Staring at the phone from across the room, Kurt debated whether or not he should see who was calling. So far, he had avoided any call that came through. Rachel, Blaine, Mercedes, Rachel, Rachel, Elliot, and Rachel. Every time he considering picking up the phone, he couldnt do it. He didnt want to show signs of weakness.

He rose from his bed and glanced at the screen. It was his father. He couldnt ignore this.

"Hi, dad," he said quietly into the phone.

"Hey, sport," his fathers soothing voice came through the phone. "Hows it going?"

"Fine," he sighed. "How are you? Hows Carole holding up?"

"Were hanging in there," Burt simply said.

"Thats good," Kurt nodded. 

"Kurt, can I ask you a question?" Burt asked, changing the awkward subject. ever since Finns death, it had been such a struggle to even come up with a decent way for Burt to say they were getting along fine. He didnt wait for Kurts response, before he said, "what the hell is this talk about you and some TV guy?"

"Oh... That," he said. 

Kurt hadnt told his father anything. Burt had been a little uncomfortable when Kurt and Adam went out a couple times. He couldnt imagine how his father would react to him dealing with a boy well known by the public. His dad was over-protective. If he knew Burt would find out about Blaine like this, he might have said something sooner. 

"Whats going on? Without a teenager in the house, Carole and I dont keep up with everything out there. So when I did see something, I couldnt figure out why my son was involved. I thought I might see your friend Rachel out there, but this was... weird," Burts voice told Kurt that he was definitely uncomfortable with this.

"Dad, Im sorry," he apologized. "Blaine is Rachels co-star. I met him on a trip to LA to see Rachel. We started talking and got kind of close. While he was in New York, some drama went down, and I accidentally kissed him in front of these photographers, and now were in a bit of a mess. I didnt mean for you to find out like this."

"So youve been involved with some TV star," Burt mumbled.

"Not involved..." Kurt hesitated. "Were just friends," Kurt reassured him. He made his way out into the living room, Where Elliot sat on the couch with a book in his hand.

"Youre awfully close for friends," Burt said sternly.

"Okay, were close friends," Kurt replied. "Look, dad, Ive got to get over to work. Ive missed more than once this week, and Ive got some work to catch up on."

"Okay, but were going to talk more about this later," Burt said. "Just, um... be careful, okay son? This is serious, and I dont want to see you get hurt. You understand that."

"Yes, dad, I know," Kurt said. He paused, noticing the way Elliot watched him. 

"Good," Burt said. "I love you, Kurt."

"I Love you too, dad. I promise Ill be careful. Ill call you later and give you more details, okay?" He hung up, sliding his phone in his pocket. "What?" he glanced up at Elliot.

"You didnt even tell your dad about Blaine?" Elliot set his book down.

"No," Kurt said shortly. "Thats none of your business though."

"Kurt, can we talk about this?" Elliot stood up, blocking him from the doorway. "Youve been avoiding me all week. This has been really awkward, and I think we should talk."

"Theres nothing to talk about," Kurt crossed his arms over his chest. He wasnt happy with Elliot. He was still angry about the kiss. They had agreed to keep things platonic when Kurt moved in, and Elliot broke that rule, knowing Kurt had feelings for someone else. How was Kurt supposed to trust him now?

"Just talk to me," Elliot said.

"I have to go," Kurt shoved past him. He didnt have to talk to anyone about anything. Kurt was tired of being hurt. At least if he avoided people, they couldnt hurt him.

Pleeeease just talk to me.

Kurt, Im worried about you. Please answer me.

KURT HUMMEL! I will come back to New York, beat down your door, and then youll have to talk to me!

Rachel just didnt know how to quit and Kurt couldnt stand it. He didnt want to talk to her. It bothered him that she was willing to hurt him, just to promote her show She was so selfish. He had put up with Rachels selfishness for years, but this drew a line. She wasnt going to use their friendship anymore.

Rachel. Stop.

He made his way to the subway after he left work that afternoon. The streets were crowded, and Kurt had to fight his way through the crowd, clinging to his phone.  

Eeeeep! Im just happy to hear from you. Im sorry Ive been bothering you, but Im so worried! Can we please talk about this?

He took a seat on the subway and stared at the screen. It was always convenient for her to worry about him when she needed something. This wasnt as simple as Rachel just worrying.

No.

When she had received the message, she called immediately. He picked up without saying anything, and Rachel began rambling. "You know, all Ive been trying to do since this whole thing happened is apologize to you. I know youre angry with me, and Im sorry, Kurt. I really am. I miss you, and I just want to be on speaking terms with you again."

"You should have thought of that before you did this," he hung up angrily. He wasnt going to get into this, especially in public. He had done enough public damage.

His phone rang again, and Kurt muted it. He wasnt going to answer. 

She didnt try calling for the next two days, and Kurt was grateful. He didt feel like dealing with Rachel. Elliot was enough to avoid. More than anything, he was glad Blaine didnt call. It would be a lot harder to avoid him.

The thought of Blaine made his heart ache. He felt so guilty about what he did to Blaine that he wasnt sure he could stand to talk to him again. After their fight in the hotel room, Kurt went home and cried. He couldnt believe that Blaine had hit him. He was so hurt that Blaine had resorted to violence, and yet, Kurt felt like he deserved it. He had been so wrong to out Blaine like that,. He probably deserved several slaps in the face.

Kurt didnt know what he would do if Blaine called. He had a couple days after the fight, and Kurt had ignored it, too afraid to answer. But after going over a week without talking to him, Kurt didnt know if he could avoid another call. What would he  say to Blaine? Did he want to know what Blaine would say to him?

But, in time, Blaine did call. It was two weeks after the incident, and Kurt almost didnt answer but something made him do it.

He was sitting in a coffee shop that morning, when his screen lit up. Blaines name appeared and his heart skipped a beat. He grabbed his cup and headed out the door.

"Hello?" he said quietly. His heart hammering so fast.

Blaine let out a sigh of relief, "Hi."

"Whats up?" Kurt asked awkwardly.

"Im in New York," Blaines voice was so quiet, Kurt turned up the volume on his phone.

"Youre in New York," he said slowly, his stomach flipping.

"Can I see you?" Blaine asked.

He hesitated. Kurt could hardly say two words to Blaine. What was he supposed to do when they were together? Would he be able to face Blaine after all this?

"Please."

"Meet me at my apartment in fifteen minutes," Kurt gave in. He hung up, hailing a cab. He had to get there as soon as possible, hoping that Elliot wasnt there to ruin this for him.

Twelve minutes later, Kurt was unlocking his front door, kicking his shoes off. He skimmed the apartment, noting that Elliot wasnt around. He sat down on the couch, crossing his legs, and waited nervously.

Another eight minutes went by,before a soft knock came on the door and Kurt stood up, taking a deep breath. He shuffled over to the door and invited Blaine in. He moved back to the couch, with Blaine behind him. When they sat down, Blaine nervously fiddled with a string on his shirt, and Kurt tried to think of something to say.

"This is a mess," Blaine finally said.

"I know," Kurt whispered.

"Kurt, I... I know I was wrong to hit you," Blaine said, staring at the floor. Kurt didnt reply and he continued, "We both know that you were wrong to kiss me."

"You didnt just come over here to state facts," Kurt said quietly, hoping this was going somewhere.

Blaine sat back, rubbing his sweaty hands on his paints. "We both made a mistake," he said. "Your mistake might have been more of a problem, but that doesnt make my mistake any better."

"Im listening," Kurt said. Relief swept over him and he took a deep breath. Blaine wasnt yelling. In fact, he was almost calm. He wasnt blaming Kurt or telling him off again. 

"Im still really angry about what happened. I can only expect you to understand that this is a big deal for me," Blaine continued.

He nodded, "I know. Ive seen what people are saying online. I can only imagine how difficult that must be. I only had to deal with immature high school students." He cautiously reached over and placed his hand on Blaines knee, causing Blaine to look up at him in surprise. "I know youre hurting, and Im honestly surprised that youre even here talking to me at all."

"I had to," Blaine said. "We need to do something about this. All of this."

"Have you told the media anything yet?" Kurt asked.

He shook his head, "Ive been a coward. I hid on my brothers couch for a week. I havent said anything. I havent been on twitter or anything. Thats got people talking to. Im obviously hiding something with my silence, right?"

"So what are you going to do/?" Kurt said, taking his hand off Blaines knee. Guilt settling in to his stomach once more.

"I dont know. I might just let the whole thing go. Itll eventually die out, right?" he winced.

"Until someone confronts you in an interview or something," he said. "You know, you dont have to tell them anything about me. Were not dating, so at least you can honestly say you dont have a boyfriend. Theres nothing between you and the weirdo that kissed you."

"But there is something," Blaine looked up into his eyes for the first time. "Its the fact that there is something between us that drew you to kiss me that night. I have feelings for you too, Kurt, and im not sure I can act like I dont. I can tell the media theres nothing between us, but I cant lie to you about it."

"But I screwed up, Kurt said, startled. Why was Blaine acting so strange? Why wasnt he yelling or telling Kurt that he never wanted to see him again? And why were his eyes so full of warmth instead of anger?

"We all make mistakes," Blaine slid closer to him. 

"Youre angry with me," Kurt stated.

"Im also a little bit in love with you," Blaine smiled weakly. His hand cupped Kurts cheek. His thumb traced the spot he had slapped two weeks ago. Blaine leaned in, pressing his lips to the spot, before they moved down to Kurts mouth. His other hand brushed through Kurts hair, tugging on it slightly.

He couldnt breathe. Kurt was so surprised by this,  He pulled back, but Blaines lips met his again and he melted into his touch. His hands found Blaines waist and he pulled Blaine closer. 

Positioning himself better, Blaine was now kneeling on the couch, hovering over Kurt. He gave Kurts chest a slight push, forcing him down on to his back. Leaning over him, Blaines body pressed down on top of his. His lips moved down to Kurts neck and Kurt let out a moan of approval. Blaine paused, looking up at him, "are you okay?"

"Mmm," Kurt nodded, lifting his face to meet Blaines mouth again..He kissed Blaine deeply, his hands  moving to the bottom of Blaines shirt. His fingertips brushing Blaines stomach.

"Kurt?" Blaine whispered, his eyes widening. .

"What?" Kurt asked, eyeing him curiously.

"I dont want to rush anything," Blaine pulled his body back, holding himself up with his hands. "Can we just... enjoy each others company for now? I am still shaken about the whole Upfronts thing, and I dont want to... do this."

"Okay," Kurt gave him a smile. "Come here," he grabbed Blaines waist again and pulled him back down on top of him. "All I really want is to be close to you anyway."

"Even if youre still angry with me?" Blaine asked.

"Youre all Ive really wanted in the last two weeks," Kurt admitted. "I told myself you were the last thing I needed, but I was only lying to myself. I needed you."

"Im so sorry I hit you," Blaine said, kissing his cheek again.

"I know you are," Kurt said.

"Am i forgiven?" Blaine asked.

"Youre temporarily allowed to hide from the world with me," Kurt said.

"I can do that," Blaine shifted. He rested his head on Kurts chest, tucking his arms around his torso. 

They stayed like that for a long time. Kurt stroked Blaines curls lightly, while Blaine continued to lie there. He stared at the ceiling, lost in thought...

Kurt couldnt figure out what was happening. Blaine had sort of admitted to being in love with him. Despite all the pain Kurt had caused him, Blaine told him he was in love with him. He wanted to be close to Kurt, even though he felt angry. It was something Kurt could relate to. He was still upset about Blaine hitting him. However, being with Blaine was the most Kurt had felt at peace in two weeks.

Listening to Blaines slow, deep breathing, Kurt began to wonder if he was awake anymore. Had he fallen asleep? Should Kurt wake him?

"Blaine, he whispered into the quiet.

"Hmm?" Blaine barely moaned.

"Are you sleeping?"

"Im listening to the sound of your heart beat," Blaine said, his voice was hoarse.

Cheeks burning, Kurt said, "why?"

Lifting his head up to look at Kurt, Blaine said, "because it reminds me that you are only human. I like the sound of your heart.  I care about what happens to your heart, physically and emotionally. I dont ever want to hurt you again."

"I dont ever want to hurt you again either," Kurt smiled. "I really am so sorry about everything."

"I dont want to talk about it," Blaine said. "Cooper told me that its over and done. We cant change what happened. We can only dwell on whats going to happen, and thats nothing I want to deal with right now."

"What do you want to deal with right now?" Kurt asked.

"You," Blaine kissed his forehead and Kurt closed his eyes against his touch. He felt Blaines body leave his and his eyes snapped back open. Blaine sat back on his feet and looked at Kurt curiously. 

"Whats wrong?" Kurt asked, sitting up.

"Ive had a lot of time to think about this... about us," he hesitated, taking Kurts hand. "I realized that I dont like spending two weeks away from you. I like being with you, and I cant lose the one thing that makes me happy. Im not... saying Im ready to be your boyfriend or walk around holding hands in public, but I want to make you a commitment."

"A commitment," Kurt repeated.

"I want your friendship to be a commitment," Blaines hand squeezed his. "I want to know that I wont lose you completely the next time we fight. I want to know that the thought of the public tearing us down wont scare you away completely."

Tears formed in Kurts eyes and he lowered his head.

"Oh no," Blaine scooted closer, gripping his hand tightly. "No, why are you crying? I - Im sorry."

"Blaine, stop," Kurt choked out. "You didnt do anything wrong."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Because Im happy," Kurt gave him a watery smile. "I spent the last two weeks so afraid of how you would react the next time I saw you. I was scared, because I thought I would be so distraught I wouldnt be able to look at you."

"You were scared?" Blaines eyes were wide.

"You scare me, Blaine Anderson. You scare the hell out of me, because despite the fact that I was so angry, I was so hurt, I still manage to fall for you the more Im with  you," Kurt sniffed. "I think Im a little bit in love with you too, and that scares me."

Once again, Blaine cupped Kurts cheek with his hand, wiping a tear with his thumb. "I know how you feel. I spent the last two weeks thinking I couldnt bare the thought of facing you, because I was so hurt. When I realized I couldnt bare the thought of not facing you at all, I knew I had to see your face.  Theres something about this face..." He kissed Kurt again, as Kurt wrapped Blaine in his arms. Kurt smiled, when Blaine curled up next to him, resting his head on his shoulder.

Kurt knew he needed to protect his heart. that was why he had pushed people away for the last two weeks, but he didnt have the strength when it came to Blaine. He felt happy with Blaine, and that was a feeling Kurt thought hed never have again. How could he give that up now?

"What are you doing?" A voice made his jump from his sleep.

"Huh?" Kurt glanced around the living room. It took him a moment to figure out why he was on the couch. His heart skipped, when he realized Blaine wasnt there.

"Why are you out here?" Elliot asked. "I saw you sleeping out here last night but didnt want to wake you. Are you feeling okay? Couldnt even make it to bed last night."

"Blaine was here and I... never mind," Kurt said, when Elliot raised his eyebrows at this.

"Why was he here?" Elliot crossed his arms over his chest.

"We had some issues to work out," Kurt shrugged. He stood up, making his way to the coffee pot.

"And did you, ya know, work them out?" Elliot asked.

A smile spread across Kurts face, his cheeks hot, and he said, "yes, I think we did." He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at the kitchen table. "I just cant figure out why he left without telling me. He wasnt here when you got home last night?"

Eliot shook his head, "you were passed out on the couch, and he was no where to be found. Im guessing he snuck out after you fell asleep. Maybe he was worried hed run into me."

"Stop it," Kurt held up a hand. "Youre not dragging yourself into this Elliot. If you continue to bluntly show your feelings toward me, or your dislike toward Blaine, I will move out. I cant have this in my own home."

"Okay," Elliot said shortly. He turned on his heel and went into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

Kurt dialed Blaines number and it went to voicemail. He sighed heavily and decided to make his way into the shower. He dressed and headed out into the busy streets.

"Hello?" he answered when Blaine finally called.

"Hey, Im really sorry about last night," Blaine soft voice sounded so distant.

"Its fine. Are you okay?" Kurt paused, leaning against the wall of a building.

"Yeah... yeah, Im okay," Blaine said quietly. "Everything just happened so fast, and it became overwhelming, you know? I wasnt so sure I could take being there anymore."

"Meet me for coffee? We should talk."

"Okay."

They met several minutes later in Kurts favorite coffee shop. Blaine walked in, looking rather pale. Kurt stood up and handed him a cup when he reached the table. Blaine gave him a small smile and sat down.

"Whats wrong?" Kurt asked firmly.

Fidgeting with the cup in his hands, Blaine looked down at the table and said, "Was last night a mistake?"

"What makes you think that?" Kurt asked, eyes wide. 

Blaine looked up at him and said, "You fell asleep last night, and I got bored, so I pulled out my phone to entertain myself. I started reading different comments about... you and this again. I started thinking maybe this was wrong. Maybe we shouldnt be so close after everything. I mean, we dont even know what this is," he said, gesturing between the two of them.

"Look, you already told me you just want to  be friends, and I respect that. After what I did to you, I have no intention of rushing you into anything at all," Kurt promised.

"What about the whole..." he hesitating. Leaning in closer he said, "kissing thing. I liked being close to you, and I cant stop feeling like I still want to kiss you."

"Do you like kissing me?" Kurt asked.

"More than anything," Blaine said, the corner of his mouth twitching. 

"And you just want to be my friend," Kurt continued.

"I cant really afford to be more than that, so yes," Blaine said.

"Do you see that girl peering in the window behind you?" Kurt grabbed his arm to stop him from looking. "Dont actually call attention to her. Just trust me that shes there. She sees us."

"Are you trying to tell me that shes going to run and tell everyone that we were together?" Blaine said, his face growing tense. 

"I suppose its possible," he shrugged. "That girl represents the hundreds of teenage girls that will see us together, if we are spotted in public at any time. So we might have to keep our friendship private as well. No more coffee dates. No more picnics in the park. Nothing. Wed have to stick to my apartment all the time."

"People are going to talk," Blaine mumbled, glancing back at the table. "I get it. No matter what I do, people are going to talk."

"Are you aware that I had alreadyearned the nickname of Beach Boy before I even kissed you that night at Upfronts? People already suspected then," Kurt took a sip of drink. He continued, "the more we were spotted in public, the more people would have caught on. Rumors were bound to start without my help."

"Im not ready to come out and tell everyone youre practically like a boyfriend," Blaine said quietly.

"Im not asking you to," Kurt said, shaking his head. "But I am asking you not to act like two different people with me. I understand that you try to be someone youre not for the media. I understand that its nearly impossible to be yourself without people judging the hell out of, and making your life miserable."

"So what are you asking?"

"I dont want you to spend an evening on the couch kissing me, only to regret it in the real world. I dont want to have regrets about our friendship, Blaine," Kurt reached out to touch his hand, but puled back, when he realized what he was doing. "I want to know that you accept me fully. You dont have to tell anyone about me, but you do have to at least acknowledge my existence, at least to me."

"Does that mean we still get coffee dates?" Blaine asked hopefully.

"As long as you dont care that the girl in the window was watching you," Kurt smiled timidly.

He was silent, thinking it over. Blaine continued to stare at the table, his hands locked around his drink. When he did look up at Kurt, his eyes were dark and heavy. He whispered, "I dont regret our friendship."

Kurt smiled.

This was going to take time to get used to. Blaine still had some quirks. He had to get used to the idea of opening up more, but he would get there. Kurt was determined to help him get there.