Kurt wasn't sure what to do with this new information. He sat there, looking out at the purple haze of the river and the lights beyond and nodded.

"I'm sorry," Blaine started, "I shouldn't have told you that, shouldn't have put that on you, nothing needs to happen." His words came out in a rush, his fingers leaning towards Kurt's own as they rested on his knee. Kurt looked at him carefully.

"No I'm glad you told me," he said, "I knew something was wrong, I could tell you were hiding something."

"You could?"

"Yeah," Kurt said chuckling slightly, "Blaine, you sang about hiding yourself away, you portrayed one part of your character in front of everyone then became obsessed with my little sketch of a man that was trapped by a fence. I knew something wasn't right."

Blaine laughed and looked out to the water.

"I guess I'm not very good at hiding away after all," he said.

"You are. A little too much, I think," Kurt said and Blaine had to look at him, the note of sadness so obvious in his voice. Kurt's profile looked so angelic, so pensive that Blaine wanted to kiss the worried look off his face.

"I don't want to," Blaine whispered, "I want to be free, I really do."

Kurt turned to check the truth in the statement, searched Blaine's expression for any hint of dishonesty. Blaine's eyes were shining in the lights from the water and his skin almost seemed to glow. Kurt could imagine falling so hard but he wasn't sure he could let himself. He nodded.

"Well we can work on that together," Kurt said smiling.

---

"Why do you have such a smile on your face?" Quinn asked as soon as Blaine opened their front door. He looked up in surprise.

"I thought you'd be out with Rupert?"

"I was but I came home," she said, "I don't like to stay there overnight."

"It's not cheating Quinn," Blaine said smiling and taking his shoes off by the doorway. "You can stay the night, I wouldn't mind."

"I know but what if someone saw me in the morning? I couldn't do the walk of shame."

Blaine shrugged. "Keep some clothes there. What does Rupert think?"

"I don't know, we don't discuss it," she said quietly.

"Well maybe you should if this is a long term thing?"

She said nothing while Blaine walked to the kitchen to make tea. She walked softly behind him.

"So why are you so happy?" she asked, the lightness returning to her voice as she took in Blaine's upbeat body language. She hadn't seen him so springy for a while.

He turned to face her as the kettle started to boil. He smiled.

"Kurt knows," he said.

She raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Blaine nodded. "He understands."

"So you're dating?" she asked.

"No," he said, shaking his head, "We kissed but I don't know if it's something he wants to repeat."

She did a little bounce on her toes and smiled.

"Just put on the charm and he'll be there," she said.

"No, I can't do that to him, I don't want him to be uncomfortable. If I can't be in an open relationship with him, I doubt he'll want anything more."

She shook her head as if to say 'oh Blaine'.

"So why are you so happy then?"

"Because I told someone else, other than you I mean," he said smiling. "Nothing happened when I told Kurt but he's one less person I have to pretend with. I can be who I am with him and he won't mind. He won't expect better or give a stern expression if I reveal more. He gets it."

She came up to him and hugged him tightly as the kettle boiled.

"Then I'm happy for you," she said, "You deserve that more than anything else."

He smiled and handed her a drink and walked back to the lounge chair, stretching his legs out. He loved this most of all about their relationship. The act of cooking dinner or making tea, warming his feet by their fire – all made him think those were the tiny ways a relationship started. It didn't matter that they didn't share a bed, he always had someone to come home to, there was always someone to listen after a bad day. He looked at her as she twirled a loose strand of hair around her finger as she settled by the fire and wondered if she was happy. Did she regret marrying Blaine like this, without real love? Did she wish she had the chance to marry Rupert and declare her love to the world? Blaine didn't want to ask but maybe they could work it out so she could spend more time with him, have less pressure to be the perfect wife to Blaine when he didn't need one.

"You don't have to spend your evenings with me," he said after a while, "I'll be ok here on my own."

She looked up in surprise.

"I thought you'd want company?"

"Oh I do but not if it makes you unhappy. I don't want you spending time with me if you'd rather spend it with him. I get it Quinn, you love him."

She opened her mouth in surprise. She hadn't even admitted it to herself, no words expressed to Rupert; she hadn't thought it was that obvious.

"You don't love him?" Blaine asked, watching her face change.

"I think I do," she whispered, looking down into her tea.

"Well tell him," Blaine said, "You never know, he might say it back." He smiled widely, hinting that he knew Rupert would return her feelings. One look at his lovesick face the other night had told Blaine all he needed to know. She thought it over.

"What about you?" she asked, "What will you do?"

"I'll still be here," he said smiling, "Maybe I'll get to spend more time with Kurt. I never told you," he said, suddenly excited, "I'm investing in his boutique. I'm going to be a silent partner and get a share of the profits."

"Have you told your father?" Quinn said, hating to be the voice of reason. Blaine's face fell.

"No," he said, "I didn't think he'd need to know."

"Well anything you invest has to go through him doesn't it?" she said, "He'll find out eventually through all the paperwork."

"Well it's a legitimate prospect. Kurt will make loads of money with his designs, I just know it."

"I know and you know, but convincing your father of that might take a little time," she said trying to be kind. "Maybe ease him in gently with the idea first, let him know what's been happening as if it was just happening. Let him think that he's come up with the idea himself."

"Sounds a good idea," he said, "Should I just drop it into conversation? I'm supposed to be meeting Kurt to finalise paperwork tomorrow."

"Just mention that you're meeting him and that you're considering investing because he's so famous."

Blaine agreed and set about thinking how he was going to casually mention it to someone he barely spoke to. Blaine and his father worked in separate departments, Blaine more in charge of financial needs rather than investments. That was where the big money lay and Blaine always suspected he wasn't trusted with that side of the business. He saw his father, along with his mother, occasionally on Sunday afternoons for big dinners with Quinn. They would share inane chatter about their lives, nothing consequential or personal but enough to give the impression they kept in touch. Anyone coming to start work at the firm would often be surprised to learn that Blaine and Mr Anderson were related, no contact made in the office, no warm discussions. They were related in name only.

The following morning, before setting about with any appointments, Blaine made a point of visiting his father in his personal office.

"Blaine," Charles said in surprise. His office door was always open, giving the impression that he was welcoming when Blaine knew the truth. No one dared interrupt or disturb Mr Anderson unless they spoke to his secretary first. Blaine shrank in on himself as his father beckoned him in further. His father stood over his desk, perusing various pieces of paper he had to sign, not bothering to give even a second glance to Blaine who hovered nearby. Eventually Charles became annoyed with his reticence.

"Come on Blaine, what is it?" he barked, "I'm busy."

"Sorry," Blaine said in a rushed voice, "I just wanted to run something by you before I met with a prospective client."

Charles gestured for him to continue while he went back to his papers.

"It's this guy, Kurt Hummel. He's opening a boutique and wants a loan."

Charles gave him a look as if to say, 'why are you bothering me with this?'

"I mean I can sort all that, it's just I was a little intrigued and wondered maybe if we should invest? I mean he's a well-known designer, first time on his own but he has the potential. I've seen his designs and Quinn has worn one of his dresses without even realising it. He's great."

Blaine showed a little too much enthusiasm but Charles didn't seem to notice. He finally looked up.

"What do you propose?"

"I wondered if we could help set it up, invest so we'd own 20% of the business."

Charles thought it over.

"Ok I'll consider it. Have him give me a proposal, a presentation of his business and we'll think on it." He gave the impression that it would be a joint decision with Blaine. Blaine knew better.

"That would be great," Blaine said nervously, aware that he would need to be delicate. "It's just he's under the impression that I am the only one he would be working with." His father looked at him sternly so Blaine rushed on. "I mean he initially just needed a small loan and I got away with myself. It is more my expertise after all and I didn't think you'd be interested."

Charles looked like he'd been placated. He nodded.

"Well set up a detailed proposal anyway and I'll approve it if I think it is deserving." Blaine nodded, happy with this answer and preparing to leave the office.

"Blaine," his father said as he reached the door. Blaine turned to face him again. "I think we should consider giving you more say over these things," he said casually, not looking Blaine in the eye, still perusing his papers. "After all when you have children, I expect you'll want to show them the business, how it's run so well and I want you to feel like a partner, even if you will never be one."

Blaine was startled. The low reminder that his father thought so poorly of him was nothing new but he had never mentioned children before.

"Children?" Blaine said weakly.

"Yes," Charles almost chuckled, "That is normally what happens when you get married Blaine. You've been married for two years now."

Blaine could only weakly nod before the conversation appeared at an end and he returned to his office, closing the door behind him.

---

He was to meet Kurt for lunch and he waited patiently outside his father's office. The building looked particularly drab and foreboding this afternoon and he didn't want to look behind him at the towering block. Instead he scanned the street, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kurt.

He saw Kurt as he turned into the street, way before Kurt knew he was being watched. Kurt wore a perfectly tailored waistcoat with matching tight pants but out of the top of his white shirt popped a brown scarf tied perfectly. It matched his hair but the whole outfit made him look poised and confident, intelligent and debonair. Blaine's breath hitched as Kurt spotted him. Kurt came closer and smiled so warmly, like he really was looking forward to meeting him. He was beautiful.

Blaine was a little startled to realise Kurt was near him now, leaning in closer to kiss his cheek in greeting and rub his arm with affection. He smiled again and Blaine swallowed, realising he had yet to say a word.

"I'm so glad you could make it today," Blaine said professionally and Kurt's face fell slightly. He nodded in understanding and started walking away from the building.

"I know a lovely place down this street," Kurt said, nodding in its general direction. "We could grab something to eat while I look at your proposal?"

"Sounds lovely," Blaine said, relaxing as he walked away from the building that tethered him to his pretend life.

They sat in the crowded corner and Blaine ordered coffees and pastries.

"You remembered my coffee order?" Kurt said surprised as Blaine came back with a tray.

"Of course," Blaine said shrugging.

Blaine proceeded to show Kurt all the paperwork and explain how he would own 20% of the boutique at the agreed price. The contract specified that advice would be given but that ultimately the boutique would be Kurt's to run as he saw fit. Kurt looked a little wide-eyed at the explanation.

"Blaine, we don't always have to talk 'shop' as they say," he said chuckling nervously, "How are you?"

Blaine sat back in the comfy chair as his cheeks flushed pink.

"I'm fine thank you. How are you?"

Kurt laughed. "You also don't have to reply based on professional etiquette. After last night I thought you'd want a proper conversation."

"I find it hard, sorry," Blaine said sheepishly.

"Well why don't I start?" Kurt said, sitting up, "Why were you looking so sad outside the office?"

"You noticed?" Blaine asked in surprise.

"Of course I noticed," Kurt said, "We're friends aren't we?" Kurt's face took on a worried expression – had he read too much into this relationship?

"I was hoping we were," Blaine said quietly.

"Then a friend would notice," Kurt said simply, "What happened?"

"It's just that place," Blaine said. Kurt seemed to understand. "I actually spoke to my father about your business and he's interested in investing."

"He is?" Kurt asked in surprise. "Instead of you?"

"I don't have that power but he wants to see your proposal and he'll allow me to oversee it."

"You couldn't be my partner on your own merit?"

"No but I'm sure he wouldn't be interested in the day-to-day running like I would be."

"I'm not sure how comfortable I am with trying to persuade him of my business acumen. I know that's where I lack experience, that's where I would need your help."

"I'll give him these papers and explain that you would only want someone involved if they brought expertise and advice. He'll see."

Kurt nodded, accepting Blaine's answer.

"Anything else making you hate that place especially today?" Kurt asked, sipping his coffee.

Blaine worried his lip slightly not sure how much to share. He had shared the ultimate secret, surely Kurt could be trusted.

"My father mentioned children today," Blaine whispered, coming closer to Kurt, hoping no one would hear nearby.

Kurt's eyes widened.

"Oh?"

"He's never mentioned it before," Blaine quickly carried on, "I guess when I married Quinn I never thought we'd have kids, I never thought Quinn would want them."

"Do you?" Kurt asked.

"No, yes… maybe," Blaine said hesitatingly. "Not with Quinn I guess, I never pictured it with Quinn."

Kurt didn't ask for details about that future image. He asked the obvious question.

"Wouldn't you have to have relations - the Clinton kind?"

Blaine remained silent.

"I think you need to have that conversation with Quinn," Kurt said finally.

"I can't suggest it just to keep my father happy, I couldn't do that when she's so happy with Rupert."

Kurt went to say something and thought better of it, so he closed his mouth.

"What were you going to say?"

"Don't take this the wrong way," Kurt began, "But when are you going to consider what you want? First it's your father, now Quinn. When are you going to be happy?"

Blaine didn't have the answer, couldn't tell Kurt the reason he was tethered to his family, it would hurt too much. The thought that he would have to deny his own happiness for such a long time, at least until his father died was a horrid thought and one that made Blaine swallow to suppress his emotion. Kurt noticed his struggle. He leant closer, took Blaine's hand as it rested in his lap.

"Blaine, it is your life and you deserve to be happy," he said, his eyes so earnest, shining beautifully blue in the light of the coffee shop. "What would you change if you had it all back? If you could live like you wanted?"

Blaine didn't need to think, his answer was instantaneous.

"I'd ask you if you were free for a date, I'd ask if I could kiss you."

The words were hurried, just a rushed breath, but Kurt heard them clearly and blushed.

"Then why don't you?" Kurt whispered.

Blaine couldn't describe the feeling. If he thought Kurt might help him to soar before he had no idea. His stomach a ball of knots before, now was unwinding. He took a deep breath.

"Kurt, will you go out on a date with me, tonight?"

"Yes, Blaine I'd love to," Kurt said beaming, their hands still entwined on Blaine's lap.