um... talk about that?"
"Of course we can. Kurt, I don't want you to feel pressured into doing anything with me that you don't want to do."
"Thanks. But it's not that..."
"Because the last thing I want is for you to feel like I expect anything..."
"Adam."
"Because I don't and I really..."
"Adam!"
"Sorry," said Adam with a sheepish smile.
Kurt smiled. "I appreciate what you're saying. But I need to tell you where my head is at."
"Listening."
"This is new for me. I never really..." Kurt let out a breath.
He wanted honest communication.
He paused.
Adam waited.
"I mean, I've never had someone I could really talk to about the things we did, without there being a lot of conflict or confusion or..."
Adam gave Kurt a small warm smile.
"I mean things were better with Chase but that was different, because it wasn't as serious...I'm sorry, I'm kind of nervous.
"You're so easy to talk to, Adam, but I...this is just hard for me."
"Take your time," said Adam.
"And I just want to make sure we're on the same page, because I want to be honest here, and I'm sorry if this hurts you."
Kurt took another deep breath.
"So. Adam. How would you feel if I told you I was ready to sleep with you. But that I wasn't ready to be official yet."
Adam looked surprised.
"Fine. Great. Fantastic."
"Really? That doesn't upset you or hurt your feelings or anything?"
"Not at all. We're really still getting to know each other, I think. I'm just a little bit...surprised. That you really want to sleep with me."
"Okay..." said Kurt.
"Maybe surprised isn't the right word. Happy? Ecstatic? Grateful?" Adam grinned.
Kurt laughed.
"Overjoyed? Delighted? Chuffed? Thrilled? Pleased?"
"I think I get the idea," Kurt said with a grin. "I want to do this right, Adam. You're important to me."
"You're important to me too," says Adam, reaching for Kurt's hand and lifting it to his lips for a kiss.
Kurt's heart soared at the sweet gesture.
"And there's something else I need to say," said Kurt.
He took another deep breath.
How much did he want to get into his past here? How much did he want to tell Adam about his scar, and the night Blaine hurt him outside of Scandals? Or about how much it still affected him, physically and emotionally?
Breathe.
All he needed was a simple statement.
This didn't have to be complicated.
"So how would you feel if I told you I wanted to sleep with you. But I told I you I had never...um...been the one on the receiving end." Kurt's voice shook a little. "And I'm not sure I ever want to."
Adam nodded.
"I'm sorry, it's just...I mean it's not that I've never done anything..."
He trailed off, remembering one incredible night when he let Chase kneel behind him and run his tongue over him, and Kurt crouched there, scared and brave, shaking and so incredibly turned on.
Kurt shifted in his seat.
"I mean...this is hard for me to talk about. I just don't want to do that. I'm really sorry."
Adam was starting to wonder who had made Kurt feel like he had to be sorry for something like this.
When really any man who was allowed to be in the same room as Kurt should appreciate what a privilege it was.
"Kurt. You're apologizing for something that needs no apology."
Kurt looked at Adam. "Maybe with time and a little patience I could learn to like it I just...just not now."
"Kurt please, stop pressuring yourself. Let's just take this off the table."
Kurt really needed to be sure. "But won't you be upset if I don't want to do that? Don't you want me to?"
"No." Adam shook his head. "I mean yes, to answer your question, I like it both ways. But that's not what's important. How could I possibly want to do something that makes you so uncomfortable?"
Adam was really starting to worry about Kurt now.
Kurt reached for Adam's hand. It was warm and solid, grounding him.
"Okay?" said Adam.
"Yeah," said Kurt.
"You're really very hard on yourself," said Adam. "And there's no need. No need at all."
Kurt finally smiled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. And if anyone ever gave you a hard time about you saying no to them, tell me their address so I can go and shake them, for not being properly grateful that you allowed them to even breathe the same air as you."
"I don't think that will be necessary," said Kurt with a chuckle. "But thank you."
"So let me see if I understand," said Adam gently. "This sweet, wonderful gorgeous man wants to get me into his bed. And he's being honest with me about what he likes and doesn't like, and what it means to him."
"I don't know about gorgeous, but yeah, basically."
Adam squeezed Kurt's hand and let go of it. And he leaned closer, putting his arm around Kurt and leaned in to whisper right into his ear.
"So," said Adam breathing hot in Kurt's ear, "so if that's what you want, if you'd like to do that with me..."
Kurt closed his eyes and let the heat wash over him. "Be...um...inside you?"
"I would say yes...please," said Adam in Kurt's ear. The word was a slow, warm, reverent breath, and that warmth spread through Kurt's whole body.
Kurt shuddered.
"And yes to nearly anything else you might want to do," continued Adam. "As long as we're safe. Really, if you have any ideas, I'm all ears."
"Or all arse," Adam whispered.
Kurt exploded into giggles. "Booty, booty, booty," he sang, and then Adam lost it too.
They were sitting on the couch holding each other, with Adam giggling into Kurt's chest and Kurt grinning indulgently down at him when Santana walked in the front door carrying two grocery bags.
"Okay you two, that's enough. What did I tell you about the couch? I have to sleep there."
"You're just jealous Santana," returned Kurt.
"Not my type." Santana held her hand out to Adam. "Hi. I'm Santana."
Adam grinned at her and shook her hand. "Pleasure. Adam Crawford."
"Oh, the pleasure's all Kurt's."
Rachel followed with more bags. "The groceries have arrived!"
"Well you are my type," said Kurt quietly to Adam, pulling him close for a sweet kiss before Kurt got up off the couch to help with the groceries.
"Is there anything I can do?" asked Adam.
"Honestly, you would not believe some of the weird shit Rachel brought home."
"Being a vegetarian is not weird, Santana. You'd live twenty years longer if you tried it."
"Give me strength," muttered Santana.
After the food was all put away Kurt turned to Adam. "I just need to go brush my teeth and change my shirt."
"Oh bloody hell, I knew I was forgetting something," said Adam.
"I have a spare toothbrush if you want," said Kurt.
"Thank you."
They brushed their teeth and then Kurt asked Adam to wait while he put on his dress shirt and left his hoodie in his room. He put on his black boots and headed for the coat rack near the door.
"I will have by far the hottest date in the place," murmured Adam as he helped Kurt put his coat on.
"Flatterer," whispered Kurt into Adam's mouth before kissing him one more time.
"Okay, we need to get out of here," said Adam.
"Let's go," agreed Kurt. "Bye girls!"
"Have fun boys!" called out Santana.
"Bye guys!" said Rachel.
The train was packed with people and as it roared through the tunnels, Kurt loved getting shoved up against Adam in the press of bodies. Kurt hung on to the pole where he stood and swayed as the train moved, and Adam held on just above him, their hands touching, Adam's hand sending warmth through Kurt's.
"Here's our stop," said Adam, and they jumped off the train together, heading up the stairs and out into the cold evening.
After a few blocks Adam grabbed Kurt's hand and steered him toward a line forming in front of a nightclub.
They were early so there were only about twenty people in front of them. As more people arrived and joined the line, Kurt noticed that a lot of them seemed to be gay men. Several of them were holding hands in pairs.
"Is this a gay club?" asked Kurt.
"No, but the lead singer is bi, and the bass player is gay."
"So they probably have a lot of fans who are."
"I'm sure."
They huddled together, enjoying each other's warmth in the cold air. Kurt didn't know much about the band, but he enjoyed the excitement of the other people in line and listening while Adam chattered away with the people nearby about them.
At last the line started to move, and Adam was trading in their tickets for a pair of bright yellow wristbands.
They checked their coats and moved inside. Recorded rock songs were blaring from the sound system as Adam grabbed Kurt's hand again and pulled him toward the front of the club where they staked out a spot near the stage.
People continued to pour steadily into the club.
"And now we wait," said Adam.
This part was a little boring. The band wasn't on stage yet, but no one wanted to give up their spot on the floor, so they stood and chatted and just enjoy the energy of anticipation crackling in the room.
"Are you thirsty Kurt?" asked Adam.
"No I'm fine. Why don't I hold our spot if you want to go get something."
"Thanks," Adam says with a grin, heading off to the bar.
He wasn't allowed to bring his drink back to the floor, but his rosy cheeks and his relaxed smile showed Kurt he had enjoyed something at the bar before he came pushing back through the crowd to find him, his face lighting up when he spotted Kurt.
Adam moved close to him. "So," Adam purred into Kurt's ear. "I want to hear more about things you like."
Kurt's eyes opened wide in a surprised expression that he quickly schooled into a little smirk.
He pulled out his phone and tapped out a message.
Adam's phone went off in his pocket. He pulled it out and read the screen.
Kurt: Do you like having your hair pulled?
Adam: oh yes
Kurt: me too
Adam: good to know
Kurt: tell me something you like
Adam: you
The smile Kurt gave Adam was slightly mocking.
Adam: and being spanked
Kurt nearly dropped his phone.
Adam laughed and pulled him into a hug.
Adam checked the time. "I don't think there's an opening act, so the show should start pretty soon."
As if on cue, the lights went out, the crowd screamed and everyone surged forward toward the stage. Kurt was nearly knocked off his feet in the push of bodies and Adam steadied him with his strong arms, as the band came on stage and picked up their instruments and began to play.
They let go of each other and started to dance with everyone around them.
The lead singer was gorgeous, with close cropped hair and beautifully sculpted muscles on his bare chest and arms, wearing only a pair of tight leather pants. Kurt could definitely see the appeal as men and women in the crowd started yelling his name, which was apparently Matthew.
Kurt noticed a couple standing near them. The two guys were gazing adoringly at each other.
The shorter one was fair skinned and looked vaguely familiar, but the club was dark so that thought disappeared as quickly as it came. The tall guy was darker, with black hair. He was built like Sebastian, but he moved more awkwardly, with an amazing smile he kept beaming at the shorter guy as he sang the lyrics of the songs to him.
When the taller guy moved behind the shorter guy and wrapped his arms around him, and the little guy looked positively smitten . He leaned back against his date's chest and they swayed together.
It was so nice to see that nobody cared or harassed them. Kurt noticed Adam looking at them too and Kurt and Adam smiled at each other. Kurt put his arm around Adam's waist from the side, and Adam leaned down and rested his head on Kurt's shoulder for a moment.
The music sped up then and everyone was dancing faster.
Kurt never really understood the appeal of a rock concert before, but now that he was experiencing it, the energy of the loud hard-driving guitars and the bouncing horde of screaming fans was amazing, even though he did get shoved around a bit. He didn't know the songs but that didn't matter. Adam was beaming and singing along and everyone around him was ecstatic to be there.
And Adam could not stop smiling. His joy was infectious. He smiled at Kurt, a warm, happy smile and Kurt couldn't help but smile too.
It hit him like a rush, the thought of all the things he could do with Adam when he got him home, and he felt high, knowing that this sweet, beautiful man wanted him too.
Kurt was ready to pin Adam to a wall by the time the band announced they were taking a break and the lights came up for intermission.
"Bathroom?" Adam asked. Kurt took Adam's hand and pulled him toward the back of the club where the men's room was.
When they got there Kurt was disappointed to see that there was a long line already. His intentions must have been clear on his face, because Adam rubbed a broad hand over Kurt's back and gave him an apologetic look.
"You didn't actually think we'd get to be alone in there," Adam teased.
"I wish," said Kurt.
"Let's try the one upstairs," said Adam.
They went up the stairs, to the second floor, and found another line for that men's room.
They got in line. Kurt came out of his stall when Adam was going into one. When Kurt went back out he saw that couple again, the cute pair of guys he had seen downstairs. They were standing near the second floor bar and Kurt smiled as he walked over to get something to drink. As Adam was walking out of the men's room, the shorter of the two guys turned around.
And screamed "Kurt!"
"Chandler?"
Chandler Kiehl hurled himself into Kurt's arms. "Oh. My. God! I can't believe it's really you!"
Kurt grinned and awkwardly patted his friend on the back, as Chandler's date and Adam walked over to them.
"OH MY GOD YOU MADE IT! YOU'RE IN NEW YORK! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!"
"Good to see you too," said Kurt.
"DO YOU LIKE THE BAND? BECAUSE I LOVE THEM I MEAN THEIR THIRD ALBUM WASN'T AS GOOD AS THE FIRST TWO BUT THE FIRST ONE WAS AMAZING AND I..."
"Oh. My. God." Chandler started breathing in short, hard gasps.
"Breathe, Chandler!" Kurt said with a laugh.
Chandler took a moment to get himself under control.
"So tell me everything! EVERYTHING!" said Chandler.
"Chandler, this is Adam."
Chandler took the hand Adam was offering and looked up at him.
"Hi Adam...wait...Adam Crawford? From NYADA? Hold on. I don't believe it. Were you in Taming of the Shrew last year?
"Yes I was." Adam beamed.
"OH. MY. GOD. I saw you! I was visiting schools in New York that week! You were stunning!"
"Thank you. That's very kind of you."
"Kurt! Does this mean you're at NYADA now?" asked Chandler.
"I just started this semester," said Kurt. "I didn't get in the first time."
"Are you serious? That's crazy. How is it? Wait. I'm sorry. I'm being so rude." He gestured to the tall dark-haired guy he had been snuggling with all night. "This is my boyfriend, Mauricio. Maurie, this is Adam. And this is Kurt, another fabulous Ohio boy."
"So nice to meet you both," said Maurie, reaching out to shake Kurt's and Adam's hands.
"Do you want a minute with your friend?" asked Adam. Kurt nodded gratefully. "Can I get you anything? They seem pretty lax about carding people here."
"A beer, thank you. You're the best." Kurt turned and kissed Adam on the cheek before Adam headed over to the bar, and Maurie followed Adam, chatting with him about the band on the way over.
Chandler followed Maurie with his eyes like a lost puppy, and then he snapped his attention back to Kurt.
"So. Kurt! What's going on?"
"I can't believe it's you!" said Kurt. "I saw you guys together downstairs, but I didn't recognize you until I saw you up here with the lights on. Your boyfriend is so cute! You two look really happy."
"Thanks," said Chandler, looking down with a shy but pleased smile. "We are."
"Can I ask you something? Whatever happened with you and Blaine?"
Kurt stiffened. "We broke up."
"I'm so sorry."
"It's okay."
"I am really sorry about what happened last year. I never meant to cause any trouble between you two. You know that, right?"
"It's fine, Chandler. I'm so glad I ran into you again. I wondered if you made it to New York.
"I really regretted just cutting you off like that, but Blaine got so jealous about your texts and it was just...it was really hard."
"Well that is in the past now," said Chandler firmly. "Let's start over. Hi," said Chandler holding out his hand to shake.
Kurt laughed and took his hand. "Kurt Hummel," he said.
"Chandler Kiehl. I go to NYU. Nice to meet you, Kurt Hummel."
"You too. I go to NYADA."
"I think this is going to be a beautiful friendship," said Chandler, putting a hand on his heart. "So what are you studying, Kurt Hummel?"
"I am studying voice, and acting, and Shakespeare, and costume design..." Kurt smiled. "It's wonderful. I absolutely love it."
"What an amazing coincidence! I'm studying theater too! Have you been in any shows?"
"I just got a part in A Midsummer Night's Dream."
"Ooh! Can I come see you? Will Adam be in it too?"
"Yes and yes! How about you?"
"Nothing yet. I'm going to be on the lighting crew for Pippin though."
"I love that show. I'll have to come see it."
"It's a date! I mean, not a DATE date."
"No. We're friends."
"Yes, friends," said Chandler with a smile. "It would be a pleasure and an honor to be your friend, Kurt Hummel."
"We'll have to do lunch," said Kurt excitedly. "Or coffee. You can bring your boyfriend if you want."
"And bring Adam if you want."
"That would be fun."
Chandler gazed longingly at his boyfriend over at the bar, with so much love in his eyes it made Kurt ache.
Kurt looked over at Adam, a little concerned that he'd be jealous of Chandler, but Adam was deep in a conversation with Maurie and the bartender, and he looked perfectly happy.
The lights flashed. Intermission was over.
"Let's go," said Chandler, heading over toward the guys at the bar. Kurt followed him. He looked down to the stage on the level below, where a roadie dressed in black carried a stool out and placed it at the front of the stage before rushing away.
The lights went out, and the crowd cheered.
"We should get back downstairs," said Chandler.
Kurt turned to Adam.
His gaze fixed on Kurt, Adam said "I'd like to stay up here a little longer."
"Come on," said Chandler to his boyfriend, "I think these two lovebirds want to be alone."
"Maybe we'll see you guys downstairs later," said Maurie.
Kurt and Adam turned to wave goodbye, and Chandler and his boyfriend rushed toward the stairway to the ground floor.
A spotlight fell on Matthew, sitting on stage with only his guitar. He began to play a slow and familiar guitar lead.
Adam leaned close to Kurt's ear. "Have you noticed there's hardly anyone up here?"
Kurt gave him a knowing smirk. "I was wondering about that. You said they sold out, but there are all these empty seats."
"Maybe everyone snuck in downstairs to get closer to the stage," suggested Adam. "They don't seem to have very tight security."
He held up the beer he had bought for him to emphasize his point before handing it to Kurt, who took a swig and put it back down on the bar.
Down on the stage below, Matthew began to croon a love song in a crystal clear voice that sent a rush of warmth through Kurt's chest.
the world was on fire
no one could save me but you
Adam stepped away from his bar stool and held out a hand to Kurt. He led Kurt into an empty corner and opened his arms in an offer to dance.
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
Kurt moved into Adam's embrace and tucked his face into Adam's warm neck. Adam leaned his warm cheek against Kurt's.
Kurt felt Adam breathe deeply and he melted as they began to move to the music.
I don't want to fall in love
But he did.
Kurt wanted to fall in love with Adam.
He wanted Adam so much. He wanted to sink into Adam and make him fall apart.
Alone in their dark little corner of the balcony, Kurt looked up into Adam's sweet blue eyes and saw nothing but love there.
Kurt leaned up and pressed his mouth to Adam's, and held him tighter, and kissed him hungrily, as if he'd climb inside him if he could.
Adam kissed him back until they were both breathless, as the haunting melody swirled around them and washed over them.
Note: The band The Shocking Mistakes and its lead singer, Matthew, are fictional. The song they sing is a cover of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak, which is familiar to Kurt because he's heard it on the radio for years.