Kurt sighed as he looked over the list on his tablet, and his finger hovered over one of the names. Should he invite him to opening night?

The rest of the list included some close friends. Melissa, Hannah, friends from old productions he had reconnected with. But what was Blaine? Just a friend now? A summer fling?

Fuck it. Kurt hit send on the email, letting it go to the administrative team who were sending out the invitations. There. He had invited Blaine. Now he would just have to see if Blaine showed up. Figure out the rest as it happened.

Maybe he was a fool, inviting him when things had ended so abruptly between them. Kurt, so busy with this play, not spending enough time with Blaine. That last night together. Yes, it had been a last ditch effort to try to convince Blaine to stay. Kurt hadn't been surprised when he had awoken to an empty bed, an empty apartment...but it still hurt. He still missed Blaine.

Being busy preparing for opening night was a good distraction. It was starting to really come together, and he could tell Nate was pleased.

"So, who is going to be your date for opening night?" Melissa stepped out of the changing room, turning to the mirror as she straightened the purple cocktail dress.

Kurt gave the dress a good look over, and shook his head. Melissa shrugged and headed back into the changing room to try on the next outfit.

Typing on his phone, Kurt waited until she stepped out in another dress to hit Speak. "I'm part of the production. Do I really have to bring a date?"

This dress was an icy blue shade and suited Melissa much better. She looked into the mirror back to Kurt. "Come on, Kurt. There will be a lot of press there. This is your first public high profile event since the accident. People will be curious about you. Want to know how you are managing."

"I don't want Nate's play overshadowed by my personal stuff." Kurt cringed at the thought of being in front of a lot of press. "How about you be my date, and talk to the press for me?"

Melissa was viewing the dress from a few different angles, and seemed satisfied. "That idea stinks...for a couple reasons. The press will see right through it and, as cute as you are, I'd rather go with my boyfriend. Better chance he'll put out at the end of the night."

Kurt returned her smile, having a hard time arguing with that.

A date. Who could he bring? Blaine? Kurt sighed. No, it was just too much of a mess. Maybe that server who had slipped his phone number to Kurt when Carole was here?

Kurt laughed to himself at the idea of messaging that guy. "Hi, I'm Kurt. You flirted with me a couple months ago and gave me your number. I'm actually an associate director of a new musical on Broadway and would love to have you as my date when it opens. And, by the way, I can't speak."

"OK…I'll think about it." He finally typed, and Melissa gave him a satisfied nod as she took the dress to the counter to buy it. When he got home, he would look through his contact list and see if there was a friend who could be his plus one. He didn't need the drama of trying to meet someone new now with so many things to do for opening night.

...

Kurt grabbed a couple bottles of water from the mini fridge, and dropped onto his old sofa, passing one of the bottles to Nate. "It couldn't have been that bad."

Unscrewing the cap, Nate took a big swig of his water before setting it down on the coffee table with a thump. He just shook his head ruefully at Kurt. "It was pretty bad, Kurt." He ran his big hands through his hair, his motions obviously agitated.

Stephanie entered and sat on the edge of Kurt's desk, slamming her armful of paperwork onto the surface beside her. "Really, Nate? You know we find your jokes hilarious around here, but they are not for repeating outside the theatre. And definitely not to the press."

Kurt looked between the abashed Nate and the simmering Stephanie. It wasn't the first time Nate's comments had reached the press, and taken out of context, sounded awful. He had been warned, and warned again, to let the PR department handle media queries.

"Can you tell me the joke?" Kurt typed out quickly on his phone. He was too curious now. How bad could one little joke be?

Shooting a quick glance at Stephanie and getting a glare in return, Nate's expression was a war between looking abashed and his desire to tell the joke. He was really just a big kid at times.

He went ahead with telling the joke, but with a much more subdued style than he usually would have used. "Two old ladies are flying on Aeroflot, the Russian airline. The state-of-the art, 4-engined turbofan jet is whisking them to some unknown city. Suddenly, there is a thud. The pilot comes on the intercom. 'We have lost an engine, but do not panic; this is a well-built aircraft. It will simply take us 30 minutes longer.' Everyone looks worried, but calms down and the flight goes on. Another thud, and the pilot again 'We have lost another engine, do not worry, the plane is fine, it will simply take us an hour longer.' A while later, another thud. 'We have lost the third engine. We have everything under control, and will be arriving 2.5 hours late.' At this, one lady tells the other 'If we lose that other engine, we will be up here all day.'"

Kurt's eyes crinkled up at the corners, but otherwise he schooled his expression, flicking a glance at the unimpressed Stephanie. "And he told this joke to….?"

"A group of reporters taking in the preview last night. A group that included Katya Sorokina." Stephanie said, getting off the desk and walking around the office, the frustration radiating off her.

Kurt's eyes widened. "Katya Sorokina? From The New York Times? Oh shit…" Nate nodded and shrugged, and Kurt glanced over to Stephanie, and she nodded curtly.

"Come on, guys. It's not that bad, really. I was just trying to break the ice a bit with them. The musical is beautiful, but you have to admit that it's pretty intense. And the joke was at least on the same topic… cold war Russia." Nate splayed out his big hands beseechingly.

Stephanie just huffed and spun on her heel, marching out of the office, probably needing a bit of time away from Nate to keep from killing him. They had worked together for years, and Kurt had always been amazed that she was able to keep him in line. He didn't envy her at all. But she was fantastic in her role of public relations.

Kurt couldn't help but smirk a little as he typed on his phone. Nate sometimes missed things, or underplayed the impact. "After all your years in the New York theatre community, surely you've heard about her father. He died in the '80s in an Aeroflot plane crash. Vasily Sorokin. He was a playwright over there."

Nate shrugged. "Aeroflot is known for having the most fatalities of any airline. That's the whole reason for the joke."

By now, Stephanie had cooled down enough to come back into the office, sitting back down on the edge of the desk. "The long and the short of it is that Nate made a bad, tasteless joke to one of the most powerful critics. But what's done is done. It's damage control now."

Grabbing a legal pad of paper and a pen, she wrote on it quickly. "First off, Nate won't have any future contact with media."

"Oh, come on now, Steph." Nate sat forward. "You can't expect that. This is the key time to promote the show and ensure good reviews."

She nodded. "Exactly! Normally we would put one of the principals out there, promote them, but Tatiana and Peter are too green. Too focused on getting ready for opening night." It had been a long hunt to cast the roles perfectly, and Nate had taken the risky path of casting unknowns. Kurt thought they were great, but they had enough on their plates without adding promotional duties.

Kurt nodded along. "I wish I could help, but I can hardly 'talk' to the press now." He shrugged.

Stephanie gave him an assessing look. "But I trust your professionalism and experience. You've been around the press for years, know how to handle them, get our message across."

Sighing, Kurt looked back at her. Sure, he knew the theatre press. Knew how to get them excited about a production. Things he had done in interview after interview over the years.

"Look, we have to be creative with our approach here, Kurt. How about I handle the press at the previews, and you make yourself available for webcam chats with the press, doing interviews that way?" Stephanie was tapping her pen against the paper.

Nate clapped a hand against Kurt's shoulder. "Plus, like it or not, you are part of the story here, Kurt. You are back from a long coma, in a different role. You are the most famous person in this production. Former Tony-award winning singer's directing debut."

Shaking his head, Kurt glanced at Nate and then Stephanie. "Hardly. Nate, this is your production. Your baby. I'm just helping you at the eleventh hour."

Giving him a wide smile, Nate nodded. "I trust you to give credit to our whole team here, Kurt. I think Stephanie's plan will work. I will concentrate on the production, you handle as many interviews as you can, and she will wrangle the rest with her team. Talk with Melissa about it."

Still not feeling that good about the plan, Kurt agreed to discuss it with Melissa and get back to them the next day.

...

"It's fantastic, Kurt!" Melissa was practically jumping out of her chair in excitement. "This will work for the production, but also launch your new career. Announce to everyone that you are back and capable of taking on so much. We can make this work."

Kurt cringed. "I want to help the production, but can't we do it without making my personal … stuff… such a big part of the story?" He had been in the tabloid and entertainment press for years, and it was even worse when he was with Adam, all their relationship dramas.

Melissa took the chair right beside his, her look one of a good, long-term friend, not just an agent. "Kurt, everyone is curious about you, about the coma and how you are dealing with losing your voice. If you are going to work in the theatre industry, you will be in the public eye. Why not just go out there and do the interviews now, talk about it all, and at the same time, promote Nate's show? You like the show, don't you?"

"Yes, yes… I'm very proud to be a part of it. It's incredible." Kurt nodded along, thinking about what Melissa was saying.

He knew that the show needed to get a buzz going. A buzz of interest, people talking about the show, excitement and energy around it. It needed to build up to opening night, and if supported by strong reviews, they would continue the media push for a few more weeks after that. Get the momentum going, and then strong sales and word of mouth would carry it along. And then hopefully it was a hit, selling out, the hot new thing and destined for Tony nominations in April, and the award show in June. The month right before and right after opening night made or killed a new show.

This show had the potential to be big. An original setting and story. Beautiful songs. A message about freedom, artistic expression. Things that resonated with what was occurring in society now. The cast was green, but talented and eager to prove themselves. Nate was a skilled director. To have the show not succeed now due to a gap in promotion would be a horrible waste.

"OK. I'll do it. Would you mind discussing it with Stephanie, coordinating it with her?" Melissa knew how to manage this. Control the settings, the interview scope and length, who had access, and all the other factors. She wanted Kurt to be launched into his new position well, and for the show to be as successful as possible.

Nodding, Melissa leaned forward to hug Kurt tightly. She knew this was a big, scary step for him. But the Kurt she had known for over a decade was still here. He could do this, and she would help him any way she could.

...

"I found the opening of the show very powerful and it really set the tone." Lyle was smiling at Kurt from the laptop screen.

The show opened with a quote appearing on a large screen, one line at a time.

Don't think.

If you think, then don't speak.

If you think and speak, then don't write.

If you think, speak and write, then don't sign.

If you think, speak, write and sign, then don't be surprised.

Kurt smiled back and typed quickly. It felt familiar to be webcam chatting, but he was very aware that this was all on the record. This was his first official 'interview' about the show. Melissa had thrown him a softball to start. He'd known Lyle for a long time and they got along well.

"Well, just imagine being a writer, a reporter, under that repressive regime. When government censors reviewed your work before it was published. When the newspapers were all state-owned, controlling the message that went out to the public. When co-workers of yours would just disappear for what they had written. And our main character is trying to get her voice heard in that world."

"Speaking of getting her voice heard, how was it for you working back in the theatre with no voice?"

Kurt sighed. He knew the personal questions would come, and braced himself. "I'm happy and grateful to be back working in theatre in any capacity. To work with Nate Robinson again is fantastic. He makes such bold choices and doesn't shy away from taking on difficult story lines."

Lyle nodded, typing fast. "But specifically, how do you do the work without being able to speak?"

Shit. Kurt couldn't sidestep the more direct question. "I have a phone app, and I basically type what I want to say and it reads it out loud for me. It doesn't seem to be much of a hindrance. I'm thankful that I wasn't more seriously injured in the car accident."

"Is it true Adam Crawford has not seen you since you came out of your coma?" Lyle's questions were coming faster now, wanting to fluster Kurt and have him say something he shouldn't have, reveal too much.

Kurt shrugged. "He is just a friend now, living back in London. We have communicated this way many times and remain on good terms."

"How do you feel about him being seen out with James Wallis, the tennis pro?" The story had come up a few times over the summer, and there were a few candid shots of them by the press where the two men seemed caught up in each other, standing close. Enough for speculation to blow up in the tabloids.

Biting his lip, Kurt looked down, trying to think of how to answer. The truth was, it had felt strange to see those pictures. A flare of jealousy had sprung up like a knee-jerk reflex. They had been in a relationship for years, and it had only been a few months since he had woken up. Adam had an extra year to process that they were over. It still felt new to Kurt.

"Sorry for Adam, actually. I bet he hasn't won a tennis game in ages if he's playing against James." Kurt typed and grinned into the webcam. He was tempted to add a winky emoticon, but remembered this was an interview. "But seriously, I wish Adam the best and want him to be happy."

Kurt was relieved when the interview ended soon after that. Overall, it had gone OK, and he was thankful Melissa was scheduling them in a way so he could get back in practice and have his answers flowing easier.

The Adam question threw him a little, and he pulled his tablet out of his bag and searched his name. He had seen some pictures ages ago in passing, but hadn't been following it. But if it was going to be coming up in interviews, he better know what was going on.

Picture after picture had them together at the big parties, the club openings, at Wimbledon. Mostly just standing or sitting close to each other, talking. Posing for the camera. But a few caught Adam's expressions as he looked over at James, and Kurt felt a pang in his heart. He knew that look. It was a look that took Kurt's breath away when it was directed his way. Amusement, connection, warmth. A look that said without words that there were real feelings between them.

Sighing, Kurt put down the tablet, feeling a bit unsettled by the images. He didn't regret the past, or want it back. But he missed the connection. Being in a relationship. Last time he had gotten close to almost getting it again was with Blaine. But Blaine had left, wanting to just be friends, clearly not happy with whatever they had.

...

"Seven fucking days until opening night, and the lighting is still slow after 'Hearts Stumble'." Nate growled to Kurt, from their seats in the twentieth row of the theatre.

Nodding, Kurt made a note on his phone to run through it a few times with the crew. The list of other tweaks was long, but they were getting to be subtle, smaller details. Things likely only Nate would notice, but his perfectionist tendencies towards his work are what made it indefinably wonderful. His touch was on every part of the production.

Most things Kurt agreed with, and made sure the changes happened. But he argued back on the notes he didn't agree with, and often Nate nodded, conceding to Kurt's view. It was a good partnership. Nate respected Kurt's experience. Kurt respected Nate's teaching as a director.

"Kurt, there is somebody in your office." A young male page interrupted them, rushing off before giving details.

Raising his eyebrows, Kurt just got up. "Probably some press wanting some photos for their piece."

Nate nodded, turning back to the stage. This afternoon, they were rehearsing some scenes, trying to make them flow a bit better. Another preview performance would run tonight.

Kurt ran up the back narrow stairs and through the twisty halls to his office. He was lucky enough to have status to score the tiny office, a space with just an old sofa and a desk. And best of all...a door he could close when he needed a minute away from the intensity of the big production. To jump in weeks before it was to open was like jumping into the deep end of a pool. Sink or swim.

His office was partially open, and he could see someone standing inside, facing towards the small window.

Stepping in, Kurt's generic smile of greeting froze on his face. The man turned, the sunlight hitting the side of his face and lighting up his blond hair. His smile was wide and his blue eyes crinkled up on seeing Kurt.

With a chuckle, he walked quickly over to Kurt and wrapped his arms around him tightly. "Kurt! It's fantastic to see you!" His voice was a low rumble in Kurt's ear, his British accent evident in even the simple sentence.

That voice, feeling his tall, muscular body against him, the smell of his spicy, delicious cologne, the suddenness of it all...Kurt could only hug him back, burying his face against the solid warmth of his shoulder. He still fit in Adam's arms the old way, comfortable, right. Home. And he felt embarrassed to feel the wetness of a tear against his cheek.

Shit. Kurt pulled back, giving Adam an apologetic smile and rushed over to the desk, hands trembling as he grabbed some tissues to wipe at his eyes and blow his nose. Taking a second to breathe and gather himself, Kurt grabbed his tablet and turned back to sit on the edge of the desk, looking over at Adam.

"Adam, I'm so surprised to see you." Kurt managed to type, feeling awkward at using the device in front of Adam, not wanting to see the flash of pity and understanding in his eyes. But this was Kurt's reality now.

Adam sauntered over to the desk slowly, his eyes looking Kurt over thoroughly. And Kurt was looking back, relearning him, looking for the differences. Adam was still as good-looking as ever, his skin lightly tanned, his muscular chest filling out his red Henley tee.

Sitting on the edge of the desk beside Kurt, Adam smiled and nudged his shoulder. "So, this is how you talk now. Show me. Say something."

Kurt gave him a laughing glance. As if he wouldn't be asking Adam a hundred questions. He wasn't getting away until Kurt's curiosity was satisfied. "What are you doing here?" Start with the obvious first.

Adam's eyes had been following Kurt's fingers as he tapped the question out, and he shared a look with Kurt, looking impressed. Kurt smiled, reminding himself to send another thank you message to Sam. It was always rewarding when old friends found the app sounded like old Kurt.

Putting his hands on the desk behind them, Adam leaned back. "New project. Rounding up some American financing. I'll probably be here a few weeks."

Looking him over assessingly, Kurt nodded. Adam was on the board of a few businesses, and doing things like that wasn't uncommon. "Staying at the Plaza?" It was Adam's preference. Elegant, centrally located, incredible service. Everything done to the high standards he expected.

Adam grinned at Kurt, and Kurt felt a surge of warmth at seeing it. His eyes were drawn down to Adam's full lips, that wide, easy smile. "You know me so well. And that's why I'm here, Kurt. It would be nice to catch up, spend some time together. It would be good to be around someone familiar after working all day with hard-nosed yanks, trying to loosen up the death grip they have on their wallets."

Returning his grin, Kurt got off the desk. "Maybe I could squeeze in a quick lunch or something. We open in a week. You remember how nuts everything is at that time of a production."

Adam had been by Kurt's side so many times during the years, making sure Kurt's life stayed on track when he was working long hours at the theatre and attending promotional events together. Knew the schedule was the most intense in the few weeks right before and after the opening.

"I've been hearing the buzz and read some of your interviews. Perhaps you could sneak me an opening night ticket? I'll hide in the back, away from Nate's disapproving glares." Adam was perfectly aware of Nate's dislike of him and shrugged it off. You couldn't get everyone to like you.

Kurt returned his smile. It would be weird to not have Adam at one of his opening nights. He'd been at every one of them, for years. The perfect partner, supportive, dressed handsomely for the cameras, passing Kurt a bottle of water when he was in the middle of a long interview. In those times, Adam truly shined.

"I'll see what I can do." Kurt smiled back, not promising anything. He was still reeling from seeing Adam here.

...

A/N: He's back...