Kurt retained his composure while on the phone with Mr. Somers,  but as soon as they hung up, he couldn't keep it in anymore. He let out a high-pitched squeal, causing McQueen to take cover underneath the couch. He jumped up and down, almost dropping his phone as he did so. He stopped jumping to open up a new message to send to Rachel. It took a while to type the text out; his hands were shaking so much and his heart was beating rapidly against his ribs.

He couldn't believe he'd gotten the part. Sure, he was confident in his performance, but he also hadn't been cast in anything this big before, and it shocked him because he knew there were people with much more experience than him. He was still grateful, though. He was finally living his dream, and nothing could stop him. Not the bullies from his high school days, not the people who tried to convince him he wasn't good enough, no one.

He dialed his father's number, taking a few tries to get the number right because he still hadn't calmed down completely yet. He knew his dad was at the shop, but he couldn't wait any longer to give him the news. Burt answered almost immediately and Kurt wasted no time in telling him about the audition, his words slurring slightly as he rushed through the conversation.

"Whoa, kiddo, slow down! I can't understand you," he chucked. "Take a breath, then tell me what you wanted to say," he said softly, trying to get his son to calm down.

Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep breath, taking a moment to compose himself. "You remember that play I auditioned for? Almost There?" he started again, this time much slower and calmer. He paused for a moment, but when his dad didn't respond, he continued, "I got the part, dad!"

"Good job, kid!" Burt congratulated excitedly.

Burt couldn't help but smile at the news. He knew how badly Kurt wanted this, how badly he wanted a big role in a play, and now it was his chance. Kurt always talked about his ambitions to move to New York and  pursuing his dreams of being on Broadway, and Burt knew his son was going to make it big. He knew since he was little. And his heart swelled with love and admiration, and he couldn't be prouder of his son for not letting anything get him down, for not giving up when things got rough.

The two continued talking for a while, but not too long since Burt had to get back to work. When they hung up, Kurt took this time to finish getting ready.

Rachel came home shortly from the gym and once she showered and changed, Blaine called, confirming that their lunch date was still on. After pulling on their jackets and grabbing his keys, Kurt and Rachel filed onto the elevator and made their way down to the cafe they'd all agreed on for lunch.

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When Kurt and Rachel made it to the cafe, Blaine hadn't shown up yet so they decided to snag a table and order their drinks. They chatted for a while about random things as they waited, occasionally sipping at their drinks. "So, have you told everyone about the audition yet?"

Kurt reached for his soda and shook his head, "I've told you, Mercedes and dad, but I haven't told Blaine."

Kurt was just sitting his drink down when he heard a male voice from behind him. "You haven't told Blaine what?"

The brunette shot a glare up at Blaine when he realized who it was, but Rachel only smiled softly, motioning for Blaine to take a seat in between her and Kurt. "So, you're the infamous Blaine," Rachel noted, still smiling, "Kurt was right, you are cute."

Kurt gave her the coldest look she'd ever seen, but she shrugged it off. Blaine only laughed at the comment, "I guess so. Blaine Anderson."

"Rachel Berry, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too," he turned to Kurt, "so, what haven't you told me?"

Kurt animatedly told him how he'd gotten the role in Almost There, and Blaine congratulated him. They continued chatting throughout lunch and they stayed in the restaurant about half an hour after they'd finished eating, laughing and talking about crazy moments and things that had happened in each of their lives. When Blaine finished his fourth re-fill, he looked at the other two sadly. "I'd love to stay and hang out," he started, "but I've got a girl coming in for piano lessons in 15 minutes."

They split the check in three after about five minutes of protest from Kurt, who wanted to pay for everyone. They walked outside and bid their goodbyes, Rachel pulling Blaine into a hug. Both Kurt and Blaine starting to extend their hands to shake, but Kurt knew Rachel would question it once Blaine was out of earshot, and he awkwardly pulled him into a hug.

It was awkward for Blaine too, but he couldn't deny that the hug felt good. Kurt was warm and he could feel his hot breath against his neck. He sighed in content and nuzzled against Kurt's cheek, pulling away instantly after he did so. He cleared his throat and backed away, mumbling 'sorry' to Kurt. He waved awkwardly before turning around and calling for a cab.

Kurt just stood there, staring after Blaine long after the cab had pulled away. Well, that was weird. Rachel poked his shoulder and he shook his head, pulling out of his thoughts. He turned to her and scrunched his nose up at the knowing look she was giving him.

"What?"

Rachel giggled and shook her head, "I think he likes you."

Kurt rolled his eyes, but he was blushing. "He does not," he denied. "You're insane, Berry."

"Yes, I am. But you know I'm right," she smiled and linked her arms through his, pulling him down the sidewalk in the direction of the Fashion District.

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Over the next few weeks, Kurt had been in rehearsal almost everyday, limiting his social life. Not that he really had one in the first place, but he didn't have much time to go shopping with Rachel or hang out with Blaine, who he missed incredibly. He had rehearsals from 6am-midnight, and he was exhausted. There were also a few times where he wanted to drop out, where he wanted to proclaim that he was done and they could find another Alexander, but he didn't. He pushed through, knowing that in the end it would be worth it.

He was a fairly quick learner, so he didn't have as much trouble perfecting the choreography unlike most of the other cast members. Most of his time now was spent going over his lines and practicing the music.

He trudged into the apartment after they were done for the day, and it took all he had to feed McQueen and shower before flopping in bed, not even worrying about his skin regimen.

He was relieved when the next day was Saturday. It was his day off and he could just lounge around and relax. He should still be going through the script, but he had it almost memorized anyway so he didn't worry about it, and besides, he was tired. One day of not doing anything wasn't going to hurt him.

This time was mostly spent in bed with a marathon of all of Kurt's favourite movies. But Kurt wasn't the one to just lay in bed all day — not even when he was sick. He had to move around, or he would go crazy. He changed out of his pajamas and pulled on an old t-shirt and sweatpants and decided to make a cake. It was work, of course, but Kurt loved baking. Whenever he had a bad day, he would put on some music and just bake until he collapased. It was soothing to him.

He put the cake in the oven and fixed himself something to eat while he waited for it to bake. He half wanted to grab his script and study the rest, but he stopped himself. He could do it later.

When the cake was done, he set it on the counter to cool. He took this time to watch two re-runs of Project Runway before going back into the kitchen and icing the cake. He tossed a few strawberries on the top and took a few steps back, marveling his creation. It looked amazing and he cut a piece for himself, just to see if it tasted as amazing as it looked.

And it was. He let out a gasp when he took the first bite and he shoveled the rest in his mouth, not caring at the moment that it would go right to his hips later. When he finished, he tossed the dishes in the sink and was about to cover the cake, when he thought of Blaine. He cut another piece and set it on a plate, grabbing some plastic and wrapping it so it would stay fresh. He grabbed his phone and set a quick text to the boy.

Want some cake? It's delicious! ;)

Ever since Blaine had found out that Kurt could bake, he wanted to try something, so he immediately replied with a "YES!" and told him to come over. 

Kurt laughed at the response and headed back to his room to change again, making the effort to do his moisturizing routine and fix his hair before he left.

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Blaine jumped up and headed for the door once he heard the rapping. He pulled open the door and smiled, standing aside to let the boy inside. He eyed the cake in his hands and his mouth was watering at the sight. Kurt giggled and shook his head at Blaine's reaction. He set the cake down on the table and started digging through the drawers in the kitchen for a fork, since Blaine obviously wasn't going to do it, as he was too busy drooling over the dessert.

He walked back over to the table and Blaine after he retrieved a fork. "Eager much?" he teased when Blaine grabbed the fork out of his hand, tearing away the plastic. He dug into the cake and his eyes fluttered shut when the food reached his mouth. He let out an embarrassingly loud moan of delight as he swallowed and he devoured the cake so fast Kurt wasn't sure he actually even tasted it, though he knew by the moan that he had.

"Did you like it?" he smirked from the seat across from Blaine. Blaine's face was tinted pink but he was grinning. He brought the fork back up to his lips, sucking off excess cake from the utensil.

Kurt gulped, trying to avoid watching Blaine clean the fork. His lips were full and red and it took all he had not to lean over, toss the fork aside and kiss him. Stop it, he warned. He giggled when Blaine dropped the fork on the plate and looked up. "Blaine — you've got—" he clamped his hand over his mouth to stop himself from bursting into laughter. The shorter boy looked at him quizzically, his head cocked to the side, "what?"

"Cake — you've got cake on your face," he said through giggles. "Right there." 

Blaine rubbed his finger all over his face, but he couldn't seem to get the chocolate. He sighed in frustration and pouted over at Kurt. "I'll get it," he offered, leaning over and wiping off the icing with his thumb. Blaine's breath hitched and he stared at Kurt, his eyes flicking down to his lips momentarily before wandering back up to his eyes.

Kurt cleared his throat and backed away, grabbing a napkin and wiping the icing off of his finger. "Sorry," he mumbled, avoiding his eyes once again. Stop it! Bad Kurt, very, very bad Kurt.

"Yeah," Blaine said back, though he seemed distracted. "I liked the cake though. You're right — it was delicious. Thanks for sharing it with me."

Kurt nodded. "You're welcome. Um... — - could I use your bathroom?"

When Blaine nodded in consent, Kurt fled down the hallway to the bathroom. He shut the door and locked it quickly before sitting down on the edge of the bathtub, his head in his hands. He sat there for a while then stood up in front of the sink, turning on the water and splashing a bit of it in his face. He unlocked the door and headed back out to the main room, stopping dead in his tracks. He tried to scream, but no sound was coming out of his mouth.

In front of him he saw Blaine pushed up against the wall, and he wanted to cry from what he was seeing. In front of Blaine was a tall boy dressed in a black t-shirt and dark jeans, one hand gripped tightly on Blaine's shirt, the other colliding with his eye. "Oh my god," he squeaked out. He finally unglued his feet from the floor and rushed over to them. He grabbed a hold of the boy's shoulders, attempting to pull him off of Blaine. "Get the fuck off of him!" he yelled.

The boy let go of Blaine's shirt, causing him to slid down the wall and drop down to the floor. The boy sneered, looking Kurt up and down until his eyes rested on his face. "And what the hell are you?"

Kurt glared at him. "I'm Kurt, who are you?" he spat.

"Kurt, huh?" he spun around and looked down at Blaine. "He your boyfriend? The guy you left me for? I don't see how he's any better than I am. God, Blaine. You could do so much better."

Kurt's eyes widened. Sebastian. "I'm not his boyfriend, and he didn't leave you for me," he corrected. "He left you because you're an asshole who only used him for sex, and he deserves so much better than that. So why don't you leave before I call the cops?"

Sebastian growled and kicked Blaine in the stomach before pushing Kurt out of the way and slamming the door shut as he walked out. Immediately, Kurt knelt down and grabbed for Blaine's hand. Blaine looked up at him, embarrassed. He didn't want Kurt to see that, and he definitely didn't want him to see himself like this. He didn't want Kurt to think he was weak.

Kurt's other hand reached up and softly rubbed his cheek. "Are you okay? What am I saying, of course you're not okay! Oh, Blaine. You look horrible."

Blaine let out a humourless laugh. "Thanks."

"No, Blaine. Your eye — oh my god. And he kicked you pretty hard in the stomach, your ribs might be broken. Come on, can you stand? I have to get you to the hospital."

Blaine opened his mouth as Kurt started to slowly lift him to his feet, but Kurt shushed him. "Don't you dare start to tell me that you're fine. You're going to the hospital, no arguments."

When they got to the hospital, they took Blaine back immediately. The nurses wouldn't let him go back yet since he wasn't family and he was forced to stay in the waiting room until they gave him the okay to go back. He texted Rachel, and she rushed right over to the hospital to sit with him. She grabbed his hand and rubbed it soothingly. "I'm sure he'll be okay, Kurtie."

A few moments later, a nurse was sent out to the waiting room, giving permission for them to go see Blaine. Kurt entered the room almost hesitantly. He pushed the door open and stood at the foot of the bed, his moving up and down Blaine's body. "Come here," Blaine demanded, patting the edge of the bed. He scooted over a little, carefully, and Kurt sat down on the bed gently. "What's the damage?" Kurt frowned.

"Fractured ribs," he moaned. Kurt's frown deepened and he ran his fingers through the boy's hair. He knew he shouldn't be so touchy-feely, but he couldn't help it. "Oh, Blaine. I'm so sorry."

Blaine shook his head, leaning into the touch of Kurt's fingers combing through his curls. "I'm okay, for the most part. It's not going to take too long for my ribs to heal, it's just..."

He trailed off and neither of them said anything until they heard somebody knock on the door. Kurt jumped and Blaine grabbed for his arm, calming him down. He laughed softly, but stopped almost immediately since it hurt too much. The door pushed open and Blaine looked up, seeing two boys walking into the room. "Wes! David!"

"Hey, dude," Wes walked in farther, "how are you feeling?"

Neither of the boys noticed Kurt was in the room until the sheets ruffled. Their eyes trailed over to the boy and they gave each other quizzical looks. "Blaine... um, what's he doing here?"

Blaine turned away, ashamed. "I — guys — this is Kurt. We started talking after I went back to the club — I'll explain later, and we've become friends."

"So, are you two—"

"No! No, no no. We're just friends," Kurt interjected a bit too quickly and stood up. Blaine frowned when his hand fell from his hair but he shook it off. "I'll give you some time with your friends. I'm going to go see if Rach wants to go down to the cafeteria with me." And with that, he quickly sped out of the room.

"Why didn't you tell us you were hanging out with Adon—Kurt?" Wes wondered, pulling a chair up to the side of the bed. David nodded, pulling a chair up next to Wes' and reached for his hand. Blaine raised an eyebrow at their hands. "Well, why didn't you tell me you two — are — together?"

Both of the boys looked down at their hands and blushed. "It just sort of happened," David answered.

"Same with me and Kurt."

"Do you like him?" 

Blaine shrugged, quickly becoming invested in playing with his hospital bands. "I — yeah. I guess so. I mean, he's sweet and nice and funny and everything, but—"

"Sebastian? What happened to him, anyway? Shouldn't he be here?"

Blaine gulped, twirling the bands rapidly. "No — we — we broke up. That's actually why I'm in here. He came back and he — well, he beat me."

Wes and David exchanged horrified glances. "I'm going to kill him," Wes said through gritted teeth. "I told you he was a bad idea, Blaine."

"I know, I know. And I should've listened. But I'd rather not talk about him right now."

Kurt and Rachel were heading back to Blaine's room from the cafeteria and they bumped into Wes and David on their way. Kurt fled to Blaine's room, knowing this run-in could end up very awkward for him. All three of them stared after him, but they shrugged it off. 

"Hello, pretty lady," Wes winked at Rachel, causing her to blush and David to glare over at him. "I'm Wes," he smiled, extending his hand. "I'm taken," Rachel told him, "but I'm Rachel. Rachel Berry," she introduced.

Wes looked down at his and David's intertwined hands. "I'm taken as well. This is David."

"Nice to meet you," she smiled.

"So, you're friends with Kurt, then?" Wes asked, and she nodded. A wicked smile plastered across his face. "Oh, good! How does he feel about Blaine?"

"You should see the look on his face when he talks about him, and it's even worse when they're together. I'd say he's got it pretty bad," Rachel replied, giggling.

"Even better!" Wes' smiled turned into a grin. "Blaine's confirmed he likes Kurt, too, just now. So, here's the plan..."