Kurt stood to the side of the stage, watching as the other actors ran through their scene.

"Oh Louis! I don't want to marry Lionel!" The pretty blond playing Sibella cried, as she threw herself dramatically into the arms of her onstage lover.

The tall, dark-haired man rolled his eyes slightly at her dramatic display, patting her back. "Why not?"

Sniffing, Sibella tilted her head up to look at Louis. "He's so dull," she cried, with a whining tone. 

Louis smirked, mostly to himself. "I must admit he exhibits the most extraordinary capacity for middle age that I've ever encountered in a young man of twenty-four."

"Ok, let's end the scene there for now." Marcus, the director, called out, walking forward. He was in his early 50s, but still quite slim and vibrant. He clapped a hand on the actor's shoulder. "Good job everyone. Have a good night.”

Kurt was putting his things into his bag when he noticed the man sitting in the last rows of the darkened theatre. He had been there a few other times, sitting quietly, watching the rehearsal for as long as an hour, before leaving. Not seeming to talk to anyone, not even the director. It seemed strange, but Kurt hadn’t been around theatres like this enough to know all the ins and outs of everything.

Walking the few blocks to his apartment, Kurt was again happy with his decision to move. This new apartment was still tiny, but the rent was much lower and it was an easy walking distance to the theatre. 

He didn't have much time, so he quickly changed into his best suit and made sure his hair was well styled. Running down the stairs, he almost ran into his landlady.

"Mr. Hummel! Don't you look handsome tonight? Where are you rushing off to?" She was dressed in a deep red full skirt with a ruffled white blouse, looking quite stylish herself.

"Just meeting some friends for dinner and a play, Mrs. Petrov." He gave her an apologetic look as he rushed by. "Sorry I can't chat, I'm running a little late."

He jumped onto the streetcar taking him to Midtown, and luckily made good time. He was nervous enough about tonight without adding the stress of being late. 

Finding the restaurant fairly easily, Kurt went in and was guided to a table by the attentive staff. 

Blaine gave him a wide, pleased smile, standing up to give him a warm handshake and patting him on the back with his other hand. "Oh, good. I'm so glad you're here, Kurt." 

He turned to wave towards the petite blonde sitting at the table. "Kitty Wilde, Kurt Hummel." Smiling at both of them in turn, Blaine sat back down. 

After all this time, it was a little strange to finally meet Kitty face to face. He had seen her on The Titanic from afar, but had never waited on her at the restaurant.

She was very pretty, with large, brown, intelligent eyes, a fair complexion and blonde curls elegantly pinned up. She was looking Kurt over just as thoroughly, and gave a small smile.

"Mr. Hummel, Blaine speaks of you so often, I feel like I already know you." She rested a hand on Blaine's forearm gently.

Trying not to stare at her hand on Blaine, in such an easy, casual manner, took a lot of acting skills. "Please, call me Kurt. I feel like I know you also."

Tilting her head in acknowledgement, she gave another small smile. "You may call me Kitty."

"How did your rehearsal go, Kurt?" Blaine opened his menu, looking over the choices. 

Kurt opened his menu as well. "Quite good, from what I can see. It still feels a little rough to only have six weeks left to get it ready."

Blaine put a hand on Kurt's shoulder, giving it a squeeze before releasing it. "I'm sure it will all come together, and you'll be great in it. Now, please, let's get a really decadent meal."

Knowing it was useless to argue, Kurt ordered expensive items. Blaine had insisted on treating him tonight to this dinner and the play, and Kurt let himself be spoiled by his wealthy boyfriend occasionally. 

"I'm so looking forward to this play tonight." Blaine said after the server had taken their orders. "I've seen Mary Pickford in so many silent films, and now to see her acting onstage, and speaking..."

Kitty chuckled, patting Blaine's arm. "I know, I know. You've been talking about it for weeks." 

Talking a sip of his wine, Kurt watched as Blaine and Kitty talked. Blaine hadn't mentioned Mary Pickford to him at all, only mentioning he had tickets to a Broadway play. 

"Kurt, you will probably be on my side about this. Wouldn't you agree that Blaine is taking this film thing a little far?" Kitty turned to ask him, sending teasing glances in Blaine's direction. 

Kurt looked at Blaine questionly. "Film thing? I'm sorry, but I don't know what you are talking about."

Sending a look Blaine's way, Kitty turned to Kurt. "Oh, you know how he's always going to film showings all over the city. It's even worse since we met that little Frenchman at that party. He and Blaine must have talked for two hours straight."

Frenchman? Kurt looked at Blaine, wondering when all this had started, and why Blaine had never mentioned it.

Blaine just shook his head fondly at Kitty. "You're exaggerating. It wasn't that long." He looked over at Kurt. "Have you heard of George Méliès, the filmmaker who made 'A Trip To the Moon'? One of his staff was at a party we were at, and we got into discussing filmmaking."

Kurt nodded as he listened. He had seen the short, silent movies at many Vaudeville shows. Everyone had been amazed at this new technology at first, and some of the performers worried that it would change their profession. Kurt couldn't see it though. How could short little 10 minute silent films replace the full color, full sound experience of live performances? Why would anyone prefer those stilted performances caught on grainy film to the real thing? There were Vaudeville theatres in every city and town, and thousands of performers who travelled the circuit. This film business was just a novelty and would soon fade, Kurt was sure.

"Why does it interest you, Blaine?" Kurt asked, wanting to get his point of view. 

Blaine shrugged. "I don't exactly know why it has captured my imagination so much. I like when they have fantasy elements, like going to the moon. Or film a scene right on a real location, like in Central Park. Those are things you can't replicate on stage."

Kurt wasn't convinced, but he could see how much Blaine was into it, so didn't argue. 

Their meals came, and they carried on talking about other topics. Kitty was a smart woman, and very active in helping other Titanic survivors, the suffragette cause and learning to drive a car. Kurt found himself liking her despite not really wanting to.

But as they finished the meal and got a taxi to the theatre, Kurt felt even more aware of the way Blaine and Kitty were together. It was hard to keep his expression pleasant as they joked and laughed, Kitty often touching Blaine's arm. They just looked so right as a couple.

"Are you coming back to the hotel for a little while?" Blaine whispered in Kurt's ear as they left the theatre, his hand clasping Kurt's wrist and rubbing back and forth along the sensitive skin there, letting go before others could notice his touch. 

Kurt sighed, knowing what Blaine wanted, and for the first time, not feeling an answering pang of arousal at the thought. "I don't know, Blaine, I'm feeling a little tired."

Blaine's eyes widened a bit in surprise, and he just nodded curtly, turning to usher Kitty along with a guiding hand on the small of her back. 

In the taxi, Blaine was seated between Kitty and Kurt, and the traffic was slow with the after theatre crowd. Kitty leaned against the side of the taxi, seeming to nod off a little.

Kurt still felt a little strange from the whole night. He had felt like a third wheel, felt out of place on Kitty and Blaine's high society outing. So often, they mentioned people Kurt hadn't met in their conversation, and brought up topics they had obviously discussed before. The whole night, it felt like he was seeing just how well Kitty and Blaine knew each other. It was obvious they spent time together often, if not every day. Lately, with Kurt's long rehearsals and living in Greenwich Village, he'd be lucky to see Blaine two or three times a week.

It was quiet in the taxi, slowly moving in the traffic, dark. Kurt was almost half asleep when he felt Blaine's hand on his knee. Kurt pushed it away. But a few minutes later, the hand was back and sliding to his inner thigh. 

Kurt tensed, turning his head to look at Blaine in the dark taxi. "Blaine...," he said softly with a warning tone. To do this with Kitty and the taxi driver so close was crazy. 

Blaine returned his look, his dark eyes going from Kurt's eyes, and dropping to his lips, his hand still stroking halfway up his inner thigh, teasing. Unbidden, the thought of his hand going higher, feeling Kurt getting hard, flashed into his mind. An image of Blaine undoing his pants and slipping his hand inside, touching him with the others so close, and Kurt trying to keep quiet. 

The taxi stopped, and the driver got out, the slam of his door rousing Kitty. He opened Kitty's door and helped her out. She waved at Blaine and Kurt to stay seated. 

"Thanks, boys, for a great night out. We should do it again sometime." Kitty said with a smile.

They bade her goodnight, and she went into her apartment building with its uniformed doorman.

Blaine gave the driver the hotel address to go to next.

"Please, Kurt. Come inside with me when we get there. It has been so long." Blaine whispered into Kurt's ear, his hand once again on Kurt's leg, teasing. 

The spark of desire was warring with Kurt's unsettled feelings from the evening. He pushed Blaine's hand away, shifting on the seat to out a little distance between them.

Blaine sat up straighter, looking questionly at Kurt. "Are you mad at me for something, Kurt?" He blinked and was obviously reviewing things in his mind, trying to understand Kurt's behavior. 

He took Kurt's hand. "If you are, that's even more of a reason for you to come in for a bit. So you can talk to me, tell me what's bothering you. I won't be able to sleep unless I know."

Pulling his hand away, Kurt was beginning to just feel cranky and irritated, and like he really just wanted to be home alone. He sighed. "Blaine, like I said before, I'm just a bit tired tonight. That's it. Don't push it."

The taxi stopped in front of the hotel, and the driver got out, opening Blaine's door. 

"Kurt, please, please, come in with me. Just for one drink. I'll give you can taxi fare to get home fast after. Please." Blaine begged softly.

Kurt looked at his earnest eyes, and sighed again, giving in with a quick nod. Blaine paid the driver and they got out.

In Blaine's room, he poured them brandy and sat beside Kurt on the sofa. His eyes were seeking answers, searching Kurt's expression, a hint of concern and worry there. "Please, Kurt. Talk to me, tell me what's bothering you."

Kurt tossed the brandy back, and set down his glass. He got up, pacing around the lavishly decorated room. "Blaine, I really don't want to get into it. I'm just tired and a bit moody tonight. I really should go home."

Blaine got up, shaking his head, slowly walking towards Kurt. "I know you well enough to know it's more than just that. Is it the play? Are you feeling stressed out from your rehearsal?"

"No." Kurt bit out, turning away to look at the seascape painting on the wall. 

When he turned back, ready to just say goodnight and go, Blaine was right there, crowding into his space. "Blaine, it's late. I'm going." 

But Blaine stepped forward, his hands coming up to Kurt's shoulders, and turning him to press him against the wall. His lips caught Kurt's, the kiss hot and intense, and he shifted a leg between Kurt's. 

Kurt turned his face away, shocked at Blaine's actions, as Blaine kissed down Kurt's neck. "Blaine, no, I don't want this..."

"Come on, Kurt. I could tell you were getting into it in the taxi. I bet I could have stroked you and you would have been trying not to moan my name..." Blaine moved his hands to loosen Kurt's tie and open the top buttons of his shirt, nuzzling his face closer to kiss Kurt's neck.

Pressing his hands against Blaine's chest, Kurt shoved him back, stepping away from the wall. He was breathing hard, and there was a tight feeling in his stomach. "You really think I'm in the mood to be with you after everything I saw tonight?" His voice was a harsh whisper.

Blaine glared back at him. "See, there was something bothering you. What happened tonight?"

Kurt let out an impatient huff. "It was a dozen tiny things. The way you were joking together, and talking about people I don't know. The way she would touch your arm, or you'd guide her through a doorway. Or the way she knew things about you I don't. You've known her as long as you've known me, so how is it she knows so much more about you?"

Blaine sank down on the sofa, shaking his head. He picked up his brandy, swirling the amber liquid before taking a sip and setting it back down. "So, you are jealous of her? Jealous that I'm friends with her? I can quit seeing her if that's what you want." He sounded defeated, tired suddenly.

Walking over to Blaine, Kurt dropped to his knees in front of him, and looked up into his face. He reached out his hand to lift Blaine's chin so they could see each other eye to eye. Both felt hurt, and a bit sensitive. They had rarely fought, rarely raised their voices to each other.

Kurt sighed. "No, I don't want you to stop being friends with Kitty. Being with her tonight just confirmed in my mind that she's a special person in your life for a good reason. But it doesn't change that I'm jealous of the time you can have with her, so openly."

Blaine nodded, looking a little lost. "I don't know what else we can do, Kurt. You know I want to be with you more. Maybe we were just fools to try doing this together. I'll just ending up hurting you."

Pushing Blaine back on the sofa, Kurt crawled over him. "It would hurt more to be without you. I know, Blaine, from all those months I thought you were dead. I was useless...just moping around the house mostly. We were given a second chance to be together, and we can't waste it."

Blaine pulled Kurt down into a tight hug. "I'm so glad you said that. It would kill me to have to let you go, but I do it if I thought you'd be happier that way. Our lives aren't going to be easy together, but I would put up with a lot for the privilege to hold you like this."

Kurt looked down at his man below him, and felt the strong connection still there between them. This was still the man he loved, had made vows with all those months before. He pushed away the lingering bad feelings, and promised to himself to do better in the future. Honor the love and focus on making Blaine happy.

Their kisses quickly became intense, wanting to make up for their stirred up emotions, wanting to reconnect and feel right again together. Blaine's hands were on Kurt's ass, cupping as he arched up to grind together, his breathing already fast as Kurt kissed his neck. 

Nudging Kurt to get up, Blaine got off the sofa and took his hand to lead him to the bedroom. It was dark as they stripped quickly and dropped to the bed, Kurt on his back and Blaine kissing his way down his chest. 

Kurt's hands dug into Blaine's curls as his mouth and hands pleasured him, after so many weeks together knowing exactly what to do to make Kurt gasp and moan softly. Blaine loved this, having Kurt almost mindless and shuddering under his touch. So intimate and connected, the world falling away when they were alone together behind closed doors.

Kurt returned the favor, doing wicked things with his tongue to tease Blaine, already so on the edge from being aroused so long. His hands spread Blaine's strong thighs wide, leaving him totally vulnerable to Kurt's hands, as he kissed the way up his inner thigh. 

In the aftermath, they cuddled together, both a bit lost in their thoughts. 

"So, it sounds like you are really getting into this film thing." Kurt said softly, as he gently massaged Blaine's neck. 

Blaine practically purred under Kurt's touch. He nodded, his large hazel eyes meeting Kurt's stormy blue. "I'm even thinking of buying a camera to shoot some movies of my own." 

Kurt chuckled. "Oh really? What kind of movies?" 

"I don't know yet. Just want to play around and see how it turns out." Blaine shrugged slightly. "Would you let me film you?"

Kurt's brows went up slightly, and he thought about it. It would be strange to see himself on film like that. He chuckled at the idea. "It's funny. I'm known for my singing and doing accents fairly well. And you want to put me in a silent movie where neither of those things are shown?"

Blaine ran a hand down Kurt's chest. "You have other assets, Kurt." 

"Oh my. Are you thinking of doing that kind of movie? Naughty boy." Kurt smirked at the thought. He had seen clips of movies that were shown only to men, paying a special price, in Paris. Images of women stripping and posing naked, reclined back on a chaise lounge. Chuckled at the thought of his slim, pale body being on the screen. Would men like them be aroused at seeing him like that? 

Blaine laughed and nudged Kurt. "No! I meant that you are very expressive, with your face and body. You would probably be very good at acting in a silent movie."

Kurt chuckled, rolling to the side of the bed to sit up, and start dressing. 

Blaine sat up too, putting a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "I understand why you were upset tonight about Kitty. I think it shows we aren't spending enough time together, just talking and sharing what's going on in our lives. I'm going to make more of an effort there, since my schedule is more flexible."

Kurt stood to slip his pants back on. He felt good that Blaine had said that, that he recognized the real thing that was bothering Kurt. "You don't mind coming all the way down to The Village?"

Blaine grabbed his robe and pulled it on, coming to stand beside Kurt and tying his tie. His fingers did it quickly, perfectly, and then he smoothed down Kurt's suit lapels. "Not at all. I want to see the world you are living in and get to know your friends. You've been here with Jeff, Nick and now Kitty. Can you sneak me into some play rehearsals?"

Kurt nodded, his mind flashing to the odd man who had shown up a few times, keeping to himself in the back rows. "Yes, as long as you don't disrupt us, it seems to be OK."

They walked to the door, and Blaine passed Kurt some cash for the taxi, curled his fingers around it. "Please just take it. We spent a long time talking and everything tonight, and I don't want you spending ages getting home."

Rolling his eyes, Kurt shoved the money in his pocket. They shared a final, long kiss, and Kurt crackled the door open, checking the hallway was empty before he slipped out.

---

-Disclaimer: I own nothing.

- Mary Pickford: She was one of the most popular silent film actresses in the 1910's and 1920's, earning the name 'Queen of the Movies'. Her alcoholic father died when she was 6 and she started acting on stage at 7. By 15, she was in a small Broadway roles, and by 17 had a film contract with director DW Griffith's company. In 1912, she went back to Broadway to star in the play, 'A Good Little Devil', and realized that she preferred movie acting. By 1916, only Charlie Chaplin was a more popular actor than her. In 1919, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, DW Griffith and Mary Pickford made their own independent film production company, United Artists. When sound became part of movies around 1928, her career faded, like it did for many other silent film era stars. She retired from acting in 1933, but was a savvy businesswoman in the film industry, and died in her 80's with a net worth of over $50 million.

-George Méliès: In the early days of cinema, this French filmmaker made over 500 films. During that time, they were typically 10-15 minutes long, in black and white, and silent. 'A Trip To the Moon' (1902) and 'The Impossible Voyage' (1904) were some of his best known films, with a variety of early special effects to present the fantasy stories.