Hey everyone! I know I've said it before but thank you so much for all the love you are giving this story. I am so glad you all seem to be enjoying it. Before we continue with the story though, there are a few questions I wanted to clear up.

1) Some of you have asked if there is divorce in this world and the short answer is no. The government will very rarely allow you to be unpaired and your name to re-enter the Lottery, but you're Lifemate would basically have to be a stark-raving-mad serial killer for that to happen. I may write Cooper as a jerk at times in this story, but he isn't that bad.

2) Some of you are also interested in the idea of a Blaine/Kurt/Cooper threesome. I'm sorry if you are looking forward to that, because it isn't going to happen. The original prompt says no threesomes, and honestly I wouldn't write one anyway. Not my thing. If it is your thing that's cool, but it isn't right for what I have planned for this story. :)

And 3) What about Blaine's Lifemate letter? Yeah, he hasn't gotten his so he always could.

If you have other (non-spoilery) questions let me know. Okay, enough of me boring you, this chapter is nice and long, so enjoy!

Cooper was in town for a couple of weeks before he went back to California for the big call back audition. It was quite possibly some of the longest weeks in Blaine's life. It seemed like everything was going wrong for him. The biggest issue being his attraction to Kurt, though the word attraction didn't seem to cover it.

Blaine had realized from the beginning how utterly gorgeous Kurt was, but now his feelings were growing, he liked Kurt, really liked him, for who he was. Smart, and funny and a little bit snarky and so very kind. Blaine did everything he could to stomp down the feelings but every time he saw Cooper brush his hand against Kurt's or lean down to kiss him, or rest a hand on the small of his back Blaine thought he might go crazy.

Kurt still blushed every time Cooper showed him any physical attention, and then he would lean into the touch or return the kiss. The only thing that kept Blaine's heart from fracturing completely was that Kurt never seemed to initiate these gestures. It was always Cooper. That was something at least.

Another trouble was the Warblers. The school year had just recently started and there was already a dramatic shift in the Warblers behavior and direction. Blaine knew why, the problem was Hunter Clarington.

Hunter had moved to Ohio from Colorado Springs over the summer and had started to get to know some of the Warblers. Then when school started up he joined and immediately some of the other guys nominated him for the Warbler Council. Apparently he led his military Academy Choir to a Regional's victory.

Before Blaine even knew what was happening Hunter, Sebastian and himself had been voted onto the Council leaving Trent out. And just a few weeks in, the whole feel of the Warblers had changed.

"He's just one guy." Kurt said sitting at Blaine's desk one day as Blaine flopped back on his bed after a long and frustrating practice with the Warblers. "How does he have so much influence? You've been there 3 years and are the lead singer."

"Not anymore." Blaine said with a sigh. Kurt was always so good about listening to his troubles at school, and he wasn't a stranger to show choir drama. "The Warblers voted not to have a lead this year, even though that's always been our strategy."

"Oh." Kurt said looking surprised. "I'm sorry Blaine that must be disappointing." He got up from the chair and crawled onto the bed sitting down next to Blaine. Blaine couldn't speak for a moment trying to get his heart to settle down.

Eventually Blaine sat up and crossed his legs sitting to face Kurt. "I don't mind not being the lead singer, I just want us to be a group again. I feel like we have factions and agendas and I know Hunter is planning something he hasn't told either Seb or I about."

Kurt worried his bottom lip and nodded before taking Blaine's hands into his own. The warm press of Kurt's hands made Blaine shutter slightly.

"Rachel and I fought all the time in Glee club." Kurt said. "And there were always people vying for the spotlight, but at the end of the day we always managed to come together as a group. They're your friends, give it time to all shake out. It will be okay."

Blaine smiled. "Thanks Kurt."

"I haven't done anything."

"You listen and you help me not go nuts. I can get overly worked up about show choir. Seriously I can be a little crazy."

Kurt laughed. "Not crazy, passionate."

Blaine smiled bigger and felt his heart leap a little.

Kurt's phone let out a little ping and Kurt let go of Blaine's hands to retrieve it from his pocket, a shy smile crossing his face as he read the text massage.

"Cooper is live-texting his wait at a coffee shop." Kurt said.

The phone pinged again and Kurt laughed. "He doesn't even seem nervous about his audition tomorrow at all."

"Well, that's Cooper. He always covers his nerves with jokes." Blaine smiled, but it felt forced.

Kurt was typing out a message as his phone pinged again. He looked up at Blaine. "Hey, would it be okay if I called him real quick? He has a meeting with his agent soon and then dinner plans and I want a chance to talk to him before the audition in the morning."

"Of course." Blaine said quickly. Kurt had been helping Cooper run lines for the last few weeks and he knew if Cooper was nervous he'd be able to help. "You don't have to ask permission to call your hus- to call Cooper." Blaine said, mouth tasting dry.

"I know. But I want to talk more about the Warblers I do." Kurt said getting up and squeezing Blaine's knee. "Put a pin in it and we'll take up where we left off okay?"

Blaine nodded as he watched Kurt leave the room, putting the phone up to his ear. "Hey Cooper!" He said as he walked away.

Blaine groaned and fell back down on the bed covering his face with his hands. He was in such deep trouble. It hurt so much to see Kurt and Cooper getting along so well, and he felt incredibly guilty for it. He had to get over Kurt; he couldn't keep going on like this.

Blaine's phone buzzed and he picked it up from where it laid on the bed next to him. It was a text from Sebastian.

"Hey sexy. What are your plans for the evening?"

Blaine rolled his eyes, this was the last thing he needed right now.

"Homework. Dinner. Probably some Netflix."

"Boooooring." Sebastian texted back. "How about you have dinner with me? I could make it worth your wild."

Blaine sat up and leaned his back against the headboard letting out a sigh of frustration. Why wouldn't Sebastian get the point? He was about the text back turning him down when he heard Kurt laughing from down the hall. His chest ached a little and he looked back down at Sebastian's text.

"What did you have in mind?" He sent the text fast before he could have second thoughts

He waited a moment and then his phone rang. It was Sebastian.

"Hello Seb."

"Well is it my lucky day?" Sebastian answered. "You want to have dinner and then some?"

Blaine let out a huff of air. "How about just dinner?"

"I can work with that babe."

"And you don't call me babe."

"Sure. Sure. Whatever you want. Tonight will be all about you. I promise." Blaine could almost picture the sly smirk on Sebastian's face. "I'll pick you up in an half an hour?"

"Okay."

"This is a date, right?" Sebastian asked and he almost sounded a little nervous.

Blaine bit his lip and then looked towards to door knowing Kurt was a few rooms down talking to Cooper and probably flirting with him.

"Yeah." Blaine said. "It's a date."

"Great." Sebastian said sounding pleased. "Oh, you know those tight dark blue jeans you have? You should wear those, your ass looks edible in them."

"Sebastian, don't make me regret this."

"Fine." Sebastian laughed. "Wear what you want, or nothing at all. I'm easy to please. See you soon." Sebastian said and hung up before Blaine could reply.

This was a bad idea. Blaine knew it was, but for some reason he just didn't care.

Blaine got dressed wearing a mustard and black plaid shirt, a black vest and mustard bow tie and black jeans rolled up at the ankles. Not the jeans Sebastian had requested. He looked in the mirror and blew out a breath. He looked good, but it felt all wrong going out on a date with Sebastian.

He made his way downstairs to find Kurt in the kitchen.

"How's Cooper?" Blaine asked and leaned against the doorframe watching Kurt look through the refrigerator.

"Good. But I think you're right, he's nervous. I was thinking we could make some chicken parmesan for dinner." Kurt said turning around and then stopping. "Um." He blinked. "You look great. I mean… good. I mean…" He ran a hand over his hair. "Dressed up. Are you going somewhere?"

"Out with Sebastian actually." Blaine said.

"What? Like out with Sebastian and some of the Warblers?"

"No… uh. He asked me out and I said yes." Blaine pushed off the doorframe and stuck his hands in his pockets. He watched as Kurt braced his hands against the counter and leaned back on it.

"You're kidding."

"No I… just… I mean why not right?"

"Because you want romance and a relationship and... and love. You said so yourself." Kurt answered his cheeks were turning red and he looked upset.

"Well, yeah sure." Blaine said frustrated. "I do want those things, but that doesn't mean I can't have some fun along the way." He threw his hands in the air. "We all need a little fun."

"But you know what fun with Sebastian means." Kurt said crossing his arms in front of him.

"It's just dinner." Blaine said. "Nothing more."

"But-" Kurt was cut off by the doorbell ringing.

"Listen, I'll catch you latter okay?" Blaine said feeling a little lost at the look on Kurt's face, he didn't really understand why this was making Kurt so upset.

"Blaine I just…" Kurt said.

Blaine sighed "I have to go." He turned and went to answer the door. Sebastian stood there with a grin on his face and looking rather handsome in a nice pair of jeans and a blue button up shirt that went great with his eyes.

Sebastian nodded at Kurt who had followed Blaine and was standing behind his shoulder. "Kurt."

"Sebastian." Kurt said narrowing his eyes.

Then Sebastian turned back to Blaine his eyes making their way up and down him. "Mmmmm, like I said. Sex. On. A Stick." He handed him a card and Blaine looked down to see it was a fake ID with his picture on it.

"Blake Owen Clark?" Blaine read.

"Hey, it's a good fake." Sebastian said. "You should have seen the ones I was using a year ago."

Kurt walked up a stony look on his face. "Why does he need a fake ID at all?"

Sebastian smirked. "Because we are going to Scandals, it's a gay bar in West Lima. Thanks for asking mom."

"Seb don't." Blaine said trying to ease the obvious hostility between him and Kurt. He looked back and forth between the two of them. Sebastian raised his eye brows and smiled coolly and Kurt had his head tilted and a glare on his face.

"Listen Kurt, its fine. I'm not going to do anything dumb." Blaine said.

Kurt opened his mouth to speak but then stopped as Sebastian grabbed Blaine's hand and tugged him out the door. "We should get going." He looked back at Kurt. "Always good to see you."

Blaine followed Sebastian out and gave Kurt and apologetic little shrug.

Kurt shut the door behind Blaine and Sebastian and stood there a moment catching his breath. He really didn't like Sebastian and he didn't understand what had just happened. Had Blaine really just left hand in hand on a date with Sebastian Smythe? Too go drinking at a gay bar no less?

Kurt leaned his head against the door. How was this happening? He walked back to the kitchen and decided to just make a sandwich for dinner, but once it was made he found he couldn't eat. He felt physically sick at the thought of Blaine and Sebastian out together.

What was Blaine thinking? Why would he go out with Sebastian? And why did it bother Kurt so much?

Kurt went and got some of his homework and flopped down on the couch turning on the TV letting a marathon of Hell's Kitchen play in the background as he tried to concentrate on his work.

He didn't get much done though. He kept glancing at the clock and wondering how long Blaine would be out. He picked up his phone a few times thinking he should text Blaine and see how things were going, but he didn't want it to seem like he was checking up on him.

After sloppily finishing a few projects Kurt finally gave up on homework, he'd probably have to do those assignments again later anyway. He half-heartedly watched Gordan Ramsey yell at the chefs before he finally drifted off into a troubled sleep.

He woke a couple hours latter hearing the front door close and something crash to the ground and break. He jumped up from the couch and rushed to the door where he found Blaine on the floor trying to pick up pieces of the broken glass key tray he must have knocked off the front table.

"Blaine."

Blaine looked up with wide, unfocused eyes. "Kurt!" He called much too loudly. "I broke the tray Kurt. I was trying to be quite and not wake you!" He started laughing. "Oops!"

He then went back to picking up pieces. Kurt rushed to him and crouched down gently stopping his hands. "Wait, don't. You're going to cut yourself."

"I… I mess a made." Blaine said and giggled.

"Blaine. Are you drunk?" Kurt took a second look at him. His hair was messed up, like his hands had run through it, or someone's hands had run through it. His bowtie was gone and his shirt was unbuttoned at the top and untucked at the waist.

"I'm not drunk!" Blaine said affronted. "I hardly drank any-anything!"

Kurt shook his head and helped Blaine to his feet. "Whoa there killer." He said as Blaine wobbled a little bit.

"I'mnotdrunk." Blaine slurred.

"Okay, okay. You aren't drunk if you say so."

Blaine leaned on Kurt as they walked to the stairs.

"What about the mess?"

"I'll clean it up latter, let's get you in bed."

"But I wanna dance with you Kurt!"

"Not now." Kurt said with a smile and got Blaine to his room.

"But I danced with Sebastian. A lot. And now I want to dance with Kurt."

He helped Blaine sit down on the bed and Blaine immediately flopped backwards. "I had fun." Blaine said and started giggling again.

"Well good." Kurt answered, but he was starting to get more and more upset as he saw how drunk Blaine was.

Kurt started pulling Blaine's shoes off of him as Blaine got comfortable in the bed.

"I'm so hot!" Blaine said and sat up enough to pull his vest over his head and then he started unbuttoning his shirt.

Kurt turned to get him some pajamas. He dug through Blaine dresser until he found a soft t-shirt and some pajama pants, when he turned back he found Blain was laying on the bed not wearing anything but his undershirt and boxers.

Kurt felt really warm suddenly. "I… um…" He held out the clothes. "Here are some PJs."

"No. Too hot." Blaine said. "Kurt!" He sat up again, "Kurt! Kurt. I'm so drunk!" He started to laugh again. "I've never been this drunk."

Kurt clenched his jaw, how had Sebastian let him get like this? Then he noticed something else. There were red marks all over the side of Blaine's neck. He tossed the PJs down on a chair and climbed up next to Blaine to get a better look.

"Are those… hickeys?"

Blaine reached up and touched his neck. "Mmmmm, felt good."

Kurt could feel himself shaking he was so mad. If Sebastian had taken advantage of Blaine… He closed his eyes and stifled a shout. He was going to kill Sebastian.

Kurt moved to get up from the bed, but Blaine caught him by the wrist.

"Don't go." He said and looked a Kurt with such wide puppy eyes that Kurt couldn't move.

"Will you stay?" Blaine asked and scooted over in the bed, patting next to him for Kurt.

"I…" Kurt looked down at the bed and then up at Blaine's sweet and earnest expression.

"I don't feel so good anymore." Blaine said and winced. "Please stay."

Kurt just nodded. He slipped his own shirt off, but left on his pants and undershirt. Blaine crawled under the covers and then lifted them for him. Kurt bit his lip, but then just went for it. He was just going to sleep next to him. No big deal. He had done the same thing dozens of times with Mercedes and Tina and Rachel at their slumber parties. He was just being a good friend.

He slipped in next to Blaine and settled down in the comfortable bed.

"'ank you Kurt." Blaine said with a yawn.

Kurt stiffened a little when Blaine looped his arms around him and rested his head on Kurt's shoulder. But it felt so good to have Blaine close that he relaxed almost immediately.

"Good night Blaine" Kurt said and Blaine hummed out a response. He was asleep in moments.

Kurt laid awake for a little while alternately thinking about how warm and cuddly Blaine was and about how he was going to skin Sebastian alive if he had done anything more than those hickeys to Blaine.

Kurt woke the next morning and turned towards where he thought Blaine would be. But nothing was there. He opened his eyes and found Blaine's side of the bed empty. He got up and stretched and then headed towards his room. He took a shower and got dressed and then went downstairs.

Blaine was in the kitchen pulling a skillet out of a cupboard and apparently getting ready to make breakfast.

"You're up and cooking?" Kurt said surprised. "Don't you have a hangover?"

Blaine didn't turn around to face him. "I've been up for a while. A shower and a lot of water have helped with the hangover. And I cleaned up the tray I broke."

Kurt noticed Blaine's tense shoulders and the stiff way he was holding himself. "You okay?"

Blaine's shoulders slumped and he turned around to face Kurt. "I'm just… embarrassed. About last night."

"Ahhhh." Kurt said with a smile. "You're kind of adorable when you're drunk, so don't worry about it."

Blaine blushed and let out a nervous laugh. "I don't remember it so well, but… did I ask you to dance?"

Kurt's smile brightened. "Yes you did."

Blaine groaned. "I am so sorry."

"Don't be. Like I said, adorable. How about some coffee?" Kurt said changing the subject to spare Blaine any more embarrassment.

"We're out of coffee actually. I've been wanting to have some since I got up hoping it'd help with my headache."

"Tell you what." Kurt smiled. "You start breakfast and I'll go get us a couple of cups of coffee from that little shop down the street."

"Sounds good." Blaine said.

Kurt headed out giving Blaine a chance to recover from his embarrassment.

He got to the coffee shop and was glad to see it wasn't too crowded. He ordered a mocha for himself and a medium drip for Blaine; it was what he always ordered. He stopped on his way out though recognizing Sebastian sitting at one of the front tables.

Kurt scowled. This would be the perfect time to confront Sebastian without Blaine around. He sat down across from Sebastian and dove in without any greeting. "What did you do to Blaine last night?"

Sebastian looked up from the book he was reading. "Well good morning to you too."

"He came home drunk and disheveled and with hickeys on his neck. What did you do?"

Sebastian marked his place in his book and smiled. "It was a date Kurt, some hickeys and dishevelment may happen."

Kurt felt like steam was coming out of his ears. "Sebastian, he was drunk. Really drunk. If you took advantage of him…"

"Oh don't worry, nothing happened that Blaine didn't want."

Kurt stood abruptly almost knocking his chair over and placed his hands on the table leaning over it towards Sebastian. "You… you…I am going to-" Kurt couldn't even complete a sentence he was so angry.

"Whoa! Calm down! We made-out some, and yeah I gave him some hickeys, nothing else happened. I promise."

Kurt breathed through his nose and then slowly sat back down. "You didn't…" He waved his hand in the air.

Sebastian folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. "No we didn't have sex. You obviously don't like me, but I don't get guys drunk and take advantage of them to get laid. When Blaine and I do it, and we will, we will both be sober and enjoying ourselves."

Kurt clenched his fist. "You just dropped him off drunk at the doorstep then?"

"Listen I was a little tipsy myself and I knew if I walked him to the door he'd invite me in, and if he invited me in things might have gotten a little fuzzy. I want Blaine. I won't lie, but not like that."

Kurt relaxed into the chair a little. It seemed like Sebastian was being sincere.

"I don't like you." He said and Sebastian smiled.

"I don't like you either."

"You aren't good enough for Blaine."

"And you're married to his brother."

"W-what?"

Sebastian sneered at him. "Stop acting like I'm encroaching on your territory. Blaine isn't yours."

"I…" Kurt blinked his stomach dropping.

"I think we're done here." Sebastian said and stood to leave. He turned to face Kurt one last time. "I'd get over your little crush on Blaine fast if I were you. Cooper may not be the brightest bulb, but you wouldn't want him catching on." And with that he left.

Kurt sat at the table for a long time. His mind a mess and his heart skipping. He didn't have a crush on Blaine. It wasn't like that. Blaine was his friend, probably his best friend; he cared about him, but… not like that. Right?

Kurt eventually got up and made it back home. The coffee was cold, but Blaine didn't mention it. He just thanked Kurt and served him breakfast.

Kurt watched as Blaine sat and ate and talked to Kurt with a smile on his face. Kurt didn't have a crush, he didn't. He watched Blaine's face, noticing his full lips and gorgeous smile, and the way his eyes danced when he was a happy. Kurt's heart skipped a beat and he wanted to cry. He didn't have those kind of feeling for Blaine because he couldn't, life wasn't that cruel.