Chapter 36

Kurt winced as he sat on the couch in the Warbler's choir room, shifting a little before admitting to himself that he wasn't going to be getting any more comfortable. Sam had given him cream that helped dull the pain but nothing could completely eliminate the burning sensations from his bruised ass.

He had hesitantly agreed to meet Blaine here over lunch to talk, still not entirely sure if it was a good idea.

"Hey sweetheart." He snapped around to see Blaine standing in the door, his eyes sad. He sat on the couch opposite him and tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace.

"Hey." Kurt mumbled back.

"How… how are you?" Blaine asked slowly. Kurt curled into himself and pulled his knees up to his chest.

"In all honesty?" Blaine nodded. "I hurt like a bitch, I haven't slept decently in three days, and I'm utterly terrified of you right now." His voice broke with the final statement, tears pooling in his eyes.

"Kurt…" Blaine whispered, his voice pained. He started to move toward him and Kurt cringed back, scrambling out of reach. "Kurt I'm so sor–"

"Don't." Kurt cut him off, standing on shaky feet and backing away unsteadily as the tears slowly started to spill over. "Please don't Blaine… just leave me alone, please." He sobbed before turning and running out of the room.

Blaine's heart shattered.

*break*

"Kurtie… come on, it's gonna be okay." Sam whispered, rubbing the brunette's back as he cried into his friend's chest. "You can stay with us as long as you need, right Bas?"

"Of course."

"Oh, Kurt, I know just how to cheer you up!" Sam announced.

"Don't wanna cheer up. Wanna be mad." Kurt grumbled.

"No, seriously. Come to the gym with me tonight, we can work out together. Always cheers me up." Sam grinned that giant grin of his and Kurt raised an eyebrow at him.

"Sammy, you know I don't like sweat."

Sam smirked knowingly. "Trust me babe." Kurt rolled his eyes but agreed, leaving to splash some cold water on his face.

He really hated crying.

*break*

"Sam!" Kurt shrieked, horrified.

"What?"

"I- I'm not- I can't…"

"I don't see a problem here Kurt." Sam shrugged. "It's just another kind of workout."

"It's pole dancing!" Kurt hissed, waving angrily at the rows of silver and gold poles.

"It's an amazing workout, it helps to build flexibility, and it boosts your self esteem." Sam ticked off the benefits on his fingers. "Not to mention it makes you feel sexy." He smirked. "Come on, I'll show you."

He nudged Kurt back a little and grabbed one of the poles, spinning himself before skittering up the rod, his legs wrapping around it as he spun back down gracefully. Locking his ankles, he managed to shift his weight just so and spin up again. He continued to do all sorts of tricks and spins, the sweat running down his face and across his chest only somehow adding to the allure. His ankles locked and he somehow got to the very top when the pole met the ceiling, before holding the bar tightly with his hands and unlocking his ankles, letting himself swing back down to the ground.

He wiped his forehead off and smirked at his wide eyed friend. "Told you." He snickered. "Wanna try?"

"I doubt I can do any of that." Kurt mumbled, still looking dazed. Sam kissed his neck quickly and dragged him over to the pole next to his.

"Come on, it's easy. Put this foot here… and this hand here… now drop your hips and spin." He explained, grinning happily when Kurt got it. Or, at least, didn't fall on his ass.

For the first time since the Blaine incident, Kurt let a tiny smile creep onto his face.