Once the selection had been shown, Blaine asked very sweetly if they could watch The Little Mermaid and he looked so sad and in need of a good Disney film that Kurt didn't feel he could say no. They sat next to each other on the tiny sofa built for two but couldn't be further away if they tried. The distance wasn't so profound but the lack of touching showed just how desperately separate Kurt wanted to be. Blaine avoided looking at Kurt and resolutely fixed his eyes on the television as the film started.

They sat like that for several minutes, the film playing, the songs sung and it was only as Kurt felt his eye lids droop slightly in tiredness that he peered at Blaine to see if he would notice if he rested his eyes just for a second. He was surprised out of his sleepy state by what he saw.

"Blaine?" he asked instantly concerned, "Are you crying?"

Blaine blinked several times after jumping upon hearing Kurt's voice and shook his head.

"No, no, I'm fine," he said, trying to smile to convince Kurt a little more but the tear track was evident and Kurt paused the movie and turned to face him on the sofa.

"Don't lie, Blaine," he said, "You were crying, what's wrong?"

Blaine looked at him as if to work out whether he could lie convincingly and seemed to decide against it. He sighed.

"It's nothing, the film just brings back memories that's all."

"What memories?"

"Forget it Kurt, don't worry," Blaine said brushing the tear away in frustration at himself. He stood quickly and looked back at Kurt over the sofa in apology.

"Do you mind if I go to bed early? I feel really tired and I....." He ran out of steam, the other excuse he had thought of escaping his mind now. Kurt nodded kindly.

"Yeah sure Blaine," he said quietly, giving Blaine what he wanted and letting him go without further explanation.

It was only as Kurt was finally drifting off to sleep that he could hear very tiny noises like Blaine was crying. Kurt so wanted to go over to his bed and hold him but he sadly thought it wasn't his place anymore and he listened until Blaine wore himself out and went to sleep.

The apartment was all one big room so what woke Kurt up wasn't a noise but a smell: the most glorious smell of pancakes and coffee. He tentatively opened his eyes to find Blaine's back facing him while he was simultaneously flipping pancakes and checking the progress of the coffee. He nearly missed collecting the pancake that he had flipped and he let out a little chuckle to himself which was so unlike what Kurt had heard the night before that he didn't feel he could disturb him. He watched him in silence for a while until Blaine seemed to sense he was being watched and he turned.

"You're awake," Blaine said smiling, "Just in time for breakfast."

Blaine busily began setting the table, a single flower in the middle and juice already there. Kurt donned his dressing gown and walked over to the table in silence, watching Blaine in curiosity.

"Did you sleep well?" Blaine asked. Kurt could only take in the irony and nod.

"Good, I thought I'd cook again, hope you don't mind?"

"Mind? Blaine this is fantastic. What's it all for?"

"What do you mean?" Blaine raised an eyebrow and placed the pancakes in front of Kurt, making sure to place maple syrup on the table too.

"Why are you making such an effort?"

"Oh wow Kurt," Blaine said sadly, "I take it no one has ever made such an effort for you?" Kurt looked a little surprised at the comment and his shoulders relaxed in defeat. He supposed it was true – no one had made such an effort for him.

"Well that's going to change," Blaine said matter-of-factly, beaming at his new task. "I intend to spoil you while we're in here."

"Just the next 24 hours?"

"The rest of our time in here, if you'll let me?"

"Blaine...." Kurt began warningly.

"No let me finish," Blaine said, "I know I messed up Kurt, I do, but I really want to show you how much you mean to me. I promise I won't push, I won't make you do things you're not comfortable with but I can't accept it's completely over. You said we haven't necessarily split up?" Kurt nodded. "Well that means I still have a chance. Let me show you."

Kurt looked a little sceptical that he would be able to make a difference but he smiled anyway. They finished breakfast in relative quiet but Kurt couldn't help look at him every so often as he ate and wonder why he was completely glossing over the fact that he had cried himself to sleep that night.

Kurt had offered to wash the dishes but Blaine had insisted so Kurt changed quickly in the bathroom and donned his new retrieved red jeans. It was nice to have them again and he felt along the tight material and had a quick peek at his behind in the mirror. He still had it.

He really hadn't thought what Blaine's reaction might be when he returned but he was happy to notice Blaine visibly swallow when he caught sight of Kurt in those deliciously tight pants. Blaine went to speak but promptly closed his mouth again. Kurt only laughed nervously.

"Are you ok?"

"What? Oh yeah," Blaine said flustered in getting caught and wiping madly at the wet dish in his hand. "You look really good in those pants." His eyes roved over Kurt's ass and legs, then he looked down, hoping not to get caught.

"Thanks," Kurt said uneasily.

"I mean it Kurt," Blaine said worried that he wasn't accepting the compliment, "They look perfect on you."

Kurt smiled warmly.

The day was going quite slowly but it was fun to walk around the small apartment every so often and catch Blaine's eyes and watch him look down in embarrassment when he was caught. There was nothing much to do other than watch more movies but this time Kurt wasn't so set apart from Blaine, already feeling like he'd been a little harsh in light of how Blaine had slept. They weren't hugging but thighs and shoulders touched and Kurt would occasionally look at Blaine who was smiling and happily singing along to the songs in Aladdin instead. They were very much surprised to see the television screen change to a blinking eye and the sound of 'A Whole New World' was interrupted by the usual monotone voice of a producer.

"Hello Blaine and Kurt. We hope you're enjoying your stay in the apartment. As you know you have 31 hours left until we count and verify the public vote and you return to the house, so we have one more task for you to complete. If you win and succeed we will give you a video message from someone special on the outside world."

Blaine and Kurt looked at each other and smiled. The thought of seeing someone from their home, someone they loved, made the task so much more important and it would be nice to see that everything was ok on the outside.

"In your task you will be blindfolded and the other will give a selection of foods that the person blindfolded must be able to guess. You are allowed one mistake each. Kurt you will be blindfolded first."

In the diary room Blaine found all the foods and a blindfold. Quickly tying the scarf over Kurt's eyes and checking he was comfortable but couldn't see, he brought the selection of foods through to the main table. Kurt sat patiently and Blaine took a moment to really look without worrying what Kurt would think. Kurt really was beautiful sitting there. His back was straight as if the task was the most important thing and he had placed his hands together on the table to avoid the temptation of touching the food to help with the guessing. His nose was upturned slightly in order to help with the smelling and although Blaine couldn't see his eyes, he knew they were always the most beautiful part of Kurt. His hair was perfectly styled and his mouth so kissable that Blaine had to swallow to prepare himself for the task ahead. He didn't want to spoil this for Kurt, definitely not.

He put the first item on a spoon and brought it closer to Kurt's closed mouth.

"The first item," Blaine said as he pressed it lightly against Kurt's lips. He opened them obediently and took the first bite. He ate it slowly, checking the texture as well as the taste and he smiled.

"Banana?"

"Yep," Blaine said happily and he got the next spoon. This food was much more sticky and hard for Kurt to completely lick off the spoon without getting mess on his chin. In fact he failed slightly and Blaine could see the sticky residue just below his bottom lip. He so wanted to help clean his lips but he repeatedly swallowed instead.

"What do you think it is?" Blaine said, nerves evident in his voice, causing it to tremble. Kurt thought for a moment, licked his lips thoroughly.

"Honey?"

"Yes, good." Blaine busied himself with the next item.

Kurt successfully named all the items that he tasted: prunes, lemon juice and strangely enough taramasalata. When he was told that was the last item he took off his blindfold and laughed.

"That was pretty cool," Kurt said, "Much easier than I thought."

"My turn," Blaine said and he put the blindfold on as Kurt checked it was on tight enough. Kurt went to the diary room to get the new items for Blaine to try. He came in, Blaine mimicking Kurt's earlier pose, and he smiled. He had to admit Blaine was beautiful there, waiting patiently with his hands placed in front of him on the table. Blaine's hair looked a little more tamed with his newly acquired gel but Kurt was happy he hadn't slicked it down too much so a few curls escaped a little near the back of his neck. Blaine's smile was small but his rosy lips so ready to be kissed, Kurt took a moment to gather his thoughts and he went forward with his first item.

Blaine took a while to answer, anxious that he would make a rushed decision and ruin the task.

"Marshmallows?"

"Yep," Kurt said, "You don't have to worry so much Blaine. That was quite an easy one."

"I don't want to lose."

"I can't put the next one on a spoon so you'll have to eat from my fingers." Blaine could only nod. Kurt came forward with the piece of fruit and Blaine opened his mouth obediently. It was juicy and very ripe and Blaine wasn't expecting it. He tried to close his mouth quickly so the juice didn't escape but he failed and it spilt over his chin. Kurt tried to hold in his laughter but failed.

"Kurt help me," Blaine whined as he madly tried to collect some of the juice that was falling from his chin. Kurt came closer and took his thumb along Blaine's chin and his bottom lip. Blaine froze at the touch and let Kurt clean him, licking the juice from his own thumb.

"Thanks," Blaine whispered.

"Do you know what it is?" Kurt whispered too.

"Watermelon?"

"Yeah," Kurt said, trying to distract himself with the next item. "Next one?" Kurt placed it directly in Blaine's open mouth, forgetting the spoons and Blaine ate it slowly savouring the taste.

"Chocolate?"

"Yeah," Kurt said, "There are several of these, so open wide and I'll place them on your tongue." He got a handful of the next item and placed them on Blaine's tongue. He ate them easily.

"Raisins?"

"Yeah," Kurt said, happy he only had one item left but thinking that maybe he should have ended on the chocolate so Blaine wouldn't have the horrible taste of the last item. "I need to cut this one."

As Kurt cut the item into much smaller pieces he realised that Blaine would be able to tell what it was through the act of cutting alone. Kurt's eyes started to water and tears trickled down his cheeks. He looked at Blaine to see if something similar was happening to him. Despite the blindfold Blaine's eyes were obviously watering, tears coming from out of the scarf and falling by his chin. Blaine was silent but Kurt took a moment to look at his beautiful face as tears fell and he remembered what had happened last night. Coming closer to give Blaine a part of the last item of food, he couldn't help what he did next, he didn't even consciously think of it. As Blaine was eating the food, Kurt kissed his tears away so gently that Blaine took a while to realise what was happening. He gasped at the gentle touch of lips against his cheeks and Kurt moved away.

"Onion?" Blaine asked, his voice shaky.

Kurt remained silent so after a while, Blaine took off his scarf to reveal that he was correct but Kurt was by the bed, looking at his hands and not trusting himself to speak.

"Kurt?" Blaine said, coming to sit next to him on the bed.

"Yeah we won Blaine," Kurt said, looking up to smile weakly at him. Blaine nodded.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm sorry Blaine, I didn't mean to do that, you just looked so sad and I know it was just the onion but it reminded me of last night and...."

"Last night?" Blaine asked a little confused.

"I heard Blaine," Kurt said a little annoyed that he was still denying it, "I heard you cry."

Blaine looked a little shocked, sat further back on the bed, his eyes wide but he didn't reveal why he'd been crying and Kurt gave up. He packed away all the food and waited on the sofa for the voice to return.

"Well done Blaine and Kurt," it said, "You won the task, both of you able to successfully name all items. Kurt your video message will go first."

Kurt let himself forget what had occurred earlier between him and Blaine and he bounced slightly in his seat, obviously hoping his dad would be there. His face fell when he saw Adam. Blaine could only look at Kurt in confusion.

"Kurt, I hope you don't mind me stealing the chance to speak to you," Adam said, "Your dad obviously wanted to when we were asked but I said I'd pass on his message. He said he misses you and is very proud of how you've acted on television. He wanted you to know he understood what you said before and is very grateful that you've grown up so beautifully."

Kurt blinked back tears that even though it wasn't who he was expecting he was glad that his dad was proud of him. Adam continued to speak.

"I guess you're wondering why I'm doing the video message," Adam said, laughing slightly to himself. "I know you've been getting closer to Blaine in there and I see how you look at him and I wish you every happiness Kurt I really do. I know when we broke up it was amicable...." Blaine looked sharply at Kurt at the mention of a previous relationship. Kurt kept his eyes fixed on Adam. "But it should never have been amicable. I don't mean we should have fought, it's not my way but I guess what I want to say Kurt is that I miss you. I shouldn't have given up on you without a fight of some kind. You needed to know how much you mean to me and I thought this was a good chance to tell you. I know it's been a few weeks but I don't want you to think I've just been getting on with my life, I haven't. You mean so much to me Kurt and if there's any way you would consider getting back together then I would jump at the chance. Just something to think about anyway," he said shrugging like he suddenly realised this would be on national television. "Enjoy your time in the house Kurt," he said smiling, "Never forget you're special in a most fantastic way and that everyone sees it."

He said his goodbye and the screen flicked back to black. Blaine looked at Kurt his face pained.

"He is your ex?"

"Yeah, we broke up a few weeks ago like he said, just before we entered the house; like he said it was amicable."

"But he wants you back?"

"It would seem that way," Kurt said slowly, his mind racing with future possibilities and what this all meant.

"You're considering it?"

"What? No, I mean he was really nice to me it just fizzled out."

"No chemistry?" Blaine said a little too gleeful.

"I shouldn't be discussing it here Blaine," Kurt said, "Just forget it."

The screen came on again and a man appeared, looking too young to be Blaine's dad so Kurt looked at Blaine in question. Blaine looked startled to see the face staring back at him and tears instantly appeared. Kurt was a little shocked at such a quick reaction.

"Cooper?"

Cooper looked a little ill, his face pale and lined but he smiled into the screen.

"Hi Squirt," Cooper said to the camera, "I wish I could see your face when I'm speaking here but I guess I get to watch you later on the television. I'm really proud of you bro, you've made such a success of your time there. I know you probably weren't expecting to see me right? I made it out of hospital like you can see," he stretched his arms wide as if to prove he was now okay. "I'm still recovering but I'm ok now and missing you. I get to see you so much more than what I did before. I'm like one of those crazy fans that watch you 24/7 on that live channel and I have to say squirt, what you did with Sebastian wasn't your smoothest move. He's such a douche, surely you saw that one coming?" Cooper wasn't expecting an answer but Kurt had to smile at Blaine's embarrassed expression.

"Well anyway I really hope that you make it up with Kurt you look really cute together and I can see you living together and owning puppies. Just my prediction anyway," he said shrugging his shoulders. "Seriously though Blaine, I hope we can have a proper chat when you get out because I know I haven't been there for you and I want to change that. I'm rooting for you to win, I think you can do it, so keep going bro. Love you, bye." Cooper did a final wave at the camera and Blaine waved back despite knowing he couldn't see him.

The silence stretched on when the television screen went black. Blaine looked so pained that Kurt didn't want to disturb him with any questions so he made tea and kept himself busy in the kitchen. He made sandwiches and placed a tray of food for lunch on the table. He sat and waited.

Blaine eventually wiped at his face and came to the table, took a sandwich and ate in silence, taking the smallest bites.

"Are you ok?" Kurt asked after a while.

"Yeah I think so," Blaine said nodding, "It was nice to see Cooper again."

"He's been ill?"

"Yeah he had a motorcycle accident before I entered the house. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to him because he was unconscious when I left. The voice in the diary room said last week he was awake and making a good recovery."

"And you didn't tell me?" Kurt asked, a little hurt.

Blaine looked up. He realised he had kept an awful lot to himself since entering the house, even from Kurt who should really know everything.

"I'm sorry Kurt, I guess I knew if I told you then the whole world would know. Whatever I say to you, I say to everyone outside."

Kurt thought over what he had said and realised the truth of the statement. There were no private moments between them, no sweet discoveries of what the other person was all about – fears, secrets and insecurities. Kurt knew he himself wasn't confident enough to tell the whole world what he wanted to tell Blaine in private. Here there was no privacy.

"I hate it in here," Kurt said after a while. Blaine looked sadly at him.

"I don't hate it here," he said, "If I'd never come here I would never have met you."

Kurt smiled at the sweet sentence.

"I know what you said earlier Kurt, that we should take it slowly and I said I was going to bombard you with sweet gestures and romantic deeds but I think you're right. We need to take it slowly and get to know each other again."

"I don't know if I can do that in here," Kurt said sadly, looking a little worriedly at the cameras in each corner.

"We can do it bit by bit and really we only have another four weeks in here. We can last until then."

Kurt nodded, thinking it over.

"Unless you wanted to give Adam another chance?"

Kurt thought it over and Blaine felt like his heart had stopped for a beat until he answered again.

"I don't know," he admitted finally, "I don't think it'll work if I'm honest."

Blaine nodded.

"And Sebastian?" Kurt asked. Blaine's face changed to one of disgust.

"Cooper was right, he is a douche. I should never have forgiven him for before and given him a second chance. I'm sorry Kurt."

Kurt looked over at Blaine's open and hopeful face and smiled. They might be ok after all.