Hi guys! How are you?

I would like to extend my gratitude for the people who wished and prayed for me. Even though, we don't know each other well, you still remember the chapter I posted from my own life. Thank you so much.

I'm getting better.

WBDBY is not abandoned fic, it just that U lost inspiration from continuing it. I lost track of what I wanted to write. It's too full of fluff, the real content had been buried already. Maybe, I'll continue it, while I also write this new story. I hope you like this one too. J

Warning for VIOLENCE!

Looking for a BETA reader!

"Every love story needs a catalyst of some sort." - Ian Somerhalder

 "Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain speaking. First I'd like to welcome everyone on Elivon Flight 86A with service from Italy to Ohio. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 33,000 feet at an airspeed of 400 miles per hour. The time is 1:25 pm. The weather looks good and with the tailwind-"

Blaine Anderson closed his ears from the announcement and paid attention to the documents at hand. "Alma Lopez," he read quietly while he kept cracking the knuckles on his left hand, "82 years old, currently residing at 215 Brooke St. Lima Height Adjacent, Gahanna, Ohio. Living relatives: Maribel Lopez---"

"Sir," A Brunette flight attendant interrupted him, "May I ask if you need any assistance?" she asked sweetly, concerned that the passenger was uncomfortable.

Blaine eyed the staff slowly, "Niente," he dismissed her with a flick of his hand. He continued reading the document again, and out of habit, cracked his knuckles again, taking special attention to his middle finger where he wore a rare customized ring given by his late grandfather. Cracking his knuckles was a habit he had formed when he was training at Cucina con Vista; the best cooking academy in Tuscany.

Blaine Devon Anderson, at a young age, is the co-Executive Chef at Migliori Ander Ristorante, a four-star restaurant, built by Blaine's great-great grandfather in the late 1800's. It was of course, preceded only by an Anderson; currently, by Cooper and Blaine Anderson. They were labeled as the ‘Palate Brothers' because of their exotic and impeccable taste buds.

Blaine and Cooper Anderson is very different from each other, but despite of it, they have an excellent chemistry. It was known that Cooper was the face of their restaurant; with his alluring personality and irresistible charm, he swooned the heart of their customers. While Blaine, on the other hand, would rather have his adventure with pots and pans; creating new recipes for their restaurant.

Cooper definitely knew and had already accepted that between the two of them, Blaine's taste is more extra ordinary than his, and he was satisfied with it. He recognized Blaine's talent as an asset to their business. It is why he was in a sour mood when Blaine told him that he had to travel to USA for a while to find a special ingredient for his new recipe.

Cooper, had no other choice, but to let Blaine go and manage the whole restaurant by himself. It would have been no problem if only they had numerous cooks who can cover for his brother, but the Migliori Ander Ristorante, only serves recipes originally made by an Anderson. Meaning, they only have a handful of chefs who swore loyalty to their family and will have kept keep their recipes to their deathbeds.

Including Blaine and Cooper Anderson, they only have Tina Cohen-Chang, sous chef; she was Cooper's junior in Montepulciano. She was of Korean descent, but was adopted by an Italian couple when she was a baby. Quinn Fabray, sous chef, Cooper and Blaine's childhood friend.  They knew Quinn ever since she was in diapers and her loyalty to them will never falter. Lastly, Artie Abrams, station chef, even with his inability to walk, Cooper was inspired by his determination to learn and to become a great chef. He took him under his wing and trained him. They also have three prep cooks; namely, Marley, Ryder and Joe, but the Anderson brothers haven't trusted them with any of their recipes yet.

After Blaine's 10-hour flight from Italy to Ohio, he immediately went to Marriot's hotel where he checked-in for the night, and told the concierge that he will be needing a rental car for his travel. He had only rested a bit as he was never really comfortable in sleeping in other places other than his bedroom or his dorm room in Tuscany. He set up his alarm at 8 in the morning so he has 4 more hours to review the documents and be as familiar as possible with the roads in Ohio.

Leaning on the headboard,  he opened the folder containing the herb that he had been looking for.

Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora), it has a sweet, anise-like fragrance and honey-anise flavor of the young buds and flowers, which give a delicious flavoring to cakes and muffins; the dried, crushed leaves make a pleasant tea.

It was a relatively rare herb because of loss of habitat; the only known place is in Gahana, Ohio - Herb capital of Ohio. Blaine knew that this is the missing ingredient for his new recipe.

"211... 213... 215... Here!" Blaine exclaimed when he finally spotted Alma Lopez' house at Lima Heights. He carefully parked his rental car in front of the house. Even with the heat of the summer, Blaine still wore a casual Navy Blue business suit to meet Ms. Lopez.

He approached the house with excitement as he remembered what Cooper had told him before. "Smile, Don't knit your brows together. Just act like it is Quinn or Tina and you're all set."

"I'm not a robot, Coop. I know how to act like you. I just prefer not to," He mumbled to himself and finally step on the porch and rang the Lopez's doorbell.

"Coming!" A voice answered from the inside of the house.

It was probably the longest 10 second of Blaine's life as he waited with batted excitement, and then finally, the door opened and a woman in his early fifties, dressed in casual jeans and red blouse, answered the door.

"How can I help you?" She asked in English, but with deep Spanish accent.

"I'm looking for Ms. Alma. I'm Blaine Anderson," He introduced himself, and raised his hand to offer a hand shake. "I talked with your mother last week about the Solidago odora herbs."

"Oh, Mr. Anderson," She smiled, "Mama told me about you. Come in, come in," she insisted, and assisted Blaine inside her house. "Make yourself comfortable."

She then walked through the arch that separates the living room and the kitchen, and stopped at the bottom of the stairs. "Mamá, baja escaleras. El Sr. Anderson está aquí," she shouted, startling Blaine at the loudness of her voice.

She then went back to Blaine and sat at the couch in front of him.  "But I thought you were supposed to come last week?" She asked curiously.

"I was supposed to come earlier but there was a typhoon here, so I had to delay my flight for another week."

"Ah." She nodded in understanding, and noticed that he hadn't offered his guests anything. "Oh, how rude of me? Do you want anything? Coffee? Tea? Water?

"Oh, no need, madam," he said politely. "I'm alright."

"Mami told me you're from Italy, but your English is really good," she can't help but notice. "I don't detect any accent form you."

"Oh thank you, madam. My mom was actually a Filipina who went to Italy to teach English. We, Filipinos, were known to have good tongues," he smiled proudly. "And my mom is actually a good teacher."

Their conversation were interrupted by Alma-who apparently doesn't look like someone in her early 80's-as she descend from the stairs. "Oh, Mr. Anderson, it's nice to finally meet you."

Blaine stood up and greeted the older lady with a shake of hands.

"I actually have good news and bad news for you," she started gently. "Come follow me." She instructed, not bothering to do the polite how are you's.

Blaine felt the disappointment seeping through him, but didn't let his face show it, and just followed the two women to their backyard.

Or what seems left of it.

"No, no, no..." Blaine mumbled quietly, as he stared dumbly at the destroyed yard of the Lopez's.

"You see, Mr. Anderson, It's all a matter of timing, you were kind of a week late. When the typhoon hit us, my backyard suffered the worst."

"I.. I..."

"My garden was just for decoration, Mr. Anderson. The Solidago odora herbs you were looking for were definitely here, but I only planted a few because I thought its yellow coloring would fit my yard. Everything was destroyed in the storm."

For ordinary people, they might think that Blaine was over reacting, but for artisans, like Blaine, they knew how important and rare those herbs were. And at that moment, Blaine felt miserable, he had to start from scratch again or maybe look for an alternative ingredient for his recipe.

"Thank you, Missuses Lopez," saddened by the turn of events, but still addressed both women with respect, and turned to go back to the front door; however, the older woman caught his arm.

"Go to this person," she then handed Blaine a yellow-folded note. "They have a greenhouse uphill, his mother was the one who gave me the herbs before, maybe theirs survived the typhoon since they're more meticulous with their own plants and herbs. The address is their shop at Lima, it will be easier for you to find their shop with your GPS than finding their house, since you're not familiar with the area."

"Thank you so much," he said enthusiastically and ran off immediately from the house as his business with them was already done. He waited until he was seated inside his rental car before he excitedly unfolded the paper.

"Kurt Hummel - Hummel's Tires and Lube," he read aloud. He immediately input the address of the shop into the GPS of his car, and eagerly started the engine.

He won't waste another minute to find this special herb.

 "With the change in oil, the body paint," Kurt loudly listed off, "I also renewed your breaks, so... that will be $712 in total. Will that be in cash or credit?" Kurt asked the customer in front of him.

"So, I have $500 here," Noah started slowly, and when he saw Kurt lifted his eyebrow in annoyance, he immediately explained, "I swear Kurt. I swear I had the money for the repair, but Sarah had to go to the hospital yesterday and ma gambled all her salary again."

Kurt closed his eyes as he placed the clipboard he had been holding earlier on the counter. He counted up to three and slowly turned his gaze to his friend--- more of Finn's, but the big lug had certainly grown on him for the past years.

"Is this really true?" He asked again. "You know that I don't like being lied to, Noah."

"I swear, you can call her if you want to, "Puck suggested, and immediately reached for his pocket to give Kurt his phone.

"No need," Kurt dismissed him with a sigh. "Just hand me what you have now."

Puck gently gave Kurt the roll of dollars which he earned from his pool-cleaning business. "I swear, I'll make it up to you and Finn; especially when my business booms."

"Yeah. Yeah," Kurt smiled softly and cashed in Puck before giving his receipt. "Just take care of yourself there. LA is different from Lima."

"Thanks man," He said gratefully and hopped on over the counter and surprised Kurt by giving him a hug.

"Ughhh. You're ruining my uniform," he half-complained, "this coveralls is cleaner than that hideous hoodie you are always wearing."

"I'm going to miss ya'." Puck answered instead.

"Well, I won't," Kurt said, but enveloped his arms at the man in front of him. "'Coz now, no one will freeload on my great mechanic skills," he said haughtily. "Let me go now, and check on him. Stop this stupid fight."

Noah just laughed and proceeded to the backdoor where he saw his best friend, Finn, eating his early dinner at the boss' desk. Puck stood on the doorway until he made an eye contact with Finn.

Finn placed his sandwich back in the plastic bag before standing up and approaching Puck.

"You know, I'm not angry at you, right?"

"I know," Puck sighed, "last chance, won't you really come with me to LA?" He desperately asked even though he knew the answer.

"Sorry, dude." Finn said. "I belong here, my family is here."

"I know, I'm just checking if you change your mind," Puck said sadly. "Say to the missus that I'm also going to miss her."

"I will."

They exchanged a bro fist and a quick hug, before Puck finally went out from his office and out from the garage with his newly fixed truck.

Even before Finn can grab his lunch again, Kurt, Finn's stepbrother, marched inside the office and angrily moved the chair he was seated on.

"Hey! What the hell man?" Finn protested when he almost dropped his sandwich, but Kurt only ignored him and checked the computer. "I'm watching that!"

"Really Finn? Once Upon a Time?" Kurt rolled his eyes at Finn's choice of drama series.

"What?" He protested. "I like fairy tales, and I want to learn as many as possible, so that I can tell bed time stories to my daughter."

"You do know that ONCE has a different version of their own right?" Kurt asked skeptically. He was not a fan of the show, but he tried a few episodes of it when he was looking for a new series to watch.

"What are you talking about? It was the same," he protested, "Pinocchio was there, and his nose still grew whenever he lies. Cinderella... uhmm... was given glass slippers by the fairy godmother. And Maleficent is still half-dragon," Finn listed proudly. "Oh and Dorothy is there!" Finn shouted excitedly. "I didn't know he was a lesbian though."

"What?" Kurt asked ridiculously.

"Yup yup," Finn nodded enthusiastically. "Red has the hots for Dorothy."

"Who's Red?"

"You know, the werewolf-slash-riding hood in the Red Riding hood. She was actually Snow's best friend. Did you know that it was actually Snow's fault why the Evil Queen becomes evil? I mean, she was so blabber mouth like Rach. And you know that there are actually 8 dwarves, but one died?" Finn continued his happy rambling. "I actually like the eight one, they were like super tall. And like everyone is like super connected to each other. Snow and Charming. I mean like, Charming in Snow White, not in Cinderella coz' that will just not make sense.  So... Snow and Charming has a daughter named Emma-"

"I know," Kurt said tiredly.

"And his son is Henry, and his baby daddy is like the son of the DARK ONE, Rumpelstilskin. How awesome is that? And Rumpel---that's his nickname, given by Belle--- is actually the ‘BEAST' from Beauty and the Beast. And the most awesome part is that Rumpel's father is Peter Pan!! Who is like more awesome coz he still looks like a boy, and beast looks like Ms. Sue now. Isn't it awesome?"

"I feel sorry for my god-daughter," Kurt said to himself, not wanting to hurt his brother. He was kind of surprised that Finn remembered all that names. He might not know if what he was saying was really true or not, but he was proud of him for doing such ‘research' for his daughter. He then returned to the computer again, and minimize Finn's video.

"Bye bye baby," he said sadly when he closed the browser of Oohlala.com, where he had found a very cheap third-hand scarf from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

"Puck swindled you again, huh?" Finn asked knowingly, when he saw the signature Kurt-pout every time his brother cannot buy the things he had wanted. "You know, you cannot really afford those, right?"

"I know," Kurt said sadly, "But it was auction porn. I was just window shopping and imagining that I really bought them," he said sadly, "and besides, it's not easy to get $200. We can use that for electricity or for the water or for Rachel's check-up. We can't afford t-"

"Hey, hey, hey," Finn cut his brother off, while rubbing the sides of his shoulder. "I know, I miss them too," he said knowingly. He knew that Kurt only becomes this mouthful when he was stressed with their finances and there were no Burt or Carole to help them with it.

Kurt Hummel and Finn Hudson are only related by law, but they treat each other like what real brothers do. Their parents; Carole Hudson, Finn's mother, and Burt Hummel, Kurt's father, married when they were sophomores in high school. It was one big, happy family. They weren't rich, but they were not struggling for day-to-day necessities, thanks to the income they get from the Hummel's Tires and Lube and Carole's nursing salary.

It was when Burt run for the position of Congressman that everything went downhill. During his campaign, he, along with Carole, was arranged to go back and from Washington to make necessary meetings and business lunches with other politicians. Burt had been greatly supported by his family and friends in his campaign about the Essence of Arts. He was a great man, people trust and believe in him.  

It was an unexpected and tragic event though, that the plane that Burt and Carole were in had crashed. No survivors were reported, leaving Kurt and Finn orphans.

They were at the age of maturity when Kurt and Finn lost their parents, so they don't have to go to a foster home or be forced to live with their relatives. Both of them chose to stay in Lima and finish High School at McKinley.

Kurt inherited Burt's garage, and made Finn co-owner. He taught Finn the things that Burt hadn't had the time to teach his step-brother, and they both run the garage together. It was not an easy work to do, but they have to do what they need to do to survive. Or they both will end up on the streets. They need to learn fast, and cope fast.

"Do me a favor," Kurt started, looking earnestly at his brother. "If I date someone poor, smack the hell out of me, coz I don't want to experience this kind of stress again."

Finn, who knew that his brother was half serious, answered grinningly. "Duly noted, bro," And he finally took a bite off the sandwich that his fiancée made for him this afternoon. "Hey, can you grab me some-"

Finn tailed off when Kurt put two bottles of cold beer on the desk. "You know me best," he answered instead.

"Whatever," Kurt dismissed him, grab another bottle of cold beer from the small refrigerator at the corner of the office, and proceeded to the door. "I'll just finish with the last car and we can close the shop early today," He informed his brother, who only responded with a grunt.

It was almost dark when Blaine found the Hummel's Tires and Lube, and the lights inside of the shop were already off. But still, Blaine was determined to talk to Kurt and take his chances.

‘Maybe someone is still inside,' He marched to the front of the garage and knocked, "Is somebody inside?"

No answer.

He knocked again, and this time he shouted, "I'm looking for Mr. Kurt Hummel!"

"Hello!" He knocked harder.

"Hey! You!" Someone shouted from his behind, startling Blaine from his position. "You looking for Hummel?"  The stranger, who was now leaning on Blaine's rental car, asked.

"Yes, sir," Blaine eyed the stranger, who was wearing a black jeans and a gray hoodie, warily.

"You busted your ride or something?"

"Uhmm.. no," Blaine answered confidently, "I need uhmmm.., something from him."

"Well, he's already gone for the night," the stranger sniffed, and stuffed his hands inside his hoodie pockets.

"Oh, I see," Blaine answered, "Thank you sir, I'll just go back tomorrow," and proceeded to the other side of the car, He was already seated on the driver seat, and was about to close the door when the stranger stopped him from doing so.

"But if it's important," the stranger started, "I can give you directions to their house. It's kind of far, and you might get lost."

Blaine was contemplating from agreeing with the stranger. It was really dangerous to invite a stranger to ride with him in the dark, but he was worried that if he leave it for tomorrow, something might happened to herbs, just like what had happened to the Lopez's, and he will lose his chance of having them.

But before Blaine can answer, the passenger's seat had already been opened, and the stranger hopped on it. "But of course, it comes with a price," the stranger grinned, and rubbed his thumb with his middle and point finger.

"Of course," Blaine grumbled, and grabbed his wallet from back pocket and took out three $20, "Is this enough, Mr....?" He asked, and handed the stranger the money.

"Just call me Jay," the man grinned, and accepted the money. "Just go straight from there," he instructed first.

Blaine started the engine, and listened as ‘Jay' guided him through the roads.

It had been almost an hour of driving, and the roads that Jay had been guiding him through is getting darker and darker. Houses and streetlights become more scarce in each passing moment.  

"Are you sure we are on the right path?" Blaine asked cautiously, he was really regretting his decision to accept the offer from the stranger.

"Don't worry, pal," Jay tapped Blaine's shoulder from assurance, but the other man became more guarded from him. "Their house is like, really far."

Blaine eyed the man beside him, "Let's just go back---"

"Watch out!" Jay shouted, making Blaine halt his break with abrupt force.

SCREEECHHHHHH.

Good thing, both of them were wearing their seatbelts as they were both unharmed by that little accident.

"What the fuck was that?" Blaine complained in annoyance.

"Did you hit it?" Jay then started to remove his seatbelt, and opened the passenger door to inspect the damage.

"What?" Blaine asked in confusion, he didn't feel any bump when he stepped on the breaks, but was worried that he really did hit someone since he was too cautious of Jay that he didn't pay attention to the road.

"Oh fuck man, what did you do?" Jay's voice, full off fear, seeped through the open door.

"What? What?" Blaine asked as hurriedly unbuckled the seatbelts, and quickly mimicked the man's position, crouched, on the ground.

Bam!

And suddenly, his head was slammed against the car.

Bam!

And again,

Bam!

And then again.

"Ughh!" Blaine grumbled; he should have trusted his instinct, he should have known that being with this man will put him in danger. He saw his chance when the man, Jay--- probably a fake name too-turned and was looking for something. Blaine immediately stood up and tackled him from behind, making them both fall on the ground.

"Fuck!" Jay shouted, and instantly kick Blaine off of him, and stood up.

Blaine who was too sore to get up and fight, just covered his head and body with his arms and legs, since he knew he won't win this fight, as he was never good at sparring, and that the a=man beating him up is obviously strong and well-muscled.

"Stop! Stop!" he pleaded from the ground, "I'll give you anything you want!"

"Give me your wallet!" Jay commanded, but, continuously beat Blaine up.

"Here!" Blaine then tossed the wallet after he took it from the back pocket of his pants.

"Give me your jacket and your shoes!" He ordered, as he eyed the expensive clothing of the beaten man.

Blaine then slowly took off his jacket, and used his toes to remove his suede shoes. "Here, just don't kill me," he slowly knelt as he pleaded for his life.

"And your watch and ring!" Jay said as he grabbed the shoes and jacket from the ground.

"I'll give you my watch," Blaine started as he slowly unbuckled the silver Mont Blanc watch from his wrist, "but not the ring." The ring was very important to every Anderson, it's their heirloom, their birthright. Only an Anderson can wear it, and ever since his 18th birthday, he have not yet remove the jewelry from his finger.

"NO! Give me all of them!" Jay refused, he should have been satisfied with the object he already had, he knew how expensive were those, and he can even sell them at a higher price in the Black market. However, seeing as the man refused to give him the ring, he thought that the value of it was much higher than the things he have now.

When Blaine did nothing, the robber dropped the Blaine's things on the ground and tackled Blaine so he can grab a hold of his hand.

"NO!" Blaine struggled, and with such determination, managed to kick off the man on top of him.

Jay then stretched his arm to feel any tangible object to use as a weapon. He found a rock as big as his hand, grabbed it firmly and slammed it to the back of Blaine's head, making Blaine to instantly lose his conscious.

He was shocked by his own action, but it didn't deter him from getting the things he wanted. He rolled the shorter man off the road until he was covered by the trees. He tried to remove the ring from his middle finger, but It was a little bit tight. With one stronger tug, he managed to take it away from the man's hand. He then grabbed the other things from the ground, and ran to the car. He started it, and hastily drove off; leaving the unconscious foreigner behind.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Finn asked from his position from the driver's seat, as he eyed his wife through the rear-view mirror.

"Yes, dear," Rachel assured his husband from the back of the seat. "It was just a cramp," she said as she rubbed her full-blown stomach.

"Waaahh..." Kurt yawned from his position on the passenger's seat, with his feet tucked under his thighs. "She's fine Finn, don't worry," he also assured his brother.

"Sorry Kurt for dragging you here," Rachel apologized from the backseat, a little bit guilty for making his husband and brother-in-law to be worried on yet again another false alarm.

"Nah, it's cool," Kurt turned in his seat to look at her earnestly, "Maybe next time would be the real thing. And ‘sides, Finn was the one driving, not me."

"Are you really sure it's just cramps, I mean we are already half-way to the hospital, might as well, make a quick check up," Finn insisted, worried about the health of his wife and unborn daughter.

"No, I'm okay," Rachel refused, "It will just be a waste of money for us. We should save more when the real thing comes," she quoted her brother-in-law.

And even before Finn can answer her back, Kurt beat him to it. "That thing," he rubbed Rachel's belly for emphasis, "is my god-daughter, she only deserve the best. And even if I have to work extra hours in he shop, so you can have your check-ups, so be it. It will be totally worth it."

"Dorothy is so lucky to have such a family," she said as tears formed in her eyes, "Sorry, hormones."

"Thanks man," Finn said to his brother as he made his usual turn, "It was totally awe-"

"Finn watch out!" Kurt shouted, but Finn didn't step the breaks on time for them not to hit the strange silhouette that Kurt saw.

When the car was in complete stop, Finn immediately turned to his wife on the back, "Are you okay?" He asked in panic, afraid that something bad had happened to them.

"I'm okay," she answered truthfully, and Finn breathed a sigh of relief.

"Finn," Kurt started, "I think.... You hit someone," he said, terror dripping in his voice.  

STORY TITLE: STORIES THAT I CAN'T EXPLAIN - from Kurt and Blaine's duet, "Story of My life"

Chapter Title: Catalyst - according to Merriam, it is define as a person or thing that precipitates an event. Blaine's accident is the catalyst; the way for Kurt and Blaine to start their love.

Story Outline:

-          -Introduction Blaine

-          -Introduction Kurt

-          -Business Meeting

-          -Blaine got robbed

-          -Finn accidentally hits Blaine

Scenes Included:

-          Rachel is Pregnant

-          Ring as Anderson Pendant

-          Heartless Blaine (modified)

-          Client gives Finn Alcohol (modified)

-          Materialistic and Fashionable Kurt

Chapter Reference:

-          Elivon is a combination of Kurt and Blaine's second name Elizabeth and Devon,

-          ONCE UPON A TIME, I'm also a fan of this series. Can't help but include it in this fic.

-          Lima heights Adjacent, where canon Santana lives alongside wither canon grandmother and mother.

-          Blaine's school is a real cooking academy in Tuscany

-          Filipinos are good with their command of language, and Im Filipino, so I'm biased

-          Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora) - real rare herb found in Ohio

-          Gahanna Ohio is actually the HERB Capital of Ohio

Story Summary: I don't know who I am or where I am. But there's only one thing that I'm sure of, I'm supposed to be irresistibly and irrevocably in love with Kurt Hummel. Amnesia AU.

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