Notes:

As a response to someone that left a review on guest: endgame as explained in an earlier note is not going to be one or the other in the sense that I am writing TWO endings. One with Klaine endgame and one with Kurtbastian ending. Since I have not written any of that yet I have no idea how I will post it because I imagine each ending will take place over a few chapters...

Thank you everyone for the response and I am so glad that you're enjoying it! Thank you so much and enjoy. The next chapter will probably be up tomorrow.

Chapter Eighteen

Blaine didn't go to McKinley the day of the dinner party, sticking around at Dalton and watching The Warblers rehearse the songs that he'd prepared for them. As he watched them he came to the realization that they didn't really need him. After all, back when he was a part of The Warblers it had all come down to the council. Things had gone bad, obviously, with Sebastian and Hunter at the helm, but it didn't have to be that way.

Still, somehow he wound up staying late in his office, first because one of the Warblers wanted to talk to him about his absences in the last week, and then because he felt bad for being at McKinley instead of Dalton while his students were preparing for Sectionals.

When he finally got home, he was surprised to find Dave sitting in the kitchen.

"Hey," Dave said, "I thought we could go out tonight."

Blaine was only slightly surprised to find that Dave had cleaned himself up some.

"Oh, I can't," Blaine said, "I have plans already."

Dave deflated noticeably. "It feels like I haven't really seen you in weeks," he said.

Blaine sighed. He knew it was true. It wasn't that he was avoiding Dave or anything, but over the last few weeks he had been finding more and more things to do that just didn't include Dave.

"I'm sorry," Blaine said, "but it's sort of like a glee thing and I promised I'd be there."

"Of course it's a glee thing," Dave said and rolled his eyes. "It's always something to do with that club or singing or whatever."

Blaine had been considering asking Dave to come with him, but that made him pause.

"I have to get changed," he said instead.

A part of him expected for Dave to argue with him, but of course Dave didn't bother because that was just the way that Dave was. He just accepted Blaine's choices without trying to push. Blaine wanted him to push, wanted him to demand Blaine to not go. He didn't.

Blaine got ready as quickly as he could, aware that he was really running late.

"Just promise me we'll do something together soon," Dave said when he returned, "because I want to spend time with you."

Blaine nodded.

"Good."

Despite being late, Blaine stopped to pick up a bottle of wine, and eventually he drove to Mr. Shuester's apartment.

"You're not too bad, kid," Burt said.

Sebastian was in the process of packing up the mini cupcakes that Kurt had made him help bake that afternoon, looked up.

"Thank you," he said.

Burt chuckled. For all his worrying about meeting Kurt's parents the night before, things had gone well.

"Kurt told me about you," Burt added, "about how you've been a really good friend to him and I appreciate that because as much as those kids in that glee club are family they don't really see everything he goes through. But, I also want to say that while I can tell he's happy about the two of you that he isn't over Blaine."

"I know that," Sebastian said and he didn't add that he knew how limited his time with Kurt was.

Burt nodded. "Alright," he said.

Sebastian finished putting the cupcakes in the containers Kurt had left out for him while he went to get changed, and he wiped his hands on a rag before pulling off the apron that Kurt had put on him earlier. He wasn't going to the dinner party, but he had agreed to help Kurt make the cupcakes because it meant spending more time with Kurt and all Sebastian wanted to do was spend time with him.

It was surprising how just being around Kurt, how kissing him, and just leaning into him meant so much to him when they hadn't even done anything remotely sexual yet.

He picked up one of the cupcake that he hadn't been able to fit into the containers, unwrapping it and taking a bite.

"These are really good," he told Kurt when Kurt finally walked back into the kitchen a few minutes later.

"I made them, of course they're good," Kurt said, "come on, help bring these out to your car."

Later, when they were at Mr. Shuester's apartment, Sebastian didn't wait for Kurt to ask, before he was helping him bring in the cupcakes.

"Thank you," Kurt told him while they waited for the door to open.

It was Rachel who greeted them.

"Oh," she said when she saw him, "you brought Sebastian."

"No," Sebastian cut in quickly, "I'm just helping with these. I was just dropping him off." He made to pass the cupcakes to Rachel, but instead she stepped aside for them to walk in.

"Nonsense," she said, "you're already here and we have plenty of food."

Sebastian was surprised. Everything he knew about Rachel had led him to believe that she wouldn't have wanted to have him around. Maybe it was just her manners and politeness.

"I can't," he said quickly.

Kurt had disappeared into the kitchen and he made to follow, but Rachel walked with him.

"Sure you can," she said, "you spend a lot of time with Kurt and I'm his best friend and I think it's time I get to get to know you and tonight would be perfect."

Kurt appeared suddenly. "What would be perfect?" he asked.

Sam was behind him, and Kurt grabbed the cupcakes Sebastian still held and passed them to him.

"If Sebastian stayed," Rachel said, "he's your friend and tonight is about friends."

They had made the agreement to not hide things, but they had also decided that they didn't need to tell anyone anything outside of Kurt's dad and stepmom.

"Your choice, Bas," Kurt said, "I won't mind."

"I guess if no one else minds," Sebastian said.

"They won't," Rachel assured him.

He glanced at Kurt who shrugged. "So, where's Mr. Shuester and Mrs. Shuester?"

"Mr. Shuester's running late," Rachel said, "and Mrs. Shuester is feeding the baby."

Kurt nodded.

"We offered to come help before everyone else got here," Rachel added.

Sebastian and Kurt went to get drinks from the kitchen when someone knocked on the door.

"I'm sorry about her," Kurt said, "but I think she's convinced Blaine will bring Karofsky and that I'll need you by my side mostly so that she can hang onto Sam's every word." He rolled his eyes.

"Well," Sebastian said, "I guess it's bound to get interesting if Karofksy comes."

Kurt shook his head. "It won't matter, will it? I mean, even if Blaine isn't here with him they're still together and if he is here then it just means I have to watch them be here together."

Sebastian nodded. "Yes, but Blaine will have to watch you with me."

Kurt rolled his eyes and Sebastian placed his hands on his hips, stepping closer.

"Are you still on about that whole jealousy thing?" Kurt asked.

Sebastian shook his head. "That idea was about pretending to be with you and now I just want to prolong this as long as I can."

Kurt looked down and Sebastian knew that he still felt guilty about the whole thing, about feeling less for Sebastian than he felt for Blaine. Sebastian saw it differently. He knew that it was more than possible for them to not have a future together and yet there was a tiny glimmer and he wasn't putting any hope in it, but it was there.

Everyone started arriving, then, and Kurt and Sebastian went out to join them. It was fun watching everyone try and not act surprised when they saw him and after the surprise passed even more surprising when they just accepted that he was there though he noticed that they tried to talk amongst themselves about his presence.

Blaine arrived alone, and Kurt was surprised. After closing the door, once he had peaked down the hall to see if Karofsky was just running behind, he walked after Blaine who was greeting everyone with hugs. Kurt watched him and he couldn't help but wonder why Blaine hadn't brought his boyfriend along.

"Here," Sebastian said, handing him a glass of water.

"Thank you," Kurt said and let his fingers brush over Sebastian's when he took the glass.

"He finally made it, then," Sebastian said.

Although the party had started off with everyone sitting around the living room, they had all scattered around the apartment into smaller groups.

"And," Sebastian added, "no Karofsky."

Kurt sipped at his water and looked around the room. Sam and Rachel had claimed one of the couches and they were talking to each other ignoring the rest of the room. Kitty and Artie were talking in another corner and Kurt faintly remembered that they had dated once.

He had been avoiding Santana and Brittany as much as he could due to all the wedding talk even though he had plenty of opinions on their choices which he might talk to Artie about before the night was out.

Mercedes was with Mr. Shuester who had been showing off Daniel Finn all night while his wife kept running around with baby wipes to make sure he didn't come in contact with any germs.

"When I was younger," Sebastian said, "I had a cousin that had really bright red hair, and I was so jealous that I took scissors and just cut her hair."

Kurt didn't know how to react, other than to laugh.

"My mom was so mad at me," Sebastian said, "and last I saw of my cousin, she has blond hair."

"That is hilarious," Kurt said, "now I'm curious about the rest of your childhood shenanigans."

"Well, you're not getting anything else from me," Sebastian said.

Mercedes left Mr. Shuester who had moved on to talk to Rachel and Sam, and she headed in their direction.

"That baby is so cute," she said, "I can't wait to have some of my own. Of course that would mean finding the right man."

For a while, Kurt had been convinced that Mercedes had found that man in Sam, but he wasn't sure anymore. He didn't know if she really was okay with Rachel and Sam and whatever they had going, but Kurt could tell that she wasn't bothered by it or at least not showing that she was.

For all that Mercedes had been around all week, Kurt hadn't really gotten a chance to really catch up with her. She had been so focused on Rachel and then later interacting with the glee kids that Kurt hadn't even gotten to ask her about her tour and her album. When he asked her, she beamed at him.

"It was a lot of fun," she said, "I loved it. Just the energy of performing and having Brittany and Santana along was great too. It made it less lonely in the long run."

"I really liked your single," Sebastian said, "Elliott passed it along to me a while ago and it's great. Your voice is fantastic."

Mercedes looked pleased and Kurt couldn't help but smile at Sebastian too.

"Thank you," Mercedes said.

"Really, it was great," Sebastian said, "and I'll be right back. Bathroom."

He touched Kurt on the elbow before he left and the moment he was gone, Mercedes moved closer.

"What is up with that?" she asked, "you and him?"

Kurt sighed. "We're sort of together," he said.

Mercedes gasped and Kurt knew that she hadn't expected that answer. None of them did, probably, but Kurt didn't want to hide anything.

"Are you sure that's what you want?" she asked.

Kurt nodded. "Yeah. I like him. I really like him."

"I don't think Blaine does, though. Do you remember when it was the complete opposite? When he was hitting on Blaine and you were so jealous. It was kind of cute how possessive you got."

Kurt rolled his eyes. He remembered those times well. Things had been simpler then.

"Kurt!"

He looked up only to find Rachel beckoning him over to where she was seated with Sam. Blaine had sat down on the floor in front of him and he was looking at him as well.

"I guess I'll go see what she wants," Kurt said.

Mercedes grabbed his wrist before he got too far. "I just want to say be careful. We know his history."

He nodded.

Blaine knew that he had no reason to be mad about Sebastian being at the party. He just hadn't expected for Kurt to bring him along. He wanted to ask about it, about the nature of the friendship that Kurt had with Sebastian, but he also knew that it wasn't his place to ask.

So, instead he tried not to let his eyes stray to them too much, and after Kurt had joined him, Rachel, and Sam to discuss Rachel's audition in detail, he hoped that Sebastian wouldn't be so glued to Kurt's side that he would join them.

When he came back, and didn't join them, Blaine felt like he'd won a bit of a victory and he met Kurt's eyes while Rachel kept describing how she'd felt on the stage. He rolled his eyes and Kurt grinned.

"It was just magical," Rachel said, "but I don't think I'll get the role."

Blaine thought that she had a point. He couldn't imagine that she would just get the first role she auditioned for after everything that had happened. Rachel was amazing and talented but there was a lot to be said about the lingering gossip on Rachel.

"What about you guys?" Rachel asked suddenly.

"I'm still in NYADA," Kurt said with another roll of his eyes, "and I'll go back after this work study thing is done and graduate."

Rachel pursed her lips. "But don't you want to audition for something or really go for a role?"

"I have," Kurt said and Blaine remembered that Kurt had gone out for a few things.

Nothing big like Rachel, he remembered, but he'd auditioned for a few off-Broadway shows as well as smaller roles in Broadway productions. Kurt had always been adamant about wanting to finish school.

"I just want to graduate first," Kurt said, and he left it at that.

Rachel nodded, looking thoughtful and Blaine was glad when she didn't turn to ask him for his plans because Blaine still had no idea.

They continued talking, going onto different topics. A few of the others joined them and they were all laughing and reminiscing when Blaine saw Kurt get up from his spot. He followed him with his eyes and saw him approach Mrs. Shuester and Sebastian who had been talking across the room. Daniel Finn was in her arms and Blaine was surprised at how Sebastian seemed to be cooing at the baby.

He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he watched them as Sebastian was handed the baby.

"Hey," Sam said, "you alright?"

Blaine didn't know how he was supposed to answer. He shrugged his shoulders and tore his eyes away from Kurt and Sebastian. They weren't together. If Kurt and Sebastian were dating then he would know about it. He reminded himself that Kurt had told him that they were just friends. There was nothing to worry about there.

"Want to get a drink?" Sam asked.

Blaine nodded and he got up, following Sam to the kitchen.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Sam asked.

"It's hard seeing him with Sebastian," Blaine said.

"I don't think they're together," Sam offered.

Blaine nodded. "I just don't know. Maybe it's that it's Sebastian. I don't know. This isn't something that I should be worried about. I have a boyfriend."

A boyfriend he had deliberately left at home because he didn't think he would fit in with his friends. But Kurt had brought Sebastian, and somehow it hadn't caused any kind of problem with any of them.

When they got back to the other room, everyone was where they had been before, but Kurt and Sebastian were talking to Artie and Mercedes and the baby was gone. Blaine knew he had nothing to fear from Sebastian, and yet he couldn't help but notice that there was a closeness between Kurt and Sebastian in the way they sat.

Later, he was surprised when he almost ran straight into Kurt. A few people had started to leave and Blaine had been helping with a bit of the clean up.

"Sorry," he said.

"It's alright," Kurt said and smiled, "how's everything going?"

"Good," Blaine said, "although I guess I missed a lot of Warbler practices to be at McKinley."

Kurt laughed. "Maybe that was all part of the master plan to beat you guys."

Blaine was just about to reply when Sebastian appeared, as if out of nowhere.

"Ready, Kurt?"

"I was just going to get my trays," Kurt said.

Sebastian nodded. "I'll get them."

He stepped around them and headed to the kitchen and Blaine felt like something had just come between him and Kurt.

"I was surprised you brought him," he said.

"Oh, it was accidental," Kurt said, "he was dropping me off and Rachel insisted that he stay since he was already here."

It explained it and somehow it made Blaine feel a little better.

"But I thought you'd bring Karofsky."

Blaine shook his head. "No. He was busy tonight."

"Ah," Kurt said.

Sebastian returned. "Got them," he said, "it was nice to see you Blaine."

"Yeah, we should get going. I'll see you soon, Blaine."

They hugged, and just like earlier when he arrived it wasn't awkward. But it didn't last long enough, and then Sebastian was leading Kurt out, his hand on the small of Kurt's back and Blaine felt queasy.