"Blaine," Blainestiffened at the hot breathwhisperingin his ear, "as much as I enjoy admiring the pertness of your squeezable behind,in order to spar productively you need to face me. Unless you're giving me the view on purpose?"

Blaine stepped away and rolled his eyes while he turned around. "Sebastian."

"Oh don't use that tone with me, Anderson.I've said much worse things to you,you know my mind stays in the gutter with you around. It's your own fault."Sebastian said with acheekyleer.

"I'm not in the mood, Sebastian." Not that he was ever inthe mood to hear his friend'slustful thoughts, but he'd gotten so used to them over the yearsthattheyusually just rolled off his backwithout muchconsideration. Today, though, today was different.He couldn't fake a smileand laugh it off, or pretend that he enjoyed the banter. It was his birthday, he was seventeen today andhe should be out there, in the town, celebrating with his friends, having the fun that a seventeen year old should.Except he didn't have any friends.Other thanSebastian. But PrinceSmythedidn't count, not when he coulddo anything he wanted, anytime.Not when Blaine didn't have a choiceoveranything, ever. Yes, he was wallowing, and yes, he knew it,thatdidn't mean he could justsnaphis fingers and switch it off, though. He was enjoying his wallowing, it was the only thing about the day that he was enjoying so far.He wasn't going to let Sebastian distract him from it.

"Fine, be that way." Sebastian said haughtily."I give you permission totake your frustrations out on me." Sebastian lunged at Blaine with his sword outstretched. For once, Blaine was caught off guard andit was only when the gleam of the silver sword caught his eye as it flew towards him that he reacted andmanaged toparryaway the strikebefore it landed.

Sebastian twirled his sword in his hand. "Come on, you can do better than that."

"I know." Blaine saidbluntly, he felt no need to prove anything to Sebastian. They both knew Blaine was the better swordsman but Sebastian's height alwaysgave him an advantage. And Blaine didn't have Sebastian's persistent need to win sothey were perfect sparring partners.

"Then show me." Sebastian lunged again, this time swinging his sword lowin a loop at the ground, Blaine jumped lithely over the bladeas it crossed his path. Sebastian wasquickly advancing again, using sequencesand footworktheir master at arms had long since trained them in. Blaine blockedall the sequences automatically, using as little effort as possible.

"See, this is why you're going to be my second in commandwhen I take charge of my unit, I'm the brains,and you'rethe brawn." Sebastian smirked.

Blaine looked downincredulouslyat his tiny frame,Sebastian's charming words weren't going to fool anybody. As much as Blainestill wished he'd grow more, he had no expectations that the world would be that kind to him.He hadn't grown in the last three years andhadaccepted long ago he wouldn't reach his brother, Cooper's, height. Not that he was bothered by it, he was comfortable with his appearance, there was no one for him to impress anyway (Sebastian didn't count), not while he remainedpermanentlywithin the castle grounds.

"Okay, you're the brains." Sebastian concededwith a dramatic eye roll. Blaine barely registered Sebastian had spoken, he couldn't concentrate today on anything other than feeling sorry for himself, which wasunlike him.He'd spent his whole life knowing he didn't have his freedom, knowing that someone else controlled his destiny, but he still managed to do everything with a smile on his face and a bounce in his step. Not just because he was pretending,orputting on a frontforthose around himorto convince himself that he was happy, but because that's who he was, cheerful in every situation, respectful and courteous of everyone, whether they'rethe King or akitchen servant.His parents hadtaught himto be grateful for what he had,nottodwell on what he didn't. He longed for freedom, for a world outside the castle walls, he could dream of a better life while knowing his current one could be much worse.Today though, hewas cracking, letting the world get to him. And he didn't know how to deal with it.

"Blaine, you're not even listening to me, are you?" Sebastian leaned on his swordwith the tip pointed to the ground.

"What? No." Blaine said, still distracted by his thoughts, otherwise he would never speak so rudely, especially not tothe King's son, even if he wasjustSebastian.

"Blaine!" Sebastian shouted and finally got Blaine's full attention. "This is what you want, remember? Isn't it? You want to leave the castle groundsdon't you? The only way, and I mean the only way,my Father will allow that to happen is in his Army,with me as your commanding officer. I'm doing this for you! You know that!" Of course Blaine knew that, he'd told Sebastian how grateful he was enough times."And no, I haven't forgotten your birthday. It was supposed to be a surprise, but your undying misery is ruining my joy in the suspense. I've booked the music hall for you this afternoon. Took a hell of a lot of persuading and being nice to my father, and you know how much I hate that, so you better be grateful and you better actually enjoy it."

"You have?" A smile tugged at Blaine's lips for the first time that day.

"All afternoon, just you and the grand piano. And me, until you throw me out." Sebastian said, his voice losing the harshness it had had moments ago.

"Thank you." Blaine feltsomeofhis usual cheerfulness creep into his foul mood, "that really means a lot to me." He was grateful, not just for Sebastian's gift and how thoughtful it was, but for rescuing him from himself. He'd convinced himself he was enjoying the wallowing but that wasn't really who he was and it didn't feel right, his despair was lifting now that he had something enjoyable to focus on during the day.

A young squire approached them. "Prince Sebastian, your Father,the King, wishes to speak with you immediately in his formalchambers. Master Andersonis required as well."

"We'd best not keephis Highness waiting, he was in a particularly pleasant mood this morning." Sebastian spokesarcasticallyof hisfather. Blaine joined his side to walk to the armoury.

When they approached,a blond boy jumped to attention in front of them.

"YourHighness." The boy bowed awkwardly.

"Stand up Sam. You don't have to bow every time we speak." Sebastian said absently.

"Sorry." Sam quickly straightened up,chewing on his bottom lip andstill looking worried that he was doing the wrong thing.

"Blaine, this is Sam, my new squire, or assistant...whatever he is, my Father thinks I need of him." Sebastian said, clearly disagreeing with his Father's sentiments, but there was nothing new there.

"Hello Sam." Blainesaid as heput his hand out for the boy to shake, but instead of taking it Samrepeated the awkward bow.

"Pleased to meet you, Sir." Sam said with a friendly smile as he straightened back up.

Blaine startled before he laughed, "I'venever been called 'Sir' before.You,um, don't need to do that, I'm not anyone special, just call me Blaine."

"Oh sorry, I'm still learning who everyone is around here." Sam leaned closer to Blaine so that Sebastian couldn't hear,thoughhe needn't have bothered as Sebastian wasn't paying any attention.

"I can help you with that, if you want? I know petty much everyone who works here." Blaine offered.

"Cool, that'd be great. Thanks man." Sam seemed to relax knowing that Blaine wasn't some Lord or dignitary he needed to be carefulwithwhat he said around.

"No problem, I'll start making some notes for you."

"You could always help me take this armour off, you know, if you can spare the distraction long enough." Sebastian cut in.Blaine wished Sam could tellthe difference between Sebastian's truly annoyed tone and hisholierthan though tone, because this was definitely the latter and not much to worry about.

"Oh shit, sorry." Sam paused realising what he'd said before apologising again.

Blaine removed his own armour while SamhelpedSebastian out of his.

"Where are you from, Sam?" Blaine enquired, his new acquaintance didn't have the usual etiquetteto have been brought up in the Capital, but that only made him more interesting to Blaine.Ifhe could never see the world he could at least learn about it from those who had.

"From the South originally, but my family has been moving around for awhile." Sam's accent deepened as he talked about home. "We once had a huge farm that my parents adored, but with big companies moving in, costs went up and profits went down.It just wasn't possible to keep it going.Now we go wherever jobs are available."

"I'm sorry, it sounds like you miss it. Are you happy here?" Blaine asked.

"Yeah, sure, this place is good. Better than my last job anyway, and my mother's happy I'm working fortheKing."

"Do you have a large family?" Blaine didn't often get the chance to meet new people, let alone those of a similarage, he hoped he wasn't coming across as tooprying.

"My parents, and a younger brother and sister. They're awesome." Sam said as thoughlife were that simple to have a loving family.

Blaine waited while Sam finished tying the strings of Sebastian's new shirt.

"If you're done interrogating dear Sam, we'll get going. Sam, go and fetch the key for the music hall, Lady Corcoran has it. Come on, Blaine."

"Bye Sam, it was nice meeting you."

"Hey, Blaine?" Sam stopped them before they left. "Are you going to thegame at the tavern tonight?" Sebastian continued walking as though nothing had been said but Blaine turned back to face Sam and give him his full attention.

"Oh, um, no. I'm not allowed outsideof the castle grounds."Blaine hated explaining his situation to new people.It wasn't that he was ashamed of it, he just got tired of the pity and curiosity in otherpeople'seyes.

Sam pursed his lips, clearly not sure what to say. "Another time then." He decided on eventually.

Blaine resistedpointing out Sam's error, there was no need to get into this now.

"Bye Sam." He said before catching up with Sebastian.

"Look at you, making friends with the common folk." Sebastian said once they were out of Sam's earshot.

"Iam common folk." Blaine felt like he was pointing out the obvious, but then again, Sebastian didn't always get the obvious.

"You're best friends with Prince SebastianSmythe.Howdoes that make youcommon?" Sebastian raised his chin and put his hands on his hips.

Best friends? Blaine had never considered Sebastian that. He was hisonlyfriend now that Tina had moved south, so he supposed that did make them best friends, and as much as Sebastian frustratedhim most of the time, he did appreciate his friendship and genuinely care about him. But could he rely on Sebastianor trust him? For trivial things, no,butif it was importantand Sebastian understood what it meant,thenyes, Sebastian would do his best.

"You didn't need the regal pose, I know who you are, you know." Blaine pointed out with a friendly smirk.

Sebastian huffed and removed his handsfrom his hips.

"I need some friends besides you, Sebastian.Sam seemed like a nice guy and he's around our age, what's the harm?" Blainesaid genuinely.

"You don't need anyone besides me." If there wasn't a flirty leer in Sebastian's eye Blaine would have sworn he could hear jealousy in his voice.

"I won't dignify that with a response."

Blaine could tell that Sebastian was preparing his own response but they were approaching the Kings formalchambers and his personal guard greeted them.

"I will informhis Highness of your arrival.Please remain here." He pushed open the elegantly decorated floor to ceiling doors and disappeared within.

"Any idea what this is about?" Blaine broached the subject with Sebastian.Speaking with the King didn't fill either of them with joy, not just because they weren't fans of his company but it usually didn't bring any good news for them personally.

"Nope." Sebastian said bitterly."You know he doesn't keep me informed on his plans until it's too late for me to argue with him.Wellsuccessfullyanyway, arguing's a given."

The guard returned. "Prince Sebastian, yourfather is ready for you know. Master Anderson, please remain here."

Blaine nodded his understanding before shooting a worried look at Sebastian.He hated dealing with the King without his son present, Sebastian could get away with arguing on Blaine's behalf.Blainecouldn't.

"See you after." Sebastian said, leaving Blaine outside alone.

Blaine had rarely, if ever that he could remember, got summoned to the King if it wasn't to do with Sebastian.His Highness could never fully hide his disdain for Blaine,so instead chose the tried and tested method of avoidance.Although Blaine did not know for sure why the King did not like him, he could make an educated guess. The King resentedthatBlaine'sfather'scompany wasnecessaryto hisKingdom's economic security,and hated that he needed to keep Blaine captive to ensure hisfather's loyalty. The Andersons' had been close advisors and loyal friendsto theKensingtons',andeven after theSmythes' had won the warhis parents stayed loyal to their friends. Blaine'sgrandfather had built his own mill from the ground up, becoming thelargest employer in the country and hada stranglehold over the country's treasury.Blaine'sfather, Jameswasthe only living heirto the company,andhad been raisedhis whole life to continue the family legacy.When hisgrandfather died suddenly James had been thrust into a powerful position that he quicklyexcelled at.AftertheSmytheshad overthrown theKensingtonsJamesdidn't change his allegiances.He remained loyal to theKensingtonsandhad threatened to fold the company and throw the country into turmoil to keeptheSmythesfrom power. So KingSmythehad taken Cooperfrom his parentsto keephisfatherand the company under control, and when Blaine was born,they took him too. Cooper hadmade such an annoyance of himself, making his distaste of the King vastly known,that as soon as he wasold enoughhe wasforciblyenrolled in the army and sent to the farthest reach of the country.Coopercould die any day and it would take days for the news to get back to the Capital and reach his parents.

Blaine stepped closer to the door to try and hear what was being said inside. Hiswell trainedmanners usually prevented such behaviour, but he was worried and no-one would know.

"...receiveda letter from Lord Noble offering his son's or daughter's hand. They aren't suitable but it's about time you smartened up your attitude,so that the suitable ones will consideraunion!" KingSmythe'snasal voicedrifted through the door.

"I'll just marry Blaine and keep my attitude then.Problem solved." Sebastian protested stubbornly.

"No! He..."

Blaine quickly backed away from the door.He didn't need to hear any more of that.For once Blaine sided with the King- not that Sebastian should be forced to marry someone he didn't love,orhow much of an annoyance he could be to the King,just because he was a Prince didn't mean he shouldn't have the opportunity to meet someone special and grow to love everything about them, to cherish someone and receive all the love they deserve in return. Having the opportunity to meet them was the issue.Blaine may be an idealist but he didn't care, he believed in love, he believed there was someone out there for everyone, that perfect match that could make you happy even in your darkest moments.But Blaine was not that person for Sebastian, nor was Sebastian that person for him.

Sebastian stormed out of the door, almost knocking into Blaine in his anger.

"I'm sorry," Sebastian said through gritted teeth, "I did everything I could. I'll meet you at the music hall after.We can commiserate together."

Blaine watched as Sebastian walked away, still fuming. Great, as if he wasn't already apprehensive enough.

"Blaine!" The King shouted, Blaine steeled himself and pushed the doors open.

His Highness was standingin front of his desk, looking just as angry as Sebastian had been. The Kingshared the same tall, lean frameas his son,but the King's jaw was stronger and more filled out.He made an imposing figure even for someone of the same stature.

"YourHighness." Blaine bowed to greet him.

"We have visitors arriving tomorrow." the King got straight to business without even looking at Blaine."Lady Berry and her entourage from the South will need a guide to show them the grounds, and an escort from then on. You will be that person. You will be courteous and entertaining, at least I know I cancounton you for that. Impress them Blaine."

TheKingwaved his hand to dismiss Blaine and Blaine left without a word.This was not a discussion.

That could have been worse, Blaine thought. In fact he was quite looking forward to it. He knew of the Berry family, of theirposition within theKensington'sgovernanceand their charity work since the war ended.He thought, though he had never met them, that they were good people.He'd also heard that Lady Rachel could beatanybody who challenged her to a Game.Her reputation was more than impressive, even a little scary. The more he thought about it the more excited he was, the potential for interesting conversation,and spending time with someone he had interests in common with,was a rarity for Blaine.

So what had Sebastian been so angry about? He didn't think that Blaine wanted to marry him, and would be upset that the King wouldn't allowit, did he? Nothing romantic had ever happened between them.Blaine had never allowed it,and Sebastian knew that.Sebastian tried to get intohis pants, sure,often in fact.But that was just Sebastian, he went after anybody he thought was hot andusuallyhegot them. He saw Blaine as a challenge because he'd never given in, not because he thought there was deeper feelings between them.So what had him so riled?

Blaine was determined not to let his friend's unexplained anger get him down, it was his birthday and he'd just gotten good news, from the King no less! He dark mood from earlier was now completely forgotten and he was determined to enjoy his day.

With the usualbounce in his step he headed towards the music hall. Sebastian was waiting for him outside like they'd agreed.

"Hey." Blaine smiled as he approached.

"Hey? That's all you're going to say. And you still look like your ridiculously chipper self." Sebastian narrowed his eyes, "He didn't tell you didhe? I can't believe he didn't tell you!"

"He told me.I don't get why you think I'd be upset by it, though." Blaine remained calm even in the face of a stressed out Prince, apparently stressed out over him.

"Why you'd be upset?? I know you like to look at the positive things in life,it's ridiculously annoying most of the time,but how can you find anything in this. It's your whole life, you'd be tied down..."

"Tied down? What?" Blaine interrupted. There'd been no talk of tying anyone anywhere.He could feel his heart beat faster and the blood rush to his head.

"No, not literally of course." Sebastian shook his head, "Wait, whatdid he actually tellyou?"

No literal tying down, that was good. Blaine got his breathing back in control and tried to summon his positivityback again frombefore Sebastian decided to freak him out.

"He told me about Lady Berry arriving tomorrow and that I'd beescourtingher around during her visit."

"That's it?That's all he told you?" Sebastian asked suspiciously.

"Yeah, I wasin there for thirty seconds atthe most, you know yourfather,he doesn't like to be in my presence any longer than necessary." Blaine couldn't believe Sebastian was reacting like this.If it had been that devastating to Blaine's life surely the King would have told him.Henever missedthe opportunity to make someone else miserable, especially Blaine.

"I can't believe that's all he told you! Why would he tell me and not you?"Sebastian wondered to himself, Blaine was really starting to wish Sebastian would clue him in even if it was going to ruin his day.

"Are you going to tell me or not? If you're so angry about it then I have the right to know."

"I can't tell you,I wasn't even supposed to talk to you about it." Sebastian crossed his arms like a petulant child."Which was fine when I thought he wasabout to tell you himself. But of course theassholedidn't."

"Sebastian! He's yourfather, don't call him things like that." Blaine looked around to make sure nobody else could hear.

"What? You think he's an asshole too, I know you do, you know I do, so why shouldn't I call that bastard what he is?" Blaine conceded that he had a point.

"Fine, just don't do it where anyone else can hear you." Blaine tried to placate him. "Let's go inside."

"Oh yeah." Sebastian pushed the doors open, suddenly remembering what they were actually here for.

"Shit, I'm sorry, you don't need my ranting on your birthday. We'resupposed to be here for you to enjoy it, so forget I said anything." Sebastian said softly.

Blaine could do that, or at least put off thinking about it until tomorrow. "Forgotten already."

Blaine looked around the large music hall, the ceiling high and the stage standing proud at the front. Hewalkedthrough the hall and up to the grand piano before stopping to take in the beautiful sight, heran his hand along the surface, breathing in thefamiliar senseof creativity itinspiredwithin him. It had been a long time since he'd been allowed to play it, not since the King's fromOutlantiahad visited to treaty and the King had requested he play. Sure, there were other pianos around the castle. None like this, none that felt like perfection beneath his fingers.

"Will you sit down and play already? I don't need to see you eye fuck the piano, although if you want to look at me that way, I wouldn't complain." Sebastian pulled up two seats nearby, sat down on one and put his feet up on the other.

Blaine ignored him and kept walking around the piano, taking it all in. Once he reached the stool again he sat down and ghosted his fingers over the keys, feeling the music vibrate within him.He played a few strokes experimentally before letting a melody flow. This was what he lived for, these moments where he could express himself and pour his soul into something meaningful. To feel as one with the instrument, creating something never heard before, never felt before.

Blaine startled as Sebastian started humming along. He'd almost forgotten he was there.

"Do you want a play aGame?" Sebastian asked once Blaine had finished the piece he'd been playing.

"No, you know I don't playSebastian." Blaine said shortly. The Game, where two singers competed to create an impromptu song. The Gamehad been a part of Blaine's life for as long as he could remember. His brother had played and won on numerous occasions,andhismother enjoyed a good Game too. But Blaine had refrained and stuckto playing an instrument for it, being the accompaniment to the main attraction. He enjoyed it. He got to create melodies while the competitors thought up and performed lyrics on the spot to the music he was playing. They alternated phrases and built on the theme the other had set up. Winning was not just about being the best singer, it was about performingand creating, sharing your heart and soul through the lyrics.

"Sure you do, I've seen you. You sit there, playingthe piano, the melody for the Game, and I've seen you get lost in it, your lips mouthing the wordsthat your voice won't say out loud. It's natural for you. You'd tear the competition apart if you'd let yourself play." Sebastian stood and took the few steps until he was standing beside the piano.

"It's not, I'm not... I don't know why I don't, it just feels like I can't, like the Game is only for free people. Because I'd feel like I was free while playing,and I don't want to get carried away feeling like that when it'll never be real." Blaine said hesitantly.

"Okay, that was a bit deeper than I was expecting." Sebastian leaned against the piano.

"Sorry." Blaine blushed.

"No, don't be, I like getting to know how you really feel, not the face you think you should showme. It's beautiful. But you should let yourself play, don't hold yourself back from who you want to be."

Blaine nodded, he knew Sebastian was right and it was just his own silly notion that was stopping him from something he could love.

"Okay, we'll play a Game, just this once." Blaine conceded. He wasn't sure if the butterflies in his stomach were fromnerves orexcitement.

"Great." Sebastian said smugly.

"Do you want the chorus?" Blaine offered as he set his fingers over the keys.

"Yeah, seeing as you've got control of the melody, I'll have the chorus." Sebastian stood up straighter, preparing for battle.

Blaine played a few chords before a melody began to build andflow from his mind to his fingers. The words came naturally.

"Take it away." Sebastian instructed once he had gotten used to tune.

"Even in the darkness

I can see your heart shine

It gives me all the strength I need"

"Even in the darkness

Your warmth surrounds me

And makes me feel like I can win"

"I can see the light for the first time, I can make it mine

I can feel fire burning bright in my eyes"

"One day you'll see me alive, with the sun in my heart and it's all for you

One day you'll believe how I feel, that I'm broken in two, with the thought of you

Because from the moment we met,my heart belonged to you"

"Even in the darkness

You broke through my walls

And saw the person I could be"

"Eveninthe darkness

I gave you everything

In my power to give"

"I can see the light for the first time, I can make it mine

I can feel fire burning bright in my eyes"

"One day you'll see me alive, with the sun in my heart and it's all for you

One day you'll believe how I feel, that I'm broken in two, with the thought of you

Because from the moment we met,my heart belonged to you

One day you'll see me alive, with the sun in my heart and it's all for you

One day you'll believe how I feel, that I'm broken in two, with the thought of you

Because from the moment we met

Because from the moment we met, my heart belonged to you"

Blaine let out a shakybreath. Thatwas... that was everything.Sebastianwas right, he was being ridiculous denying himselfan experience like that.Sure,he sung all the time when only he could hear, but it couldn't really be classifiedas performing when there was no-one there to hear it, could it? And so far he'd only sung in front ofSebastian.Imaginehow much moreexhilaratinga larger audience would be! Performing, in front of an audience!Wow, it sent a chill down his spine just thinking about it. To use his talent to compete, to lay himself bare for other people to judge, could there be a bigger thrill in life?

"Like a Dream." Sebastian smiled smugly, "You shouldn't keep that voice under wraps, Blaine."

"Are you admitting defeatSebastian?I neverthought you'd back down so easily!" Blaine's nerves were still tingling and he couldn't get rid of the stupid grin on his face.

"Now, now. I didn't say you beatme.I just saidthat you'd be good enough to beat other inferior beings. I have higher standards for myself." Sebastian said playfully. "Carryon playing before you explode with energy, you'll be jumping on the furniture next."

Blaine did. He played and he sung, sometimeswith Sebastian, sometimes in a Game or just for fun, sometimes on his own, working lyrics and melody together until he was satisfied he had a combination that worked. He played and he sung for hours and he still didn't tire of it. He could live here, he couldset up a bed and live in the music hall with the piano andmake a home that would be everything he would ever need.

Sebastian leaned his elbow on the piano."Sorry gorgeous, I've got to get the keys back now."

Blaine deflated, so much for his little house made of music. "Oh, ok." He stood up and took a large step away from the piano to resist the temptation tosit back down, refuse to leave and play until his fingers couldn't play anymore.He focused instead on Sebastian, on his friend who had given him probably the most thoughtful gift anyone had ever given him.His gratitude could never befully expressed through words, but they were all he had to give."Thank you, this was the best birthday gift anybody could have gotten me."

"I know.You're too predictable. I tried to get myfather to let me keep the keys, I told him I was learning to play myself, but I mustn't be as good a liar as I thought because he said no. He knew it was really for you and we can't be doing that now can we." Sebastian did his best imitation of hisfather.

Blaine grabbed Sebastian's shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you,Sebastian." He promised himself he would never be ungrateful for Sebastian's friendship again.

"One final birthday gift for you, not from me this time." Sebastian handed him an envelope.

"What is it?" He never received correspondence, not lately anyway, the last letter he'd received had been from his brother, Cooper, more than two years ago.Well, stating he'd received itwasn't entirely accurate.In actualitythe King's guard vet all correspondence through the Castle and the Kinghad blown a gasketwhen the guard reported the names Cooper had called him. Blaine never got to read the letter, but he got to face the punishment.

"An envelope.You're supposed to open it you idiot." Sebastian had a smile on his face despite his words.

A letter. He pulled out the thin paper and recognised the handwriting immediately. "From Coop!"

"It arrived this morning.Seems your brother has finally learnt not to call dear old daddybadnames,where he can read themat least." Sebastian shrugged.He'd never really gotten along with Cooperand didn't care who knew it.The dislike was mutual.They were too much alike in Blaine's opinion, but Sebastian refrained from causing Cooper problems for Blaine's sake.Heknew what Cooper meant to Blaine and he knew what hearing from him again would mean.

"Have my parents seen it?" Blaine asked before reading a single word, sometimes Cooperwouldsend a letter to his parents with a section forBlaine, but it didn't always reachhim,the King didn't like Blaine communicating with his father without supervision. Other timesCooper just wrote to him, mostly with languageunsuitable for their parents'eyes.

"No, but they have a meeting scheduled with myfather in a fewdays' time. He'll let them see you after it and you can show them then." More good news!This really was living up to being his best birthday ever. What more could he wish for?

"I'll, um, I'll read it back in my room then. Thank you, again, for everything." Blaine said warmly, he hoped it didn't sound like he was dismissing Sebastian now that he had something more important to do. He couldn't risk Sebastianrealising that there was more to Coop's letter than the eye could see.

"I've got to get the key back anyway. See you tomorrow Blaine."

TBC...