The first strums of the guitar echoed from the phone as it lay on the counter. The deep, familiar voice sounded as heartbroken as he was himself. “Kurt I know I messed up. I hope this song helps ‘cos I really love it and I think of you every time I hear it. I love you.”

Cold as ice
And more bitter than a December
Winter night
That's how I treated you
And I know that I
I sometimes tend to lose my temper
And I cross the line
Yeah that's the truth

I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say

Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now,
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself

All along
I tried to pretend it didn't matter
If I was alone
But deep down I know
If you were gone
For even a day I wouldn't know which way to turn
Cause I'm lost without you

I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say

Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now,
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself

I get kind of dark
Let it go too far
I can be obnoxious at times
But try and see my heart
Cause I need you now
So don't let me down
You're the only thing in this world
I would die without

Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now,
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself

Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now,
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself.

“You’ll always be the one that knows me better than I know myself, Kurt and I love you so much. I’m so sorry. I love you.”

He saved it with the dozen or so others from his parents, friends and Cooper all apologising, saying they shouldn’t have taken him for granted, saying that they’d remember him and understood. None said go back to Blaine. Blaine called every day with some message or song. He never turned up at Kurt’s work or tried to go over to Puck’s or Mercedes’ apartments. Their relationship status remained as ‘in a relationship with’ on Facebook and he knew it always would.

“So what next?” Puck asked, placing a coffee mug next to Kurt and leaning against the counter.

“I have to go home some time.” Kurt said, bringing up the pictures of himself and Blaine and flicking through them.

Puck took the phone from his hand and smiled at the picture it had landed on. It was a picture from high school, they were all in the library talking and Finn had grabbed his phone, taking pictures in a burst of ‘we won’t be here for much longer’ enthusiasm. Blaine had grabbed Kurt and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, nuzzling his nose into Kurt’s neck as Kurt giggled, his eyes crinkling up as a wide grins stretched its way across his face, both so happy, so at peace. “Not today though dude.” He said, placing the phone back down and watching as Kurt traced his finger over Blaine’s face.

“I might go look for places to live today,” Kurt said, half-smiling. “And text them to him.”

“Good idea.” Puck said and placed a hand on Kurt’s shoulder, patting it as he gathered up his jacket and left.

Kurt sat in a Starbucks scrolling through the apartments he’d looked at and the photos he’d taken. So far he’d seen 6 apartments, none of which had felt right and was about to visit one in Studio City. He’d sent the two best ones to Blaine but hadn’t got a response yet. He logged onto Twitter and his heart sank into his shoes. Blaine had posted a tweet thanking some guy for a great morning and the guy had tweeted back saying it was his pleasure. Tears blurred Kurt’s vision and he wiped them away angrily. He opened up a tweet and sent, hoping Blaine would notice.

@K_Hummel Looking at apartments today, should I get one bedroom or two?

The reply came a few seconds later and a smile tugged mutinously at Kurt’s lips. @BD_Anderson @K_Hummel Definitely two, that way when the family visits we can put them up, or when Coop screws up ;-)

Kurt was about to reply when he saw a tweet from Dr Needham telling him to go check his emails. Kurt sighed and opened up his inbox, ready to read whatever the doctor had to say.

Kurt,

I wanted to talk to you about this when you and Blaine came in when you had your last session but of course everything between you and Blaine changed and I’m so very sorry for my part in what’s now a very sad, very confusing time for you both. It took me a while to build up the courage to write this to you and after explaining to Blaine yesterday and spending time with him this morning I decided I couldn’t wait to tell you.

Kurt, you and Blaine are two very special, very extraordinary young men. I know at the moment it doesn’t seem like it and as your therapist I’m trying to help you both heal from the situations you’ve been put in but as people and as a couple, I’m incredibly proud to know you.

At first when I was told about you and Blaine I wanted to help you both, and I hope I have but I didn’t bargain on you both helping me. Let me explain.

Years ago I had a boyfriend, I loved and adored him and he loved and adored me. We were friends and became lovers, bringing a whole new level to our lives, but things change and I let my work consume me. As a therapist and psychologist it’s easy to try to work everything out, to try to use those tools in everyday life and not just in office time. I ruined my relationship because I made things impossible for him to communicate without giving him an inquisition. I was damaged by my past too. Every boyfriend and, yes a couple of girlfriends in my unsure days, cheated on me and it gave me trust issues that, despite his years of love and fidelity, all came out in a last, devastating fight; a lot like the one you and Blaine had.

You and Blaine inspired me to call my ex. When I left him, telling him he could do better, he told me he’d wait for my call. I did and he and I are getting back together. This morning he met Blaine and I hope he can meet you soon too. Kurt, never give up on who you are or what you have with Blaine. Love is precious and the most singularly honest thing in the world. People will lie, they will hurt and cheat, steal and doubt and kill but love doesn’t lie and you know in your heart where you belong, just like I do.

Thank you Kurt.

Yours thankfully,

Max

Kurt blinked away his tears, astounded. He’d inspired the doctor to get back together with his ex and now he was trying to get him and Blaine back together. His eyes widened and he gasped, looking back at the email. He and his boyfriend had spent the morning with Blaine, Blaine had tweeted their doctor’s boyfriend. Kurt wanted to jump out of his chair screaming but as he looked around at the other customers he decided not to make a complete idiot of himself. He closed the email and reopened his twitter, sending one off to Blaine. @K_Hummel @BD_Anderson 4121 Radford Avenue, Studio City

A few seconds later Blaine tweeted back. @BD_Anderson @K_Hummel omw 10 minutes.

Kurt logged out of Twitter and walked out of Starbucks to meet the agent. He slipped on his shades and walked down the palm tree lined street and had to giggle, it was his and Blaine’s dream. The place seemed so beautiful and cosy, people smiled as they walked past and knowing they’d be close to the NoHo Arts district and the studios, Kurt could see Blaine being discovered here, or even being discovered himself. Right now his heart didn’t hurt, the pain of the last few days didn’t ache at him and if he let himself, he could pretend that they’d gone to bed happy that night and that Blaine was walking beside him, pointing out the shops and cafes lining the streets that they should check out.

The agent was standing outside of the apartment waiting for him. He smiled and couldn’t help but appraise her outfit as he approached. She looked nice, obviously in the agency’s uniform and her hair was styled in a business-like ponytail.

“Mr Hummel?” She asked as he walked up, reaching out to shake his hand.

Kurt nodded and smiled. “That’s me. Wow, are all the apartments here so nice?”

She looked up and grinned at him as she turned back. “Yes, pretty much. That’s part of living in a place like Studio City; all of our apartments are well-kept, maintained and run. The people who live with us are generally in the entertainment scene, with families and like the nicer side of life. Would you like to go in now?”

Kurt gave an awkward smile. He’d love to just go in and look around but this wasn’t just a look around an apartment that might be perfect, it was a look with Blaine and a chance to start again. “Actually we’re waiting for-” Kurt started but was interrupted by a deep voice.

“Me. Hi, Blaine Anderson. Sorry to keep you waiting, I’m Kurt’s partner. Ready to go in?” Blaine said, flashing his most charming grin at the agent and shaking her hand as she stared at him. He glanced at Kurt and saw him side-eyeing him so flashed a charming grin at him which had Kurt rolling his eyes, smiling.

She showed them around the large apartment, both men oohing and ahhing in the right places. The place was perfect and as Kurt looked out of one of the windows he noticed the local radio station. Handy. Finally the agent left them alone to talk and ring her office. Kurt walked over to Blaine, nervous. “So, you’re ok in public?” He asked in a whisper.

Blaine looked at him and for a second Kurt saw the dapper mask slip. Blaine shook his head and stepped closer to Kurt, speaking low as Kurt had. “I’m doing this all for you, Kurt. I’m getting better but I’m doing this for you, like everything else. I’m so sorry for what I said and not trusting you. Please take me back.”

Kurt stepped back slightly and looked at Blaine, regarding him. He was right. Blaine was doing this for him. Sure, Kurt was looking after Blaine and giving him a life and doing everything for him but Blaine was right back. Blaine who’d helped him, taken chances for him, told Kurt he loved him in the face of possible rejection, comforted him and thrown away all of his fears at their first prom and danced with him. Blaine who’d changed schools, given him his virginity, promised him the world, given him up to New York and endured months without him. Blaine who held onto life because to leave Kurt alone was something Blaine could never do and the Blaine who was trying to get better for him, determined to get better for him and become everything they’d dreamed because he wanted those words that no-one but Kurt had spoken to him; I’m proud of you. Kurt blinked and looked at Blaine who was now chewing his lip, worried. He stepped up to Blaine, making the younger man gasp and breathe in his scent. Kurt placed his hand on Blaine’s cheek and kissed him softly. “I’m already here baby.”

The agent took that moment to walk back into the room. She cleared her throat, making the men staring into each other’s eyes look over and break away a little. “So, what do you think?” She asked.

Kurt looked at Blaine who was staring at him in wonder then back at the agent, smiling. “We’ll take it.” He said and she grinned, holding out the paperwork. They signed and she handed them the keys, congratulating them. As she left she looked at Blaine and motioned between him and Kurt. “It was a pleasure to meet and sell you the apartment. You’re a really cute couple.”

Blaine blinked and looked back at Kurt who was looking around and blushed, feeling himself heal together. “Thank you. You know, in Ohio no-one would’ve ever said that to us.”

She laughed lightly and shook Blaine’s hand then Kurt’s as he walked over. “Well Los Angeles is very different from Ohio. I can’t wait to see what you make of it Mr Anderson, Mr Hummel.” She said, grinning one last time at them, leaving with a soft click of the door.