"Blaine!" Rachel shouted when they reached the top tier of the gardens. "Please can we go up there? It's like something out of afairy-tale!" She pointed to the turret on the highest tower of the castle.

"Of course.You'll adore the view of the capital from up there." Blaine told her as she took himby thearm to be escorted.

They climbed the many steps up to the tower with only a few snide comments from Kurt; "This better be worth it Berry, my shoes weren't made for a climb." Or moans of exhaustion from Finn; "How much further? It's just a tower, why do we need to see it anyway?"

The small turret at the top was just big enough to holdthe partyofseven. Blaine let the light wind blowover his face and breathed in the fresh air. It had been a while since he was last up the tower and he realised he'd missed it.He'd missed beingable to watchthe hubbub of people below anddetach himself from existence. It was like he was watching a film.He knew the people, he knew what was going on but he wasn't a part of it.He could just let it be and watch with interest.

"You're right, it's breath-taking," Kurt said as he leanthis head out as far as he dare from beside Blaine. From this vantage point they could see the whole of the gardens, the main entrance to the castlegrounds,and the small houses and alleyways of the Capital beyond.

"Kurt, get your head back in!Have you seen how far down it is?" Finn pulled at Kurt's arm.

"I have eyes Finn.It's you who won't look down." Kurt pushed Finn's hand away and resumed his earlier position.

"How can you be so tall and be afraid of heights?" Blaine asked.

"He's right.You're a conundrum Finn, one that I will never understand."Kurt said flippantly.

"Me neither." Rachel chimedin.

"What's a conundrum?" Finn scrunched his nose.

"Is it when a tall person plays the drums, because Finn can play the drums really well?" Blaine thought Brittany had a reasonable question this time but everybodyseemed to move on without correcting her.

"Hudson,look at this," Puck jumped in before Finn could bemoan being picked on.

Finn joined his friend by the ledge.

"I thoughtyour surname wasHudson?" Blaine asked Kurt, confused when Kurt didn't even look up when Puck called his name.

"It is." Kurt nodded.

"We're brothers." Finn said brightly

"Brothers? But, you're so,so,tall." Blaine was starring again but he couldn't really stop himself.

"Do you have like height envy or something?Because you keep bringing itup." Finn shuffled his feet nervously.

"It's because the sky is closer to your head than his,andhe wants to know what theclouds smell like." Brittany answeredfor him.

"Oh." Finn didn't look convinced.

"We'restepbrothers."Kurt corrected.

"Oh, that's great." Blaine said cheerfully.He felt bad for questioningtheir relationship,as though he'd suspected them of lying.But really he just couldn'timaginehow Finn and Kurt were brothers when they looked and acted so differently. Step brothers was a nice thought though-they seemed to have a good relationship, protective of each other but quick to tease.Maybe he should have realised they were related from that.

"Do you come up here often, Blaine?" Rachel enquired.

"I used to,when I was younger. I would comeuphere for hours and watch the kids playing in the trees by the main gate, I sometimes pretended I was with themandclimbed up on the ledge. But Cooper, my brother,stopped me.Hesaid it was too dangerouseven though I felt perfectly safe. Then when I got older I didn't want to feel like I was wasting my life watching others livetheirsso I stopped visiting."

"You climbed up there?" Finn asked in awe.

"Yeah, I was a kid and I had good balance.It didn't seem like a big deal at the time." Blaine shrugged.He'd still not gotten over his urge to jump on furniture,or anything really, but he'd learnt restraint so that he didn't get in trouble.

"Do it now, I want to see." Puck egged him on eagerly.

"No, he will not!His brother was right, it's too dangerous." Kurt said sternly and Blaine was definitely not going to argue with that tone.

"Good decision." Rachel winked as she whispered to him.

"Tell me what I can see in the Capital?" She said much louder.

"Tina?" Blaine prompted when she didn't jumpin.

"Oh, yes, sorry. Well over there by the building with the dark red roof-that's the school.It's almost as old as the castle and has a good reputation,even if the King doesn't deem it good enough for his own children. All of theKensingtonswere educated there. Andthe hospital is by the park."Tina pointed out the landmarks as she went, their guests following her line of sight with interest.

"The park looks nice." Rachel commented.

"It is.IIivejust beyond it in the houses to the left. And the Tavern bordersit. There is usually a Game thereevery Friday."

"Do you play?" Rachel's eyes lit up.

"I do onoccasion, though not often as there is usually someone there more determined to get the spotlight. I hear you are undefeated my Lady?" Tina said politely.

"Yes, Ihaveyet to find anyone who can match my prowess.Though, to be honest,I doubtsuch a personexists." Rachel said with a confidence he'd never seenbefore.It wasn't the arroganceofSebastian,butpurely the knowledge that she was the best-a fact,not an opinion.

"What about you?" Kurt asked looking at Blaine.

"Sorry?"

"The Game.Do you play? Or do they not hold Games inside the castle?" Kurt clarified.

"No, they hold Games here sometimes,mostlyjust low key ones for fun. I usually play the piano for them,but I haven'tcompeted."

"Blaine plays wonderfully.You should hear him some time. EventheKingacknowledges his talent." Tina said with pride.

"I would love to hear you play, Blaine," Kurt said.

"Me too!Maybe you can playwhileIpractise. Wouldn't that be lovely?One must practise tomaintain their excellence,even if I don't have anyone of such high quality to compete against."

"Excuse me?" Kurt said.

"Well,except you of course!Butwe know each other toowell for it to be a true competition. You can still wipe the floor with anyone else, of course," Rachel admitted.

Kurt must have decided to let it go because he refrained from biting back and moved over to Blaine. "So you've never competed?"

"I've played against Sebastian, only yesterday in fact," Blaine explained, but was cut off by Tina before he could get any further.

"You did? That's great!I've been trying to get him to compete for years. His speaking voice is so dreamy that his singing voice mustbe drool worthy."

"I intend to compete at some point, yes. Thank you Tina," Blaine said before Tina embarrassed him further."I've just always beenmorecomfortable playing the accompaniment." It was as close to the truth as he couldgetwith people who he'd only met today and probably weren't interest inhearinghis personal troubles, at least not yet anyway.

"Whether you compete or accompany, I'd love to hear it." Kurt said.

"Can we go down now? I'm getting dizzy from the height." Finn asked. Blaine laughed as Kurt rolled his eyes.

"If everyone is ready..." Blaine offered and received nods in return.

Once they were back safely on the ground Blaine showed them to thekitchens so that they could meet Martha and get something to eat.

Martha was busy rolling some dough when they entered the kitchen.

"Blaine, darling, it's good to see you." Martha said with a warm smile that Blaine couldn't help but return. Martha had always acted as though it was a real treat to see him, eventhoughshe saw him practically every day.She had the ability to make him feel special when everything else made him feel like a nuisance.

"You too Martha." He kissed her on the cheek. "I was wondering if you had anything for our guests to eat."

"Of course I do, Blaine. Would you like to eat in here or in thedininghall?" She asked.

"In here would be lovely. I'm already going weakinthe knees from the smell," Rachel said as she looked around the kitchen.

"I like her." Martha said with a wink at Blaine. 'Him too', she mouthed pointing at Kurt.

"Martha, this is Lady Rachel Berry.And her friends, Kurt, Finn, Brittany and Puck." Blaine introduced them.

"Puck huh? Did you parents hate you?" Martha asked bluntly.

"No. Well, yes, my Dad did.But that's not why I'm called Puck. NoahPuckermanat your service madam." Puck stuck his hand out for Martha to shake. She frowned at him and lifted her flour covered hands.

"Hands off the food!" Martha raised her voice, she must have spotted Finn with the eyes in the back of her head,scolding himwith her back turned.

"It's not worth your life." Blaine warned him.

"See, my boy Blaine, knows what's best for him. The food will be ready in five minutes." Martha instructed.

"Finn, come and sit down before you drool all over everything." Kurt told Finn as he sat at the large round table in the middle of the room. Finn huffed,but did as he was told.

"So Martha, do you have any family in the castle?" Kurt asked as Blaine took the seat next to him. Blaine had to resist the heat rising up his neck when their thighs brushed together.

"Yes, everyone is my family, including that boy and girl showing you around so no funny business or you will have me to answer to. Biological family? No, I never could findaman to hold my interest for long enough. Not all men are as charming asBlaine here."

"I can agree with that. Have you known Blaine long?" Kurt continued to engage Martha in conversation.

"Since he was a pup, and a cute pup at that.I know all the embarrassing stories, but for now I'll let him keep his air of cool."

"Interesting!" Kurt smiled devilishly at Blaine and Blaine wanted nothing more than to keep Kurt away from Martha.

"Hey Blaine." Sam entered the kitchen and waved with a goofy grin. He lookedaround atthe other members of the kitchen and realisedtheirattiredidn't match the otherservants. "Oh, I shouldn't be in here right now should I?Youdon't work here."

"No, theydon't,but I'm sure they wouldn't mind you joining us?" Blaine looked around for confirmation.

"Of course not." Kurt supplied. "I'm Kurt.It's nice to meet you."

"Rachel Berry," Rachel waved at him."This is Finn, Puck and Brittany."

"As in Lady Berry?" Sam asked and Rachel nodded.

"Don't look so scared.Her bark is worse than her bite," Kurt told him and Sam nodded unconvincingly.

"Away from the food Sam!" Martha shouted again.

Sam snatched his hand back from the food and quickly sat at the table.

"I only started working here a couple of days ago. Blaine is going tohelp me withwho's who to... wellstopwhat happened when I walked in." Sam said sheepishly, thankfully he'd realised who Tina was and didn'tmixed her up with Brittany.

"Moving on...where's Sebastian?" Blaine asked hoping he wasn't just behind Samand about to announce hispresence.His guests needed a little more time to settle in before being introduced to PrinceSmythe, and personally he'd rather Kurt didn't go anywhere near him, thoughhe supposed their meeting wasunavoidable.

"No idea.He told me to get lost this morning, so I did," Sam shrugged.

Blaine nodded to reassure him he'd done the right thing, "Good call. With Sebastian, you can at least count on his instructions being literal."

"Yeah, I'm getting that." Sam looked pleased that he was getting the hangof his job.

"Enough talk of the spawn of Satan.The food is ready sodig in." Martha placed two trays of warm pies on the table and a large bowl of salad.

"Martha!" Blaine scolded, his eyes flicking to Lady Berry to gage her reaction.

"Oh shush.I'm sure Lady Berry is astute enough to know that not all employees love their employer," Martha shotback.

As much as he loved Martha he really wished she understood that he was the one who would get in trouble if he failed to give Lady Berry and her friends a good impression.Blaine hoped to be leaving and couldn't afford anything that might interfere with that.He couldn't really argue the point with her now though.

"I do.Don't worry Blaine, the King will not here anything but positive things from me, I promise you that," Rachel said reassuringly.

"See, I told you I liked her," Martha said.

"Yes, Rachel is not only a talented singer, but a great actress too," Kurt supplied.

"I'm not the only one good at that, Kurt." Rachel said with an honesty that made Blaine believe they had a lot of experience in the matter.

"Not that Kurt's been doing a very good job at hiding how hot he thinks Blaine is." Puck said around a mouth full of pie.Finn kicked him under the table as Kurt choked on his own mouthful.

"Ow, what?I'm helping andI can't helpit if I wantthem to get theirmackon.It'd be hot, for them I mean, and Kurt deserves a decent fella."

Blaineguessed Puck meant it as a complement but he justwanted to shrivel into a ball and roll away, instead he went beat red and tried to hide his face. He was used tolewdcomments from Sebastian but for some reason anything related to Kurt seemedto turnhim into a blushing virgin.

Kurt managed to take the higher ground and actually form words in response. "Ignore him.Hewas dropped on his head as a baby, hence the hair." Blaine couldn't help but noticethe blush on his face too.

Blaine nodded, still not quite capable of speech.

"And he'll have no tongueif he upsets my boy, understand?" Martha pointed her stirring spoon at him.

"Understood." Puck visibly gulped down his last bite of pie.

"Tina, dear, would you help me with this?" Martha asked, and Tina joined her quickly,the twowhispering in each other's ears.

"So, you guys are important, huh?" Sam asked in the skilful way Blaine was starting to get used to.

"Maybe.Remains to be seen really." Kurt answered.

"What does that mean?" Sam asked,as though Kurt had recited the book of hydroscopic theory to him.

"It means that,whilemyown importanceto the worlddue tomy talentis undeniable, wehave not accomplished our reason for visiting yet,so the level of our importance is undetermined." Rachel elaborated.

"Right.I still don't understand, but I was just trying to make conversation anyway so it doesn't matter." Sam said as he began scoffing down his food.

"If you figure it out could you explain it to me?" Finn commented to Sam.

"Finn, you know why we're here." Kurt told him.

"Oh, right. Anymore pie?" Finn asked Martha.

"No, you've eatenit allalready, but I have desert. Some cheesecake?"Martha offered.

"Whycheesecake? The one thingthat I cannot resist?" Kurt groaned.

"It'sdelicioustoo." Blaine pointed out.

"Thank you,Blaine." Kurt glared at him and Blaine returned it with a smirk."Bring out the cheesecake."

Martha brought out a tray of her famous white chocolate baked cheesecake and Blaine practically drooled.It was his favourite dessert,and Martha knew it.

"I'd made this for someone's birthday yesterday, but he didn't deem me important enough for a visit." Martha said with mock indignation.

"You made it for me?" Blaineasked, his voice an octave higher than normal.Hedidn't knowwhat he'd done to deserve his presents this year,butsomebodywassmiling down on him.

"Yes, dear." Martha rolled her eyes playfully.

"It was your birthday?" Kurt asked.

"Yes it was." He said to Kurt. "Thank you, Martha, it's a lovely gift. And I'm sorry I didn't visit.Sebastian had a couple of surprise gifts that distractedme.Ipromise I'll make up for it."

"No need, dear.As long as you had a good day that's enough for me.And now you get to spread the enjoyment of it over two days." Martha squeezed his shoulder and Blaine gave her a hug.

"Oh, wow, I'm infood heaven. Will you marry me Martha?" Puck asked.

"You aren't man enough for me." Martha said with a hand on her hip.

"I'd argue, but... eating." Puck didn't take the rejection to hard.

Blaine chuckled and dug into his own cheesecake, trying to ignore the small moans of pleasure coming from the boysittingnext to him.

"That was amazing Martha.You'll have to give me the recipe before we leave." Kurt said graciously.

"You cook?" Martha asked, and Blaine was genuinely surprised at Kurt'srequest, usually people of his standing would have their own employees to cook for them, or at least have access to the cooks working for Lady Berry's family.

"Yes.It was just me and my dad from an early age so I had to learn, but I like it." Kurt answered genuinely.

Tina had re-joined them at the table. "Nobodycooks without Martha's permissionin the castle, and we'd have our fingers burnt if we tried."

"Maybe I'll make an exception one day." Martha commented.

"We should move on before Finn and Puck eat everything in sight." Rachel said.

They left the kitchen after saying their goodbyes to Martha and Sam.

"Through here arethe King's formal chambers and the meeting room. We can't enter right now but,I'm sure you'llsee them tomorrow when you meetwith the King." Blaine explained.

"No problem." Rachel told him.

They walked through the corridors, Blaine pointingoutinteresting rooms and paintingsaligning the walls. Blaine wasn't a fan of all the artwork in the castle,but some were noteworthy and enchanting in their own way. Kurtand Brittanyseemed particularlyenamouredby an abstract black and white painting of a ladywearing men's formal wear.She was tall with short blond hair and gaunt face with a stern expression. When asked what he liked about it,Kurt just said that it reminded him of someone.

Afterseveral winding corridors theycame totwo large doors that opened out in a huge hall.

"Thisroomis the starattraction, aka the Star Room," Blaine said as they entered, "and it's pretty clear why." He pointed to the ceiling where a vast pattern of stars wasengraved intricately.

"Is this where they hold the coronations?" Kurt asked as he took in the room.

"Yes, among other things.Basically all celebratory events take place in here and the staff reorganise itas appropriate." Blaine confirmed.

"It's cool." Finn remarked, to which Blaine had to agree.

Blaine took them through the doors at the other end of the hall and walked down the corridor until they reachedthe doors to the music hall he had frequented just yesterday.His fingers tingled at the memory of the keys beneaththem.

"This is the music hall." Blaine gestured to the closed door before them.

Kurt and Rachel grabbedeach other'sarms with an intake of breath.

"We have to go in." Kurt said, eyes focused on the door.

"It's probably locked." Blaine told him in a quiet voice.He really didn't want to be the one to give bad news, especially when Kurt and Rachel looked so excited.

"We have to break in then." Kurt strode towards the door, dragging Rachel with him,not that she was an unwilling participant.

"Wait!" Blaine darted in front of them. "You can't do that. Just... let me check, the choir master, Lady Corcoran,shemay be in there.She's the only one allowed a key. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you interrupting." Blaine's heartsped up and he gulped to calm his nerves, hoping that Lady Corcoran would be inside.

Blaine twirledthe doorknob in his hand, saying a silent prayer thatthe door would open freely so that he didn't have to go to any extreme lengthsto prevent Kurt and Rachel from breaking in, and the inevitable trouble it would get him in. He breathed out a sigh of relief when the door gave way.

Kurt and Rachel practically bargedpassed Blaine into the hall.

"Oh wow!" Rachel shouted as sheran up to the stage.Once again Rachel had exceeded Blaine's expectations of how loud she could be. Kurt followed her just as eagerly, neither of them even noticing the presence already in the room.

Lady Corcoran stood up from her seat on the stage and smiled at her two intruders. "Hello," she said sweetly. "Who do we have here?"

Blaine poked his head through the hall way door."I'm sorry Lady Corcoran.They wanted to see the hall,I'dhave given you some warning but..."

"It's no problem, Blaine." Lady Corcoran interrupted."They are more than welcome."

Blaine shooed Finn, Puck and Brittany into the room once he was reassured it was okay. He remained in the doorway.

"This is spectacular!" Rachel threw her arms out wide and spun on the stage, before stopping to look out ontoherempty audience. A dreamlike glazetook over her eyes. Kurt had the same lookon his face, his hands clenched at his chest as he heaved in a heavy breath. Heheld the breath for what seemed like forever before breathing out and smiling so wide Blaine was sure his face would split in two.

"You must be Lady Berry?" Lady Corcoran asked, "You're more beautiful than I ever imagined."

"I am." Rachel replied, still distracted by her imaginary audienceor Blaine was sure she wouldn't have sounded so arrogant.

"I..." Kurt started to say.Blaine could seethe twinkle oftears in his eyeseven from so far away. "I never thought... I'd see this place."

Kurt seemed to come to his senses and wiped his eyes. "Blaine, you have to play for us." He spun on the spot looking for Blaine. "What are you still doing in the doorway, get in here."

"I can't." Blaine said simply.

"Sure you can.It's just one foot in front of the other." Kurt put his hands on his hips and Blaine was devastated that Kurt had lost that beautiful smile because of him."We wantto hearyou play."

Blaine remained where he was,not knowingwhat to say or do. He just stood frozen, torn between wanting to rush inside so he could jointhefunand doing the right thing.

"Why won't you come in Blaine?" Rachel asked when she noticed Blaine hadn't moved.

"He's doingwhat hebelieves to bethe right thing." Lady Corcoran answered for him. "He's protecting me from getting in trouble.The door is usually locked for a reason."

"Why?" Kurt asked, the question directed at Lady Corcoran but he was still looking at Blaine.

"To keep me out." Blaine looked down as he said it to hide theshamerising up his neck.He didn't know why, but hefelt the need to be honest with these people, with these friends he'd just made, the need for them to know the real him.

"What did you do?" Puck asked in awe.

"He didn't do anything, other than find a love of playing the piano." Lady Corcoran explained.

"The King isn't my greatest fan.I'm only hereto keep my father in line.When he found out how much I loved to play the grand piano,he banned me from the room."

"What? He was petty enough to punish you for his own stupid plan, it's his decision to keep you prisoner. That's ridiculous." Kurt practically shouted.

"I'm not a prisoner, they don't keep me locked up." Blaine objected.

"No, just a hostage."Kurtsaid incredulously."Haven't you ever gone against his rules for you?"

"Yes." Blaine felt anger creeping up him that Kurt could dismiss his reasons without knowing much about him or his life.

"And what happened?"

"It wasn't petty anymore." Blaine let his anger get the better of him.

"Oh." Kurt's face dropped.

Lady Corcoran approached him at the door and spoke inaquieter voice so that only he could hear."Blaine, the King isn't going to punish our guests, you know that. And maybe it'll be worth a night or two in youroldchambers.Live a little, Blaine."

"But it's not just me he'll punish."

"I know, and I'm willing to take anything he throws at me. I'veknownyou for seventeen years Blaine, seen how much this roomand that pianomeans to you andhow it trulyhurtsyounot to be allowed in here.Surely that's worse thanwhatever the King will do now." Shelby had never been close to Blaine.She'd always been on the fringes of hislife-never let in but neverkeptaway,insteaddangled there out of reach. He knew she was a good person but he was overwhelmed that she'dseen the happiness and pain this roomhad causedhim andthat shewas willing to put her own safety aside for him.

It was difficult, though, to give into hisdesires.If he gave in now, just this once,he wasn'tsurehe'd be able to resist again,and that scared him. He'd always kept his ownneedsunder strict control,andbreaking through that control wasn't easy.

"Blaine," Kurt said, suddenly appearing at Lady Corcoran's side. "May I have a word?"

"He's all yours.Make sure you bring him back in here with you." Lady Corcoran left them alone in the hallway.

"I wanted to apologise." Kurt said."For dismissing you earlier, when I spoke about yourfather being responsible for the state of the country.I didn't know thewhole situation and I certainly didn't know how the King treated you.I knew you were kept here, but I thought it was aformality. I didn't know that you were actually heldhostage."

"I'm notmistreated." Blaine argued.

"What would you call it then?" Kurt asked.

"They don't hurt me.They feed me and house me, and they teach and train me." Blaine insisted.

"He'scontrolling you with fear. Hepunishesyou if you doanything he doesn'tlike. Is thatnothurting you?"

"I..." Blaine wanted to keep objecting,but Kurt was making good points and he wasn't overdramatizing the situation.There was no rational argument Blaine could makeagainst it.

"I never imagined you were forced to stay here against your willorthat your life had been anything but easy." Kurt continued as though Blaine hadn't tried to speak.

"You don't need to apologiseto me, Kurt." Blaine said. Maybe Kurt did understand him, or at least he was beginning to.

"I doneed to apologise, and let me finish. I didn't mean to pressure you before.And I certainly don't want you to do something against your will-you have enough people whomake youdo that already."

Blaine felt a warmth spreading through him at the thought of Kurt caring enough to sayall thisto him. Something in the back of his mind told him to run, that spending more time with Kurt could only lead to danger for them both.But the little voice was easily pushed away by the look in Kurt's eyes.

"But the King will not punish us,or you,right now.He wants something from us and he isn't going to risk losing it just so he can continue his petty vendetta to make you miserable. So, if you want to come in the hall and play the piano you are free and safe to so.Ifyou want to. Please, trust me on this."

"I do, I trust you." Blaine said.He wondered at the truth behind it-how could he trust someone so implicitly when he'd only just methimand barely scratched the surface of learning whohewas?

Kurt smiled and held out his hand. Blaine tentatively tookitand let Kurt guide him into the room.

"Yay!" Brittany ran over and gave Blaine a kiss on his cheek.

Kurt led him straight over to the piano and gently pushed at Blaine's shoulder until he sat down.

"Play for me-for us, I mean-please." Kurt let go of his hand andtook his position on the stage by Rachel.

Blaine played a classical piece that he'd learnt a long time ago and had recited many times.He needed something that felt natural to him while his nerves were still tingling and holding him on edge. He began to relax when Rachel started humming along and drew his attention to her and Kurt.They were enjoying it, he was entertaining them and that gave him the confidence to let goand enjoy it himself.

"That was beautiful Blaine, I particularly liked how you chose a classicaldrama piece that expresses hope and loyalty.I starred inatheatre production ofthatduring my early school years and itbroughtmy talentto the countries' attention." Rachel complimented him while somehow still making it all about her. She definitely had a talent for that.

"You really are gifted Blaine." Kurt said.

"Thank you."

"You make me smile, Blaine, like the sun smiles at the sky to make it blue.Play something else, I want more.Something fun?" Brittany demanded.

"Let's have a Game!" Rachel squealed, "With Blaine here to play it really would be a travesty to miss out on combining our talents. Who wants to playagainstme?"

When nobody responded Kurt reluctantly agreed, "Ugh, you're right, it's not worth missing out on. I'll play you. Unless, are you sure you don't want to Blaine?"

"No, I think this is one step far enough today. Another time." Blainehad decided he should play the Game himself, but this wasn't the moment. He wasbreaking so many of his own rulesalready-he couldn't take theplungeon thatas well today.

"I'll hold you to that." Rachelsaidpointingat him dramatically.

"She really will." Kurt said warningly.

"You may have the chorus Kurt, it'll be a nice head start for you. Play something up beat, Blaine, something light hearted,like Brittany said.Let's have some fun. The Game is on Kurt!"

Blaine took a moment topreparehimself before settling his fingers against the keys and playing a bouncy tune.

You with your perfect hair

And the way you glare

Intimidation, you can't break me

As if I'd even try

Withyour Granny clothes

Don't mention the pant suit, you do it for me

Oh, this is how it'sgonnabe, oh, you're taking it out on me,

Oh, I can't help the way you feel it all comes down to jealousy

I see it now, the way you tuck your hair away

I see it now, the way you hold your head up high

I see it now, the way you hide your true feelings,

Your insecurities, your inferiority to me

You with your perfect clothes

And your little nose

You're right I'm jealous, who wouldn't be

As if I even care

You have the talent

To take you to the top, you don't need me

Oh, this is how it'sgonnabe, oh, you're taking it out on me,

Oh, I can't help the way you feel it all comes down to jealousy

I see it now, the way you tuck your hair away

I see it now, the way you hold your head up high

I see it now, the way you hide your true feelings,

Your insecurities, your inferiority to me

I see it now, the way you tuck your hair away

I see it now, the way you hold your head up high

I see it now, the way you hide your true feelings,

Your insecurities, your inferiority to me

Kurt and Rachel laughed and hugged at the end of their Game. They had a strange friendship, Blaine decided.Onethat could only come with knowing each other for so long and so well that they werecomfortable enough to say anythingto each other,and understand the truth behind it.

"So who won?" Rachel asked expectantly as soon as Kurt had let her go.

"Rachel!?" Kurt nodded his head towards Blaine.

"What? Oh, right. Thank you Blaine.Your contribution to my success will be noted."

"Do we really need to vote?I thought it was just for fun." Finn asked.

"Itwasfun, but there must be a winner. There always is." Rachel insisted.

"You won Rachel,"Kurt conceded, "ButI take it as a compliment that you didn't just assume the winlikeusual."

Brittany sat next to Blaineonthe piano stool. "Will you teach me?" She asked.

"Yes. Have you played at all before?"

"My cat plays.He tried to teach me once but when I didn't get it he put a hit out on me. You won't put a hit out on me will you?" She asked with such sincerity that Blaine knew she was genuinely worried.

"No, I wouldn't do that to you Britt.Besides, I don't have the connections,"he answered honestly.

"LordTubbington, my cat, he has the connections. You're nicer than him, though. I like you better." She smiled as though she'd just confirmed Blaine was the best person in the world. "Kurt likes you better too, I can tell."

Blaine spent the rest of the afternoon and evening slowly teaching Brittany to play a few notes on the piano in between playing musical pieces he knew well and random requests from Rachel so that she could sing along. The others joined in on some songs,including Tina when she knew the lyrics.He felt like he was intruding on a familyat times, but one thatmade him feelvery welcome.

Blaine showed the group back to their chambers when it was time for his curfew, and they said a quick goodnight after agreeing a time to meet the next morning.

TBC...