Ten minutes, Mr. Anderson," someone said behind him.

"Okay," Blaine nodded, swallowing hard. He pulled out his phone and glanced at the new text message he had received from Kurt. If anyone could calm his nerves, itd be Kurt.

Ill be watching. Good luck!

That did noting to calm his nerves. IN fact, it made Blaine feel worse. Knowing that Kurt was going to hear whatever garbage came out of his mouth in this interview made Blaine want to walk out the door and not do it at all. What if he messed up? What if he said the wrong thing? He couldnt afford to make things worse between him and Kurt. They were riding on a silent agreement to act like nothing was wrong. They couldnt afford to make things worse.

This interview would either make the cut or break the relationship.

"I can do this," he told himself, when he finally made his way to the set. 

"Ready?" Rachel stood next to him, giving him a gentle smile.

"As ready as I can be," he shrugged.

"Give it up for our first guests today," he could hear Kelly telling her audience. "You know him from the hit series Better Brothers..."

"And coming fresh off her Broadway debut in Funny Girl..." Michael continued.

"Blaine Anderson and Rachel Berry!" Kelly called and the audience cheered enthusiastically. It was something Blaine was very used to, but Rachel jumped up and down, beaming. She clutched Blaines arm tightly, as he led her out on to the set

Fans were sitting in the stands, screaming, jumping, and waving excitedly Blaine nodded in that direction and Rachel waved furiously, overwhelmed by everything.

.Blaine shook Michaels hand and Kelly gave him a hug. When they greeted Rachel, the four of them took a seat and Kelly began pelting them with questions. 

"How excited are you to have this show premiere?" she smiled.

"You know, for me, this is my first big break in the business, and Im so excited to see whether or not people like it. Its so exciting for me," Rachel beamed. She was on the edge of her seat, bouncing her knees.

"What about you, Blaine?" Michael asked.

"Oh, Im thrilled," Blaine nodded. "Its definitely different from anything you see on TV now. I mean, where are you going to find a singing show about a high school glee club?"

"It certainly is a step in a different direction," Kelly said.

"I like to think of it as my new direction," Rachel piped in. "See, my high school glee club called ourselves the New Directions. So to start something so fresh, and yet so familiar, its exciting. "

"So you were in glee club through high school? Does that make a difference when youre filming?" Kelly asked.

Rachel tossed her hair over her shoulder, " Its a little weird. The show was created on my behalf. I gave the writers the idea to write about a dreamer in a glee club. The first episode was partly my inspiration. I sat down with the writers and told them about my blossoming romance with the love of my life. It was a little unreal to be back in my old shoes, like I really was back at my high school, except... he wasnt there." She trailed off, glancing up at the ceiling.

Blaine shifted uncomfortably next to her. He knew that she was thinking of Finn, the boy she had been in love with through high school. Filming the scene in the auditorium had been difficult for her, and guilt was settling in Blaines stomach. He had been so hard on her, when she had been suffering a great loss... There he was, trying to fill Finns shoes.

"The love of your life?" Kelly swooned. "That is so sweet. Feeling like youre in your shoes, does it make it easier to connect with Blaine, as your love interest?"

"Um..." Rachel glanced at Blaine, who gave her a weak smile of encouragement.

"I think so," Blaine said, taking her hand in his. He squeezed it gently. "We have chemistry. I think people are going to enjoy the romantic tale between Rachelle and Flynn."

"So what about you two?" Michael asked. "Im sure youre well aware of the rumors flying around about you two together."

"I saw the picture of you holding hands at the airport three weeks ago," Kelly sat forward. "Didnt you two appear at some even together or something?"

"We mentioned in an interview that we were very close friends, and we are," Rachel pulled her hand out of Blaines grasp. "Its hard working together every day and not being close with someone. I care about Blaine. I think hes an excellent co-star, and Im excited for our future together as a fictional couple."

It was a good tactic. Rachel wasnt confirming or denying anything. She kept her focus on the show, instead of their relationship. They couldnt get too involved. Kurt couldnt come into the picture.

"Its also different," Blaine cut in, just as Michael opened his mouth to speak. He had to get off this subject. "I was so used to working alongside my brother for years. Its a different take working with someone new."

"Oh sure, its new," Kelly exclaimed. "We never saw you or Cooper break out in dance or song on Better Brothers. Will we get to see that in the first episode."

"You might," Blaine said, winking. The girls in the crowd screamed.

"I didnt know you were musical," Michael said, sitting forward.

"I play the piano. I started teaching myself after I quit the show but thats about all I know," Blaine shrugged. 

"And obviously, we know Rachel knows a little about music. You were on Broadway before you came to the show. Its a shame we didnt get a chance to see you," Kelly replied.

"Aw," Rachel blushed. "Yes, I played Fanny in Funny Girl. It was a dream come true for me, but I..." she paused, glancing down at her hands. "The show was something I really... wanted to do." Blaine knew she was thinking of the argument she had with Kurt the previous day. He told her she only took it to better her career, not because she wanted the role. His words were starting to sink in.

"Must have been fun for you. Going from Broadway star to television star in such a short time. Youve accomplished a lot in a few short months," Kelly reached over and touched her arm.

"Yeah," Rachel said quietly, looking up at the ceiling again. "Yeah, its been quite the ride since Ive been out of high school." Tears formed in her eyes and she bowed her head. "Im sorry," she said. "Its just all so overwhelming."

"Why dont we take a break and come back in a minute?" Michael said. "Well be back with Rachel Berry and Blaine Anderson from the new comedy series Sing."

The cameras cut, Kelly and Michael jumped up from their seats, and Rachel turned to Blaine, pulling him aside. "Im sorry," she said, gently dabbing her eyes. "I didnt know this would be so hard."

"Youre just overwhelmed. Youve got a lot on your plate. Its okay," he gave her a reassuring smile.

"Are we doing okay?" she asked.

"Youre doing great," Blaine said soothingly. He took her hand and quietly said, "Finn would be proud of you."

She smiled through her tears. "I know. I wouldnt even be here if it wrent for him." 

"Come here," Blaine pulled her in and gave her a hug, rubbing her back gently. He didnt know Finn at all, but it was clear that Rachel loved him. Blaine owed her this much, after the way he had treated her before.

"One minute guys," someone warned them.

Rachel took a deep breath, pulling herself back together. She gave Blaine a smile and mouthed, "Thank you."

"And were back with Rachel Berry and Blaine Anderson," Kelly announced to the cheering audience. "Now I have to ask," she continued. "Can we expect to see you cover many different artists on this show, or is it basically going to involved traditional show choir music?"

"Were covering a wide variety of music from show tunes to the Top Charts. I think it makes the show more interesting to have a variety," Blaine spoke up, while Rachel firmly clung to his hand. 

"Are we ever gonna get to hear you play that piano?" Kelly motioned toward the audience. "Wed like that, wouldnt we, ladies?" They cheered excitedly.

"Well, well see," Blaine nodded. "My friend Kurt has given me the encouragement to get more comfortable with the idea of playing for people, so maybe."

"Well, hopefully, your friend has a decent musical taste. Wed love to think hes right," Michael smiled.

Kelly glanced from Michael to Blaine and licked her lips. "Is Kurt the friend thats been in the media lately?"

"I beg your pardon?" Blaine said, his eyebrows nearly reaching his hairline. He had tried so hard to avoid the mention of Kurt. How had they gotten back to romance?

"Oh boy," Rachel mumbled.

"Blaine, its the question on everyones mind," Kelly looked more interested in this than anything else this interview. Her eyes lit up with the hunger to know more. She had been waiting for this.

"I dont know what youre talking about," Blaine said casually.

"Bring up the picture," she announced to her crew. She had been ready for this question to come up. it was like she had been waiting for him to show any hint of another guy in the picture. 

All the monitors in the room were covered by an image of Kurt and Blaine kissing. Kurts hands were tightly holding Blaines shoulders, his arms pinned to his side. Blaines eyes looked full of surprise, and Kurt looked passionate, more passionate than Blaine had ever remembered him looking that night. Then again, that night had been such a blur...

"I have had so many letters and emails about this since people found out you were going to be on the show. Everyone wants the dirty details," Kelly leaned forward, staring at him. "Is that your musical friend, Kurt?"

Rachel looked at him with horror in her eyes and Blaine felt himself sway in his seat. This wasnt happening. This couldnt be happening. A million images of Kurt came to mind before something completely different surfaced in his memory...

The front door opened and Blaine jumped backward, nearly knocking over the plant on the edge of the porch. 

"What the hell is going on here?" his father shouted.

"Im sorry, sir," Cecelia said quietly. "I didnt mean to cause trouble... I just wanted to say good night to Blaine... Is my mom here to pick me up yet?" She batted her long eyelashes at him, like she thought she could charm him.

There was no hope for that now.

Cecelias mother appeared at the door and she apologized quickly, "Well just be on our way. My daughters a little forward with her feelings. So sorry to cause any trouble." She placed her arm around Cecelias shoulders and headed down the sidewalk.

"Ill see you on set tomorrow, Blaine!" Cecelia called over her shoulder.

Blaine didnt say anything. He knew he was better off remaining silent.

"Youre too young to be kissing on a date with a girl," his father grabbed the collar of his shirt and dragged him inside, slamming the door behind him. "Youre lucky I even let you go out with her."

"Dont worry, it wont happen again," Blaine said.

"Youre damn right it wont happen again," his father said loudly. "I wont let you take another girl out for a long time."

"Thats a relief," Blaine said, barely thinking about what he just said.

"Why is it a relief?" his father crossed his arms over his chest.

"Because I hope I never have another girl try to kiss me again. Its gross," Blaine made a face. 

"What?" his father narrowed his eyes at this. "What are you saying, Blaine?"

"Im saying that kissing Cecelia wasnt what I imagined my first kiss to be. It wouldnt be like finding Prince Charming," Blaine shrugged, turning to walk away.

His father grabbed his arm and pulled him back toward him. "What are you saying? That you... you like... boys or something?" His voice grew louder with every word.

"Well, yeah," Blaine shrugged. They had never talked about it. The subject never came up. He didnt know how father would so against the idea at the time.

SMACK. Fire burned across Blaines cheek, as he stumbled backward into the table by the couch. hitting the floor. Tears forming in his eyes, Blaine glanced up at his father in fear, clutching his cheek where his father had hit him.

"YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THIS FAMILY!" his father screamed. His face was as red as a tomato. The temple in his forehead throbbed dangerously. "YOU DO NOT WALK AROUND TALKING ABOUT KISSING BOYS LIKE IT"S ACCEPTABLE."

"Dad, Im sorry," Blaine cried. He didnt know. All he wanted was to be honest with his father. Surely, Blaine thought his dad would have accepted him for who he was. They had their arguments, and it was obvious that he liked Cooper better, but why didnt he want Blaine to be happy with someone that made him feel comfortable?

"LIKE HELL," his father screamed. he stepped toward Blaine, who cowered away from him on the floor. His voice low, Blaines father growled, "You are not going to tell anyone else about this. I have worked too hard to make sure that you and your brother had everything. We moved out here for Cooper to take this job on this damn show, and you will not mess it up by rattling shit like that out of your mouth. Do you understand me?"

"Yes" Blaine choked out, tears pouring down his bruised face. He couldnt see why his father had acted like this, but it scared him. He wasnt going to say anything else to upset him.

"I swear, if you continue to act in this foolish behavior, I will either kick you out on to the streets or you will go back to Ohio with your pig of a mother. Do I make myself clear?"

He nodded, unable to get anything else out.

His father stumbled into the kitchen, leaving Blaine on the floor of the living room. 

Blaine looked up to the top of the stairs, where he saw Cooper standing with his mouth hanging open. Their eyes met and Cooper quickly turned around and went back to his room, refusing to give his younger brother a hand.

Nothing had been the same since....

"Blaine? Are you still with us?" Michaels voice cut through his thoughts.

He shook his head, reminding himself where he was and what he was doing. Rachels horrified face brought him back to the present and he thought about what to say.

His father had told him not to tell anyone. He had been so afraid of messing things up for the family, for Cooper. This secret had been kept for so long. The heart breaking guilt that came with that memory was enough to make Blaine feel dizzy. His father had hit him, just for outting himself. The same way Blaine had hit Kurts beautiful face, just for outting him. The pain and the guilt from that night was enough to remind Blaine that he couldnt go through that pain again. He couldnt drag Kurt back into this, when he had done enough damage to Kurt already. 

The hundreds of eyes watching him, either in that room or at home brought Blaines heart rate to a new level. Fear prickled his mind like thorns. It didnt matter that people had already suspected. it didnt matter that he should be rational about it. He couldnt think straight enough to be rational.

Blaine had to hold on to his secret.

"Im sorry, what?" he shook his head.

"Your thoughts on that picture?" Kelly asked.

"It was a freak accident," Blaine shrugged. "I dont know who that man is. I have never seen him in my life. I dont know why he kissed me, and I dont see any need to drag this discussion any further.

The horror in Rachels eyes intensified and she looked ready to cry.

He tried silently pleading with her, begging her to understand. 

"So a random stranger came up and kissed you? I know these fans are crazy, but I didnt know some of them were that crazy? Thats practically assault," Michael shook his head in disapproval.

Blaine immediately wished he could hit himself in the face. Kurt was going to hate him for doing this, but what other choice did he have? He couldnt go through with the truth. Blaine was a coward, and he hated himself for it.

"Well, the good news is theres still hope for you two. I think you and Rachel would look so cute together on and off camera. Am I right?" Kelly asked her audience, who approved.

"Well, theres no chance for that weirdo that kissed me. Its not like Im gay, so as long as Rachel and I continue to grow closer, you never know what could happen," Blaine said, hating himself for every word that came out of his mouth. His heart was beating so fast. Head spinning, he wished all of this would just end.

"Well, well have to wait and see how that chemistry goes. Tune in to their new show Sing, premiering this fall on FOX, Tuesdays at nine." Kelly stood up. "Thank you both so much for your time." She shook their hands and they left.

Blaine felt like he was going to throw up. He crossed over to Rachel, who had her face buried in her hands. "Listen, Im really sorry about what happened out there. I dont know what came over me. I just panicked," he apologized.

Rachel gaped at him. She crossed her arms over her chest, hugging herself tightly. "Ill tell you what happened. Youre a coward, Blaine.No ones going to care about your secret, but youre too afraid to tell the truth. Ive already ruined my friendship with Kurt, and Im not going to dig this hole with you. You could have found a way out of the hole you dug yourself into, but instead, you made your hole deeper."

"I didnt know what to do," Blaine confessed.

"Im not going to hurt him anymore than I already have, so leave me out of this mess. Were not dating. Were never going to date, and I will tell everyone that if I have to," she snapped.

"I dont want to hurt him either," Blaine grabbed her arm. "Please, Rachel, help me. I know I should have been honest, but I panicked. Do you know how hard it would be for me to admit that in front of all those people?"

"Theres nothing more I can do for you now," Rachel turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, tears running down her cheeks.

Blaine sighed heavily. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Dialing Kurts number, he nervously waited, quietly begging him to answer.

"Hello?" an unfamiliar voice answered.

"Whos this?" Blaine said breathlessly.

"Its Elliot," he replied.

"Oh," Blaines said, his mind racing. "Elliot, wheres Kurt? Why do you have his phone? I know he was watching the interview and I need to talk to him about it."

"You cant," Elliot said shortly.

"What - why?" Blaine said breathlessly. This was all wrong. It was so wrong. He couldnt have Kurt ignore him now. He had to explain himself.

"Because he was watching the interview, and after you proved to be the biggest dick alive, Kurt ran out of the apartment, leaving his phone behind„" Elliot informed him.

His stomach dropped. He made a huge mistake. For what? To protect himself, because he was too afraid to tell the world the truth? Because he was afraid of the haunting words his father had left him? He had been under pressure, so unsure of what to do. But he never should have hurt Kurt. He had to make this right

"Blaine?" Elliot cut through his thoughts.

"Yes?"

"I dont want to tell you how to live your life, but you need to sort this out. Kurts a really good friend of mine, and I made a mistake damaging our friendship. Hes been through too much lately, and its really starting to wear on him. He honestly cares about you, Blaine, and I dont want to see him in pain anymore. You have two options: You either talk to Kurt and fix this or get the hell out of his life and stop making him miserable."

"Okay," Blaine said, dazed.

"Ill kick your ass, Blaine. I dont care who you think you are," he threatened.

"No, Ill fix this. I cant lose him now," Blaine said.

"What about the interview? Youre too late in that sense," he gave a dry laugh.

"I dont know. Ill have to come up with something. Ill... Ill have to tell them the truth, but first I need to find Kurt and tell him Im sorry. Do you know where I can find him?"

"I have no idea," Elliot said shortly. "But you better find him or I will kick your ass."

"Just... tell him to call me if I dont find him first. Please," he pleaded.

"Okay," Elliot said, before the line clicked.

Panic flooding through his body, Blaine ran to find Rachel, who was getting ready to leave. He grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her toward the door. "Come on, I need you to help me find Kurt."