To: Finn
From: Rachel
Subject: Miss you
Hey Finn,
Hoping all is well with you. Things in New York are lightening up a bit. Blaine and Kurt are talking. They've been on a couple of small dates since New Years and it's really nice. I like seeing that smile on Kurt's face again. I haven't seen Brody at all since before he broke up with me, but that's good. I don't want to see him again. And Seb's doing really well, he and Wes are closer than ever. It's so weird, thinking about that. But I mean, if Seb's happy, then I'm happy. Because Seb's one of my closest friends, you know? I miss you like crazy. I can't wait for the school year to be over so you can come to New York. The baby's okay. I love you. And now Kurt's staring at me because we're supposed to go out for breakfast with Blaine.
Love you <3
Rachel

Rachie and I are just leaving, we'll be there asap.
It's fine, really. I'm not even there yet. Take your time.
Alright. I can't wait to see you again. Saturday was nice.
It was! I'm glad the weather was so nice. The park was fun.
Same. I'm so glad we're doing these small things. December was too weird.
It really was. Too much too fast. At the risk of being monotonous, I'm still sorry.
At the risk of also being monotonous, I'm still sorry too.
To further the monotony, you shouldn't be sorry.
Oh, hey, look. More monotony. Neither should you.
Now that that's out of the way, I'm here.
And we're just arriving.

"Blaine! Hi!"
"Rachel! Hey! Hi Kurt."
Kurt runs forward and hugs Blaine.
"Hi Blaine. Ready for breakfast?'
"It's going to be so much fun!"
Blaine returns Kurt's hug.
"I'm starving. I could eat a house, I think."
"Don't do that, that's way too much food for you. Haha."
"Not a gingerbread house."
"You're a goof. Come on, let's go. I'm hungry too."
Rachel smiles fondly and follows a few steps behind the guys as they walk into the restaurant.
Blaine opens the door and lets everyone file in, and the hostess seats them in a booth. He slides in across the seat to the window, leaving ample room for Kurt to choose to sit with him.
Rachel sits across from Blaine, smiling over at Kurt. Meanwhile, Kurt glances from Rachel to Blaine and back again, trying to decide where to sit. Rachel is safe, Blaine is comforting. In the end, he decides to sit next to Blaine.
"I'm so hungry. What do you guys want?"
"Pancakes."
Blaine is having a hard time controlling the smile that wants to spread across his face at the fact that Kurt sat next to him.
Kurt smiles at first Blaine, and then Rachel.
"I'm having an omelette, I think. How about you, Rachie?"
"Undecided. Everything on this menu looks... ugh."
"Pancakes, Rachel."
"Sorry?"
"Pancakes. They have the best pancakes."
"O...kay... I guess I'll try them, then."
"Well, I mean, you don't have to. It's just a suggestion."
"I'm trying them, Blainey."
"Uh oh, she's got her mind set on it."
"Step back."
Blaine raises his hands up and smiles jokingly.
"Now that we have that settled... when are you two going on another date?"
Taken aback, Kurt blinks and looks at Blaine.
"I, uh, we, ah, haven't... Blaine, you tell her."
"We, uh, haven't planned anything just yet..."
"You... haven't... planned... anything... seriously?!?"
"Rachie, we only just started figuring things out again."
"You got back together New Years Eve!"
"Yeah, but... Blaine, help me out here."
"Rach, after what happened at Christmas... well, first I'm broke from all the plane trips everywhere-"
"I'm still really, really sorry about that."
"It's okay. My birthday is coming up."
"Mhm. Still sorry."
"Yeah, well, I'm sorry for it too, Kurt."
"You two are adorable. But this is perfect! I can plan a date for you!"
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Ra-"
"Yeah! I'll plan a date for the two of you! You promised me I could, Kurtie. And I never got the chance because you two were always so blah."
"We were 'blah'?"
"Yeah, you were upset a lot. And when you were happy you never let me do anything. But I'm taking my chance now! Watch out, Kurt and Blaine! I am planning a date for you!"
Blaine glances at Kurt.
"Um, I guess... that's okay..."
Kurt glances at Blaine apprehensively.
"Yeah, I guess so. You can plan our next date."
"Yay!"
Blaine's look turns slightly worried and he turns back to his menu.
"So, pancakes..."
"Yes. Well, omelette, for me. Should I get ham or bacon?"
Rachel is too giddy to comment.
"Um, bacon, duh..."
"You're right. Bacon is definitely better. Thanks for the input."
"Of course. Any time. I get a bite, right?"
"I can't believe you had to ask."
"You two are soooo cuuuute!"
Blaine blushes and smiles a tiny bit as he glances from Kurt to Rachel and then to his lap.
Kurt blushes as well, grinning at Rachel. Once the waiter has been by to take their orders, Rachel gets a mischievous look in her eyes.
"I have to use the ladies' room. I'll be right back, boys."
She gets up and walks off before either boy has a chance to say anything. Kurt glances at Blaine and shrugs.
"Um... okay. How was class yesterday?"
Blaine blinks after Rachel before turning his attention to Kurt.
"Good. I have one of the same profs from last semester. I'm apparently the only one in that class who's ever had him or something, because he really likes pointing me out and rhetorically asking if I remember things that aren't relevant to the class. But, so far I've laughed at all the right places, so I think I'll be alright. Anything new in the world of fashion?"
"Haha, that's always fun. I'm glad your classes are going well. Actually, there's a big photoshoot coming up, and I'm working on putting outfits together for it. It's going to be really fun. I can't wait to see the results. There's a chance I might get to go to Italy over the summer, actually."
Blaine raises his eyebrows.
"Italy?"
"Yeah, for a big show. Only the best are going to get invited along. It would be a dream to be chosen!"
"I'm sure you'll be chosen. You're the best."
"You'll be okay with it even if it means I'll be away for a good couple of weeks?"
"I'm not going to be the one to stop you from going to Italy. I'm not that guy."
"You're incredible, Blaine."
"Nah. I'm just an okay person. Besides, I'm going to insist on a souvenir from somewhere awesome."
"No, you're incredible. And I was already planning on what souvenir I was going to get you."
"Oh? What is it?"
"It is..."
Kurt leans in close as if he's about to tell a secret.
Blaine raises his eyebrows and leans over slightly.
"...a surprise!"
Blaine purses his lips, though a smile is obvious anyway.
"Really?"
Kurt smiles triumphantly.
"Yup! You'll just have to wait and see. Don't want to get your hopes up, anyway!"
"You and I both know that I spend most of my time with my hopes way higher than they should be."
"Oh, come on. That's not true."
"Hey guys!"
Rachel arrives back at the table, smiling, and settles down across from the boys.
"It's very true and you know it. Hey Rach."'
"Welcome back, Rach. We were just talking about my possible opportunity to go to Italy."
"Ooooh, you'll get it for sure, won't he, Blaine?"
"They'd be stupid not to pick him. As I was just saying."
"Exactly, he's so dedicated to everything he does."
"Stop it, you two..."
Kurt is blushing.
"You couldn't pay me enough to stop."
"Stop or I kiss my favourite place in public."
"Ku-urt!"
Blaine glances at Kurt and clears his throat.
"Your favorite place?"
"Yup. My favourite place. It might also be your favourite place, I don't know. But it is PG before you freak out over there, Rachie."
"Wait, if I stop, then you can't kiss there, and then I'll finally win."
Kurt opens his mouth to speak and can only stare at Blaine. Meanwhile, Rachel giggles.
"Ah-hah! I've finally figured out how to win! Today is a great day."
Kurt huffs and turns away from Blaine.
"Uh oh..."
Rachel's tone is teasing.
"Aww, Kurtlet. Don't be angry..."
"Not fair."
"So fair."
"This was supposed to be getting back at you for making me blush and you're turning it on me."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Let me make you blush again, and we can start all over."
"Or you can not, and we can say you did."
"Can you just blush on command then? Save me the hassle?"
"It's fairly easy for you to make me blush."
Rachel smiles as she watches the two banter.
"I don't think it is. I hardly see it."
"That's because I try so hard to hide it."
"You shouldn't hide it. It's one of my favorite things about you."
"Really?"
The trio is interrupted by their breakfast arriving. Kurt smiles and looks down at his omelette.
"This looks delicious. But really?"
Blaine has syrup on his pancakes before Kurt's plate is even in front of him, and a mouthful of them almost immediately. He nods at Kurt.
"Mhmm..."
"These pancakes look good. Pass the syrup please, Blaine?"
"I don't know if I could pick a favourite thing about you..."
Blaine stops chewing and looks up at Kurt, his eyes full of adoration. The tiniest smile crosses his face, and he forgets to pass the syrup to Rachel.
"What?"
Kurt gazes back at Blaine, smiling fondly. Rachel coughs.
"Blaine! Syrup! Please!"
Blaine's eyes fall, and slide to the syrup, which he promptly passes across the table, then shovelling another forkful of pancakes into his mouth, smiling at his plate.
Rachel rolls her eyes and drizzles the syrup over her pancakes, starting to eat.
"Mmhm, these are really good! Thanks for suggesting them, Blainey!"
"They are, aren't they? Kurt, how's your omelette?"
"It tastes delicious!"
"That's awesome. Ugh, my phone keeps vibrating..."
"Can I have a bite?"
Blaine glances at Rachel.
"So answer it. I won't be offended."
"It's okay, Rachie, go ahead. And of course you can, Blaine. Here."
Kurt pushes his plate towards Blaine while Rachel digs her phone out of her purse.

When are you free?
Rach, let me know when you're free next.
Hey, I'm not sure what's up because you're usually pretty good with answering your phone but I just wanted to know if we could get together soon.
Rachie is everything okay?
Hi Sebbie. Chill. Having breakfast with Kurt and Blaine.
Oh, good, you're alive :) Same message applies. When are you free next?
Um, Friday afternoon. Why?
No reason, just wanted to spend time with you. But I won't keep you from K&B. Enjoy.
Alrighty... Love you Sebbie <3
Love you Rachie <3

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDETTE PARTYYYYYYYYYY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!
How many times do I have to tell you, Chandler. Don't. Text. Me. I'm not interested in your stupid parties!

Blaine takes a bite of Kurt's breakfast, feigning passing out for a second.
"That is so good! Now I'm jealous of your breakfast."
"Haha. I know, right? It's amazing. Rach? What's wrong?"
"Kurt, have you heard from Seb lately?"
"No... why?"
"He's acting weird. And Chandler's throwing a party on Friday if you guys want to go."
"I, uh, I don't know about that."
"Yeah, Chandler's parties can get a bit weird. I don't think you've ever actually been to one, Blaine. They're... interesting."
"Meh, I was just passing on the info from our lovely loopy friend."
"No, I haven't. I don't really know if I want to go. You can though, I guess."
"I'm sort of drifting away from that crowd, anyway. You two have been there for me more often than any of them. Except Seb. He's the only one I actually trust from that group."
"I can't say that I really trust anyone in that crowd. Maybe Wes a tiny bit."
"You... trust Wes still?"
"I think, under all of that... horrible-ness... I think he has a heart. Maybe."
"Seb never did anything to hurt the two of us."
Rachel pauses, fork halfway to her mouth, watching the two boys carefully.
"I know that Wes is a jerk. I know. But. I think on some level he cares about me."
"I know he cares about Seb. But Seb also cares deeply about Rach and I. And again, he never tried to split us up once we got together. Unlike Wes who kissed me and... I'm pretty sure he had something to do with Eli being at your apartment."
"He isn't the worst person on the planet. I understand that Sebastian didn't do anything to jeopardize what any of us had, or whatever. And you can't prove that Wes had anything to do with Eli showing up. Still. Even if he did, he's still not the most terrible person ever."
"Wes still kissed me. You can't deny that that was specifically in mind to break us up."
"Even if he did he's still not a horrible person."
"Tell me one redeeming quality of his that doesn't have to do with Seb."
"Guys, we-"
"No, Rach, I want to hear just what makes Wes not a horrible person."
Blaine looks down at his plate, smashing his pancakes with his fork as he hesitates.
"O-on Christmas Eve... he showed up at my place. He... he made me eat something. And clean up. And get off the sofa. I think I might be dead if he hadn't showed up."
Kurt smashes his omelette with his own fork.
"Oh. He visited you. That's just nice. Good for him."
Blaine slowly slinks away from Kurt, leaning his head in his hand and trying to melt into the wall next to him.
Kurt looks the other way. Rachel glances back and forth between the two, concerned.
"Callbacks is having a theme night Saturday, are the three of us going?"
"You guys can. I'm not."
"Why not?"
"I just don't think I'm going to go."
"Awww, Blainey..."
"I need to head off to work soon."
Blaine goes silent, pulling out money for his hardly eaten pancakes.
"I'm paying."
Not even trying to argue, Blaine puts his money away.
Kurt stares down at his lap.
"Thanks Rachel. You have a point, I guess, Blaine. I just don't know if I like the idea of him being at your apartment."
"It doesn't matter."
"Why doesn't it matter?"
"It just doesn't."
"It does matter, though! The guy kissed me. And he constantly tried to break us apart! Even when he was telling me about how you don't eat when you get upset, it was more for his own benefit! You said it yourself, he doesn't do anything unless it's for him!"
"Guys... stop it..."
"He was the only person who cared that no one had heard from me for a week. The only person."
"I... you know what? I really need to get going to work. I'll see you two later."
Kurt smiles at Rachel and stands up, walking out.
"Honestly?"
"Sorry..."
"You two were just getting okay again..."
"I don't know. I guess... we have unresolved issues."
"You two need to talk. I gave you an opportunity earlier..."
"We did talk then. But it wasn't very long. We haven't really... talked about any of that... whole thing..."
"Oh. Well... you two really need to figure out all of this stuff about Wes soon. Because it's always going to be hanging between the two of you."
"Rachel, he came to my apartment when I hadn't heard from anyone in days. I don't know how he knew, but he did."
"I've got to admit, though, I am a little leery. He does seem to have ulterior motives."
"He was my best friend for five years. He never tried to hurt me before."
"Then why did he start? I don't like him. He seems just so... ugh."
Blaine shrugs, uncomfortable.
"I don't know."
"You can't not think that it's all a little weird. Even if you were best friends. And he's been absolutely horrible to me and Kurt."
"He's the only reason I'm alive after Eli broke up with me. He's a jerk, I know. But... he cared enough to make sure I was okay on Christmas Eve."
"Mhm... I tried to call but I couldn't reach you..."
"Yeah, I lost my phone for a couple of days."
"And Kurt and I were eight hours away. In Lima."
"Because of me."
"Because of a stupid misunderstanding."
"Still."
"Blaine."
"What?"
"How do you feel about Kurt?"
"What? What do you mean?"
"Just tell me. What are your feelings towards Kurt. How does he make you feel?"
"Well right now, I feel like crap. But I still... feel the same about him. I still love him, if that's what you're asking."
"You two need to sit down and have a nice long talk. Because that's your problem. You guys never talk to each other. You need to do that or you'll lose each other."
"I have the feeling it would end up like today did."
"Blaine. Do you want to lose him?"
Staring at his uneaten pancakes, Blaine shakes his head.
"Then fight for him. Are you going to finish?"
"No, I'm not going to finish."
"... Have you eaten enough?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"O...kay then. Shall we?"
"Okay."
Rachel stands up, picking up the bill that the waiter had dropped off for them and looks at Blaine expectantly.
Blaine follows suit and stands up, waiting for her to lead the way.
"Everything will work out as long as you actually talk to him. And don't worry, I'll be having this same conversation with Kurt later."
Rachel smiles sympathetically at Blaine as they walk out of the restaurant after she pays.
"He always runs away."
"I know. It's something he's learned to do. I wish he didn't, though."
"I wish he didn't, too."
Blaine lets out a sigh.
Rachel looks over at Blaine and gives him a quick hug and squeeze around the shoulders.
"We'll snap him out of it."
"If you say so."
"Blaine... stop being so pessimistic!"
"I'm not trying to be! It's really hard when you try and try and every single time you lose everything you thought you'd gained."
"I know. You two will figure things out, though. I know that. Because I know how much Kurt is in love with you."
"Yeah. I have to go to class. I'll see you later, Rach."
"Um, okay. See you later."

Hey Sebastian. How's class?
Pretty good. A bit boring. But I'm finished for the day soon
I only have two hours left. Plans for tonight?
I was thinking a date.
What kind of date?
The kind where I take you out for dinner and then pay for it. And then we come home and hang out before watching crappy reality shows.
I like the way you think, Mr. Smythe. Now, are you taking charge then, since you insist on paying?
That was the plan, Mr Montgomery.
Oh, you know how to get me going, don't you? Now I'm going to have to distract myself.
Really? Distract yourself from what? What I'm going to do to you tonight?
Yes, sir. My God, I can't concentrate. I love when you take charge.
I like that 'sir'. I love taking charge. Because it's incredible, knowing I can do this to you.
It's not an all the time thing you know. Its only when you bring it up on your own. And God damn.
Do you have a problem, Wessy?
A small one.
Scratch that. A large one.
Am I going to have to fix the problem before we go out? ;)
No. I want you to drive me crazy all night.
I can do that. Maybe I'll change into tighter jeans when I get home.
You should wear that black shirt I like too. The tight one.
Maybe I will. Maybe I won't. You're just gonna have to see.
Fuck. You.
I'd really like you to do that to me.
Oh yeah? I thought you were in charge?
Oh I am. You'll learn the rules later
Ooh, do I get to cricket things? Not that I really would.
Only if I don't get a chorus of crickets from you. Because that would just be frustrating. I'd get angry.
Maybe I'd like to see you angry...
Or maybe I'll just be the sweetest thing you've ever met all night. You'll never know what might set me off.
I like surprises. I'd like to set you off too.
Are you sure?
I think I'll direct your question to my pants, thanks.
Yes I'm sure.
That is so hot. That texts can do that to you.
We'll see if you can get me angry tonight.
I have an idea of how to do that.
Now you've made me curious
I'm sorry, but I just can't tell you what that idea is.
Let me make that my first cricket of the evening.
I think I should get veto power over the cricketing.
I don't get veto power over the cricketing, why should you?
Because I'm in charge.
I could cricket you being in charge. But that's counter-productive.
You wouldn't dare
You know me well enough to know that I would, in fact, dare. However, I'm not going to. Unless that makes you angry. Does it?
Screw dinner
So, it does make you angry? Maybe I wanted to be wined and dined?
I want. To make you. Fall apart.
I could cricket that.
Fuck you. Even when I try to be in control, you're still in control
Sorry, it's force of habit. You could, I don't know, tie me down or something. Then I have no say in anything that goes on.
The idea is appealing. Class is over now, by the way. I love you.
I still have an hour to go. That gives you plenty of time to get nice and angry at me. I'll be home asap. And I love you too, Sebastian.
See you when you get home, Wessy

I feel like I owe you an apology
And I feel like you owe me one too (unsent)
For what?
I got really upset. And I ran.
Oh that. It doesn't matter. It's fine.
It's not. I said some harsh things.
It's okay. At least I know how you feel.
I'm sorry
You don't need to be sorry.
Well I am.
It's okay.
[ten minutes later]
I'm sorry if this is stupid or whatever, but it just feels like nothing is the same. Since the whole Christmas thing.
It was like everything was perfect
And then everything was gone
And it's just a shell now.
And I miss you. (unsent)
[Thirty minutes later]
So what then? Do we fix it? Do we let it fizzle out?
Thank you for telling me how you feel
[Fifteen minutes later]
I don't know.
I feel like what we had was so good.
But I'm afraid.
What are you afraid of?
I'm afraid it'll happen again.
I'm afraid of that too...
I love you. (unsent)
I don't want to lose you (unsent)
So what do we do then?
I don't know.
[Forty-five minutes later]
Do you want it to work out?
I can't believe I just sent that. (unsent)
In an ideal world, yes. I want it to work out. I just don't know how we're going to do that.
[silence]
I'm sorry
its fine
should i tell rachel not to bother planning a date
is tht what you want
no (unsent)
only if u want it
i just wnt you to be happy
are you drinking?
no
I hope you're not
im not. i promise
just dont care anymore (unsent)
This always happens to us. Whenever Wes comes up.
i know yu dont like him but he really isnt all terrible
he cared enough about me to see if i was ok
I tried. Your phone was off. I was in Ohio.
i know where you were
it was my fault you were there
No.
i know yu dont like him and thats ok but i didnt do anything in those days till christmas besides drink. i should be dead
[ten minutes later]
No.
yes
Don't say that.
ok i wont but it doesnt change anything
Don't think like that
im just stating the truth
I'm glad you're still here.
I'm just really confused right now.
what is there to be confused about
What's going on between us.
i know whats going on with me at least
What?
i still love you kurt. i want to go on dates with you and buy you things and tell people that youre my boyfriend. but if you dont even knw if the feeling is retrned i duno if i can do htis
So what, are you breaking up with me?
if yuore not in love wiht me then yes
I love you Blaine. I'm just really confused because we get like this so often
so re yuou done is tht it
I don't know
[silence]
We should take a break
[silence]
I'm going to take that as a yes?
no
Please give me a straight answer. Should we take a break?
i dont understnad why its up to me
if yuo want to break up with me thne do it
I'm not breaking up with you. I'm asking if you want to take a break. There's a difference.
not really there isnt a differnenc
Yes, there is.
oh ok. one we dont tlk to each othr and i still love yuo anyway and then other we dont tlak to each other and i still lvoe you anyway
yeah big differenecn
Breaking up means we're done. Taking a break means we'll come back to each other.
no kurt. i will always come back to you
[Silence]
im sorry i alawys say teh wrong thing
its ok we can take yuor braek or whatver'
I have to go.
stop runnign away from me kurt (unsent)
ok

Help
What? Why can't you just come out to the living room and talk to me?
Curled up on bed crying
What happened?
Blaine and I are taking a break
Ohmigosh... Kurtie...
Help
Getting up now

I love you, Blaine. But this will be good for us.
ok