It was an unusually busy day, and Kurt barely had time to do anything but check on customers and ring up sales. At some point, Blaine waved at him before heading towards the cafe. Kurt would try to get over there soon to talk if things quieted down. 

It was quite a while later when Kurt finally walked by the café on the way to the washroom. Blaine was sitting at a table with his laptop out, as he often did to use their fast Wi-Fi. But the laptop was closed, and Blaine was engaged in an intense conversation with a guy with dark blond hair, wearing a suit. His back was to Kurt, so he could only speculate on who it might be. Maybe someone from his lawyer's office, or a friend from his old office? 

By the time Kurt came out of the washroom, he just saw Blaine quickly exiting the store, already at the door. It was so strange for him to leave so abruptly like that, not even stopping to talk to Kurt at all. 

Shaking his head, Kurt glanced back at the table Blaine had been at, and the guy was still there, now smirking towards the door where Blaine had left. One glance at his face in profile, and Kurt froze. Holy shit. Hunter. 

What the fuck was Hunter doing here, in Kurts store? Why was he talking to Blaine? Chaotic thoughts whirled around Kurts head. 

Hunter must have felt Kurts gaze on him, because he turned in his chair and looked right at Kurt. His eyes widened in surprise, and then he waved at him. 

Kurts eyebrows shot up, and after a moments pause, he headed over to the table. He had questions...might as well see if Hunter had answers. 

"Hey Hunter, fancy seeing you here. What brings you by?" Kurt tried to keep his voice casual as he sat across from Hunter. Somehow trying to act like it was an everyday occurrence that an abusive high school boyfriend stopped by. 

"Kurt, youre looking so good! But then again, I've never seen you in anything but the Dalton uniform." Hunter smiled, a smile that most people would find attractive and charming, but it made Kurts skin crawl. "I actually heard from some old classmate that you had this store, and thought Id check it out the next time I had a business trip here.”

He did not look that much different from their high school days. Kurt took in the expensive, designer suit, his expertly styled hair and the Italian leather shoes. A stranger would see an attractive, successful man in his mid-twenties. But looking into Hunter's light green eyes, Kurt could see they were as devoid of true feeling as ever. 

Kurt nodded. "So, what do you think?" He couldnt help but ask, although he was braced for a biting comment. 

Looking around the store, Hunter nodded. "Actually, it looks like you have a solid business going on here." 

"Thanks." Kurt took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Did he actually care what Hunter's opinion even was? "Um, who was that guy you were sitting with before? A co-worker?" Kurt was too curious not to probe into how Hunter knew Blaine. 

Hunter laughed drily. "Hardly. Thats Blaine Anderson. Maybe you saw him being mentioned on the news in that big investment company fraud case. Although I almost didnt recognize him, with the beard, glasses and dressed down like that. I guess thats the most damning proof to all the rumors."

"You know him personally?" Kurts head was spinning. 

Hunter scoffed. "His father and my father are golfing buddies, going back years. Every summer growing up, Id stay at my dads place in Chicago and hang out at the country club. Blaine was part of the group of guys there, and wed all play tennis and swim."

Kurt nodded. He remembered Hunter mentioning that his parents were divorced and his dad lived in Chicago. What a small world that their fathers knew each other. 

"You mentioned rumors? What rumors?" Kurt felt compelled to ask. 

Hunter picked up his phone, reading a text that had just come in. "The old gang back home are all talking about the case. Everyone thinks its suspicious how Blaine has just disappeared, and that you rarely hear about him in the news stories. And now I see him like this. Its obvious that hes in hiding. Off the grid. I bet hes totally guilty and his father is covering up for him." 

Kurt was about to ask more questions, but Hunter stood up. 

"Hey Kurt. I have to rush off to a meeting. Maybe Ill swing by later and we can talk more. Ok?" Hunter clapped a hand against Kurts shoulder, and was soon walking out the door. 

Kurt sat at the table awhile, just stunned. Hunter being here. Blaine knew Hunter.  And what had Hunter said to Blaine to make him leave like that?

And Hunter's theories about Blaine. Was there any truth to them at all? Could Blaine really be in hiding? Guilty? Blaine certainly was avoiding media attention, but was it for different reasons than he'd given?

Customers needed help at the cash desk, so Kurt went to help them. His thoughts still a jumble. 

---

Later, things quieted down and Mandy was in for a late shift. Kurt was able to drag Tina over to the pub for a drink. 

"So, did you see Blaine when he was in earlier?" Kurt took a big sip of his Strongbow. 

Tina shook her head. "Not really. The cafe was pretty busy then. He waved at me and sat down in the cafe, but thats the last I saw of him. He must not have stuck around long. Why?"

"So, you didnt see him talking with a guy in a suit?" Kurt pressed, hoping to get Tinas view of things. Blaine's expressions during his talk with Hunter. 

Again, Tina shook her head. "No. Who was it?"

Kurt sighed. "Hunter! I went over to talk to Blaine, and next thing I know he quickly left. I talked to Hunter though."

"WTF! Why was Hunter in the store? Have you even seen him since high school?" Tina was one of the few people who knew that Voldemort was Hunter. His other high school friends only knew hed had a boyfriend who was shitty to him, but hed never referred to him by his real name. Partially to distance himself from it, make it hurt less, but also because Hunter was so in the closet that most people wouldnt believe it if Kurt said they had been together. The odd time hed seen Hunter at singing competitions, they had avoided each other. 

Kurt shrugged. "He was in San Francisco on business, and some old school friend had mentioned I had this store. Said he wanted to check it out."

Scoffing, Tina took a sip of her coke. "More likely he was there to check you out, see if he could fuck around with your brain again. But why was he talking with Blaine?"

"Apparently, they used to hang out in the same circles during summer holidays in Chicago. But the weirdest thing was that Hunter said their old Chicago friends think its suspicious how Blaine had disappeared. They think hes involved with the fraud and his father is covering for him." Kurt was tearing the label off his bottle in messy pieces. 

Tina was quiet for a few minutes, thinking things over. She sighed. "Well, if this was coming from anyone but Hunter, maybe Id put more stock in what he said. But Hunter is such an asshole, he could tell me the sky is blue and Id call up ten meteorologists before Id believe him."

"Yeah, I guess so." Kurt took another sip of his drink. He really wanted to talk to Blaine about this. See his side of the story, his reactions. Kurt had texted him, but had no response yet. 

Tina got up, swinging her purse into her shoulder. "So, Ill see you later. Blaine should be on stage around 8pm, so Ill pop back around the store then to hear him." 

Tina had finally convinced Blaine to perform at their open mic night. Kurt was looking forward to hearing him sing. They had only heard him that one time at his apartment, everyone half-drunk. 

"Ok, see you then." Kurt gave her a faint smile, and stayed at the table when she left. He ordered another drink. 

----

Kurt went back to the store, eventually.

He had texted Blaine again, but still no response. It was so strange. They had been so close lately, Blaine spending most nights at Kurts, unless he had to open early. And he usually replied to Kurts texts within an hour. 

Kurt rearranged the cafe for the open mic night, and set up the microphone and speakers. The tables and chairs were now a semi-circle around the small stage. He set the lighting for the seating area on low, and checked the other lights to brightly illuminate the stage were ready for when the performers came. 

By seven pm, the seats were full and the first performer was on stage. Kurt had extra staff on, since open mic was popular. Looking around, Kurt considered how to capitalize on this. Maybe having more seating on these nights. Maybe serving alcohol, as Blaine had suggested. 

Blaine hadnt shown up yet, and that was odd too. He usually was around for every open mic night, cheering on the other musicians. Hed come to know most of them over the past few months. 

It was close to eight pm, and Tina joined Kurt at his table. She had gone home for a nap and dinner, so she looked energetic. Also, very pretty with her hair in well-styled waves and wearing a red sleeveless dress that was on the shorter side. 

"Wow, Tina! You look great!" Kurt gave her a hug, noting that she smelled wonderful too. 

She sat down, crossing her legs, and Kurt noticed her sexy heels. "Thanks." She smiled back at Kurt, looking very happy. 

Kurt looked her over. She was far too dressed up for just the cafe. "Lucas is taking you out after, isnt he?" 

Tina just smiled, the twinkle in her eye giving away the truth. Kurt was happy to see her this excited over a guy. 

Blaine rushed in, just as the current performer was finishing his set. He opened his case, checking if his guitar was in tune, and then stepped on the stage. 

"Hi everyone. Im Blaine. And here are a few songs for you." 

Blaine bent his head in concentration as he strummed, getting the crowd engaged at the energetic tempo. He sung well, the hours of busking he did each week had honed his skills, making his performance very comfortable, self-assured. 

"This final song is dedicated to person who is very special to me." Blaine said softly, his eyes finding Kurts at the back of the cafe. 

It was a song by a famous artist that wasnt that well known, but Kurt recognized it. Blaine sang it slowly, the arrangement simple, giving the song a yearning feel.

Havent we met
Youre some kind of beautiful stranger
You could be good for me
Ive had the taste for danger

If Im smart then Ill run away
But Im not so I guess Ill stay
Havent you heard
I fell in love with a beautiful stranger

I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down...

There was strong applause at the end of his set. The emotions had really come through his music. Blaine nodded, waving at the audience, and packed up his guitar. 

Kurt was waiting for him, pulling him off to the side. "Blaine, I just -"

His words were cut off by Blaines kiss, hard against his mouth. "Kurt, can we get out of here? I really want to be alone with you." Blaines eyes were so dark and intense. A shiver went through Kurts body. 

Kurt glanced around, seeing that his staff had things under control. He caught Tinas eye, and she nodded at him in understanding. 

Pulling Blaine along, Kurt went to the back of the store, grabbing his messenger bag from the office and leaving from the back door. 

There was a quiet intensity coming from Blaine, and Kurt could feel the tension in the car as he drove them back to his place. It shut down all talking. 

In the apartment, Blaine was pulling Kurt into the bedroom as soon as he had put down his bag. 

Blaine pulled Kurt close, his hands all over, pushing under his open coat to press his hands against Kurts back. His lips pressed hard against Kurts mouth, and then he was kissing down Kurts neck. 

Kurt moaned at the onslaught. Never before had Blaine been like this, all frantic and needy. It was hot. Kurt went with it, kissing Blaine back with his own rising passion, pushing Blaines coat off with eager hands. 

Somehow, they had quickly stripped each other, and they were on the bed, Kurt moaning as Blaines mouth and hands worked down his chest. He was already rock hard when Blaine stroked his cock, and then licked over the tip, making Kurt groan. 

"Kurt, I need you. Want you so fucking much. Want to feel you inside me." Blaine looked up at Kurt, his eyes so dark. 

Nodding, Kurt reached down to cup Blaines face. “I want you too, so much.” His voice was a bit breathless, and rough. 

Blaine turned his face into Kurts hand, placing a soft kiss in his palm, and then holding Kurts gaze as he gave a soft bite into the skin below his thumb. 

Crawling up the bed, Blaine leaned over to the nightstand and then passed the lube and a condom to Kurt. He laid down on his stomach beside Kurt, his body full of the coiled tension of his arousal. Kurt fumbled with the lube, hurrying to pour some on his fingers. 

Blaine was incredibly responsive to Kurts touch, arching his hips up as Kurt prepped him, the muscles of his bare back clenching when Kurts fingers rubbed over his prostate. Blaine was moaning harshly, his breathing fast, by the time Kurt pulled his fingers away, and put on the condom. 

Kurt kissed the back of his neck. "Like this, baby, or do you want to flip over?" 

Raising to his knees, with his head still against the bed, Blaine turned to look at Kurt. "Like this, please… I want you so bad, Kurt. Need it hard, deep." 

Kurt couldnt resist his plea, so turned on. His hands traced over the beautiful curve of Blaines ass as he knelt behind him, pushing his hips forward, working into Blaines tight heat. Blaine was soon pushing back with every thrust, moaning. 

"Yes... So good... Hard and fast..." Blaines voice was rough, and Kurts arousal twisted higher. His hips were snapping hard, hitting Blaines ass with each stroke, grinding deep. 

It was so hot, Kurt was moaning. Blaine was so sexy, felt so good, Kurt was gasping as he pressed deep, leaning over Blaines back to bite into his neck. "Blaine, Blaine..." Kurt couldnt hold back anymore. Grabbing Blaines hips, his fingers dug in as he came, crying out with pleasure. 

Falling to the side, Kurt got rid of the condom, still breathing hard. Blaine rolled on to his back, his hand stroking his cock quickly. Kurt could tell he was close. Moving closer, Kurt pushed his hand away and took Blaine in his mouth, taking him deep. Blaine sighed, his hand pushing into Kurts hair. 

Kurt wanted nothing but Blaines pleasure. Sucking hard and deep, he went right into a fast rhythm, feeling rewarded by Blaines hand clenching in his hair and the way his body rose up off the bed. "Yes... Just like that..." Blaine groaned, bucking his hips when Kurt swiped his tongue around the head. 

Knowing Blaine was right on the edge, Kurt sucked and licked hard on the tip, and moved his hand in firm fast strokes. With a cry, Blaine raised his hips, tensing, and then shook as he filled Kurts mouth with shot after shot. 

Blaine sagged back on the bed, boneless, still panting from the intensity of his orgasm. He patted a hand against Kurts shoulder, silently thanking him, as Kurt shifted to snuggle against his side. 

After theyd cooled down, Kurt pulled the covers up over them. He still wanted to talk, but knew it could wait for the morning when they were both more awake. Blaine spooned around Kurt, holding him tight as they drifted off to sleep.

---

The next morning, Kurt woke up alone in his bed. 

But there was a note:

Kurt,
So sorry for leaving like this.
Please give my goodbyes to Tom and Tina -
Ill be in touch as soon as I can.
B

In shock, Kurt dropped the note and grabbed clothes from the floor, pulling them on quickly. There was no sign on Blaine anywhere in the apartment. 

Kurt shoved his phone and wallet into his pockets, and ran down the steps. It was a quick drive over to Blaines apartment. He ran up the steps, halting when he got to the top and saw the door was slightly open. 

The apartment was back to how it looked the first day. Every sign of Blaine gone. The closet empty. Everything clean and ready for the next person to move in. 

Dropping onto the sofa, Kurt pushed his hands into his messy hair. With shaking hands, he pulled out his phone. Still no messages from Blaine. 

He texted another message, begging him to reply, needing to know what had happened, where he had gone. Offering any kind of help. 

After hesitating, Kurt added a line...
Even if youre in some kind of trouble, Blaine, I want to help you... –K 

---

Days passed, with no word from Blaine. Kurt dragged himself to work, going through the motions like a zombie. Tina and the rest of the staff took up the slack. 

After Tina dragged Kurt into the backroom for a quick talk, she was just as shocked as he was. She called Lucas and begged him for Blaines location. He couldn't say anything, due to attorney client privilege. He could only say if Blaine was in contact with the firm, hed pass along that they were worried and wanted him to contact them. 

Kurt was home alone when he wasnt at work. He replayed every moment with Blaine in his head, trying to reinterpret every word, every action. Could he have been totally wrong about Blaine? Had Blaine been guilty the whole time? Hiding out anonymously, preying on the kindness of Kurt, Tina and Tom?

The way he acted ever since Hunter showed up reinforced that. Maybe he knew Hunter could reveal his whereabouts. His only choice was to run. 

Even with the shitty way hed left, Kurt was still worried about him. He didnt have access to his accounts still, so he only had whatever cash hed saved from busking and his meager possessions that would probably fit into a duffle bag. Kurt pictured him having to sleep on a park bench, being robbed or attacked. He didnt have the street smarts to handle that. 

But what played most in Kurts mind was wondering who Blaine really was. Was he just a wealthy investment banker, being groomed to take over the business? The scruffy grocery store worker and musician? A criminal, hiding out and running when he was recognized? Did Kurt really know him at all? Or was Blaine just a beautiful stranger? 

---

-Disclaimer: I own nothing.

-A/N: Beautiful Stranger by Madonna - video here.