"This is my apartment," Kurt entered slowly, worried how Blaine would view his new space and even more concerned about how he would view Sebastian later. Blaines eyes were wide as he came in, taking in all the wonders that Kurt had managed to create in his apartment when hed only lived there for two weeks.

"This place is fantastic," Blaine breathed, his eyes finally settling on Kurt, who beamed with the warm praise. "Its very you."

Kurts smile faltered slightly at the comment; he was well aware that Blaine didnt know what he was like now and had no clue what he had to endure during high school. Blaine carried on with his tour regardless, walking through the open spaces. The sofa was chic, but clearly second-hand; the upholstery sturdy, but hardened along the edges. The colours of the walls were mainly beige with one amazing purple wall that reminded Blaine of aubergine and good wine. Along the side of one wall was an enormous bookcase, which Blaine peered at closely, taking in the well-thumbed books and the ornaments that must be treasured. Then he stopped.

Along a middle shelf there was an elegant black photo frame and a pink boutonniere leaning on its side. The flower had been dried and flattened but the living, vibrant flower had been captured in the photo: Blaine and Kurt at the Sadie Hawkins dance. They were dancing, a photo captured by friends, laughter written on their faces. Blaine remembered that night, the rush of feeling as he held his best friends warm body in his arms. Blaines life seemed to whizz past, as he stood there looking at the photo. He knew nothing had compared to that moment; he had never been happier.

After a while, Blaine seemed to sense he was being watched and he turned to find Kurt behind him. Kurt knew what Blaine was doing, the pain obvious on Blaines face.

"It was a perfect night," Kurt whispered and Blaine didnt know what to say. He stayed there, perfectly still, realising his very stupid mistake.

"Whatever happened afterwards, Ill always have that photo. I keep forgetting how happy I was at that time. I look at that photo and know that I was happy. I have that at least."

"Kurt…" Blaine struggled, his voice hoarse. He stepped forward. Kurt shook his head and took a step backwards.

"Dont," Kurt said, "I dont need anymore than that."

Blaine pursed his lips together and nodded. He wouldnt push, but the feeling that it wasnt enough, that Blaine needed to make up for all the hurt and pain, filled his chest.

Kurt started to make dinner in the silence that followed. It was awkward and Blaine could say nothing and knew he had to make up for the past. But here and now, in Kurts apartment, he didnt know what to say or do. He tried to be useful, but he didnt know where anything was and it was a hassle for Kurt to answer when he could easily get the item he needed for himself. Blaine wandered the apartment, browsing Kurts books and DVDs. When Kurt felt the silence start to stifle him, he placed his iPod in a dock and set to a favourite playlist.

It was like the universe really was trying to bite them with the first song.

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me

And just forget the world?

As soon as the well-known melody rang through the apartment, Kurt turned in the kitchen to find Blaine facing him with an unreadable expression. Blaine stood, trying to work out what Kurt thought: whether happy memories were whizzing through his mind, or if they were unwanted. Kurt leant back on the counter and smiled a little.

All that time ago, when everything got to be just a little too much, when the bullies just wouldnt leave Kurt alone, or the world seemed a little scary, they would leave it all behind. There had been a place that no one had known about, just a secluded spot under a little bridge over the pond, but it was special. Blaine was the only person who knew about it and occasionally when Kurt escaped, Blaine would always find him there.

Kurts body stayed still as the song played on. Blaines back was straight; his ears pricked to the words and his mind played images of water and long grass tickling the back of his neck.

Forget what were told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden
Thats bursting into life

Kurt loved that place, even went there when Blaine had left, but it wasnt the same. As Kurt stood taller, Blaine sat down on the sofa, almost like a meercat on red alert.

"Did you ever go back?" Blaine asked.

"I tried, but it wasnt the same."

"It was a perfect place," Blaine whispered, his mind somewhere else. Kurt turned off the stove and walked towards him.

"What are you doing?" Blaine asked.

"I dont know," Kurt said, walking to the side of the sofa. "Ive been feeling a little lost since you came back into my life. I want to try something."

The song continued, the beat getting steadily faster, trying to match the rhythm of Blaines heart as he watched Kurt get down on the floor and lay on his back.

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

Blaine watched and understood. He got down to the floor and lay on his back next to Kurt, staring at the ceiling and saying nothing. The words carried on.

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes
Theyre all I can see

I dont know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things
Will never change for us at all

Blaine closed his eyes, imagined that place where time used to stand still, and his palm itched. It was like an invisible pull towards all that promised to be good and pure in his life. Some things never changed so he searched for Kurts hand next to his own and he gingerly touched the warm fingers. Kurt began to sing.

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

Blaine knew, in that moment, that he would do whatever it took to get that feeling back. He felt old and much less wise, but if Kurts hand was in his and they could have at least this one happy place between them; they could start again. And suddenly the opening bars of Yazzs The Only Way Is Up started on the iPod and the moment was gone.

Kurt started to laugh loudly at the classic 80s track, something he liked to dance along to in the kitchen when he was cooking. Tears of laughter started to trail down his cheek as Blaine watched in awe.

"I didnt know you liked 80s classics."

"Dont be silly, Blaine," Kurt said, sitting up to relieve the stitch in his side. "We used to dance along to Wham all the time when we were kids."

A wistful expression flickered across Blaines face. "Oh yeah, those were the days."

Kurt laughed again at Blaines expression, as the key turned in the lock.

"What are you doing on the floor? Did you dance to this god awful music and land on your ass?!"

The 80s classic played on as Sebastians smug face appeared by the door. He instantly kicked off his loafers as Kurt got up quickly, joined by Blaine, who suddenly wanted to bolt. Sebastian walked further into the apartment, his eyes assessing the situation before him: the nervous energy, the blush, the twitching fingers.

"Whos this?" he said, pointing at Blaine.

"Blaine," both Kurt and Blaine said together.

"My names Blaine." He stuck out his hand as he had been taught and took Sebastians in a firm handshake.

Sebastians eyes widened almost comically and he let Blaines hand go quickly.

"Blaine?"

Blaine instantly worked out that this guy knew all about him and he felt his stomach drop. What did he think of him already? What had Kurt shared? Who was this guy who looked vaguely familiar?

Sebastian seemed to know hed said too much. He backtracked.

"Sebastian," he said, trying again, "Im Kurts roommate."

"Oh, right," Blaine said quietly. Kurt walked away to the kitchen, leaving the two guys standing next to each other, assessing, watching and planning their next move.

"Im making dinner, Seb, do you want some?"

Sebastian looked at Kurt as if he was mad.

"Yeah, sure," he stumbled on his words, walking slowly to the kitchen.

"Can I use your bathroom Kurt?" Blaine asked, his body already turning away—anything to have a break.

"Yeah sure, its the second door on the left."

As soon as Blaine had moved away, Sebastian pounced.

"You found Blaine?" Sebastian practically screeched and Kurt guessed that only cats would be able to hear the sound. Kurt turned to face him, the colour draining from his face, the realisation that this had happened all so fast dawning in his mind. Kurt nodded.

"Hes going to NYADA too, we met at our orientation," Kurt began. "Well, actually we literally collided, coffee in hand."

Sebastian shook his head in disbelief.

"Only you, Kurt Hummel, soppiest romantic of them all, could meet their soulmate that way."

"Im kinda freaking out."

"I bet you are," Sebastian came closer into the kitchen, his voice lowered. "Though you didnt tell me he was such a killer… fuck Kurt, that ass…"

"Dont you fucking dare…" Kurts eyes practically turned black and Sebastian had never seen his best friend that way. He backtracked quickly.

"Whoa, I was kidding Kurt; I wouldnt touch your soulmate."

Darkness still hung around Kurt, but he said nothing, choosing to believe Sebastian this time.

"What did I interrupt?" Sebastian asked quietly, intrigued by Kurts behaviour. Kurt sighed and closed his eyes, rubbing his temple.

"I dont know. We used to lie together on the grass in this great place. I was trying to take us back, I guess."

Sebastians expression softened and Kurt spotted it.

"Urgh, I know, stupid right?"

"No, understandable," Sebastian said, rubbing his arm. "Its reasonable that youd want to go back to that place where you felt really together."

"So many years have passed though, we can never get it back."

Blaine watched on from the space just near the bathroom. It hurt to see Kurt wishing for times gone by with only Sebastian to support and help him. As he noticed Sebastians hand rubbing gently on Kurts arm and Kurt eventually accepting a hug, he realised where he had seen this guy before.

"What are you going to do?" Sebastian was asking.

"I dont know, there are so many questions…" Kurt replied, finally extricating himself from Sebastians arms.

"Then ask them," Sebastian said, looking at Blaine as he walked back in, wondering whether the guy might be annoyed they were talking about him. Kurt bit his bottom lip.

"Hi Blaine," Kurt said too happily, a smile fixed on his face. He watched Blaine sit down at the kitchen table.

"You can ask them, Kurt," Blaine said, "these questions you have, you can ask them."

"No its fine, well talk later," Kurt said, eyeing Sebastian to drop a hint. Sebastian had no intention of leaving them alone. He sat down next to Blaine.

"So youre studying at NYADA too?"

Blaine eyed the guy sitting next to him, glancing at Kurt to see him roll his eyes and carry on with the dinner. Blaine didnt trust Sebastian, hated that he was here and spoiling their time together, but he played nice.

"Yeah musical theatre. What do you do?"

"Im at NYU studying business. Where have you been living for all these years then if not in Lima?"

Blaine instantly looked at Kurt, who had turned to face Sebastian.

"What are you doing Seb?" Kurt asked in a stage whisper.

"Im asking the questions you wont," Sebastian said. "You know you want to know."

"Maybe you should go," Kurt said. Sebastian stood up, seeming to accept the inevitable. He walked up to Kurt though, wrapping a protective arm around his waist as he spoke directly into his ear.

"Dont shy away from asking the awkward questions, Kurt. You deserve to know."

Kurt pursed his lips and nodded, but he missed the way Blaines cheeks seemed to burn at the touch displayed. Kurt walked Sebastian to the door.

"Dont forget," Sebastian said and left with a final touch to the elbow.

"That guy touches you way too much," Blaine said as soon as the door was closed. "I dont like it."

Kurt walked from the door and finally noticed the straightened back, the dark angry eyes and the clenched fist. This wasnt the Blaine he remembered. He was suddenly a little scared.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I remember the photos on Facebook Kurt, he was all over you then too."

"What?" Kurt breathed, his mind catching up. "You saw my Facebook photos?"

Blaine realised his error, but just nodded. Kurt looked like he was about to say more, start a heated argument, but he suddenly sighed as the fight left him. He turned off the stove and sat down on the sofa.

"What are we doing Blaine? Do we really think we can just walk back into each others lives and everything will be okay? Because it really wont be. You left me and never came back," he said, shaking his head. "You even looked me up on Facebook when I thought you didnt. You had so many opportunities to find me even when you saw the mark. I dont understand."

"I couldnt just try to find you. What would I have said?"

"Sorry!" Kurt shouted, "Sorry would have been the first thing and some kind of explanation."

Blaine got defensive. "You dont think I wanted to? Of course I did, but I knew it would be hard. Soulmates arent supposed to leave each other, it just never happens. But it wasnt my choice, I never wanted to leave!"

Blaines voice was getting louder too, his body coming closer, though Kurt remained seated.

"It was afterwards," Kurt began. "You should have done something afterwards, not just waited for fate."

"I hate that you didnt wait," Blaine said, "I hate that you let that guy touch you. It makes me burn!"

Kurts eyes widened at the anger and jealousy burning in his eyes. His eyes, once so honey-coloured and dreamy, were now darkened.

"He doesnt touch me and I did wait!" Kurt shouted in panic, getting up to be understood.

"You havent slept with him?"

"No! Of course not! Its Sebastian," Kurt said, pulling a face. "Hes just my best friend."

At the two simple words, Blaines face lost its heat and all his energy seemed to leave him.

"Best friend," Blaine said weakly and Kurt realised the implication and sighed. It just seemed so insurmountable, the mountain they would have to climb, the misunderstandings they would have to deal with.

"I was only waiting for you to return," Kurt said finally, the sizzle dying out. "I was always waiting."

Blaines eyes filled with tears. He had been so angry, but Kurt had only done what Blaine had done with Mark, knowing it would lead nowhere, just waiting for the one.

"I wanted to contact you, I really thought I would, when I knew it was your birthday, but I couldnt," Blaine whispered. "I was too worried youd hate me, that you might think it was all a mistake."

"I could never hate you," Kurt said, coming closer to take Blaines hand and lead him to the sofa. Blaines hand tingled at the touch. Home.

They sat together for a while; the only sound was their breathing, eventually in sync. They edged closer, hands touched where they rested in between and Blaine took a deep breath and a leap of courage. He took Kurts hand.

"You can ask your questions if you like," Blaine said after a while. "Sebastians right, I owe you some answers."

"No, not tonight," Kurt said, his hand still resting in Blaines. "We have all the time in the world to find out the past. Lets just stay here and forget about it all."

Blaine looked at Kurt as if his shiny blue eyes held all the wisdom in the world. He rested his head on Kurts shoulder.

"Thank you."