Chapter Three

Trying to avoid someone when the said person not only worked at the same place but was also ones boss was easier said than done. Only through their combined perseverance did Hummel and Blaine manage to not cross paths as the days passed. But for all their attempts, some confrontations were still unavoidable. Like how Blaine needed to step into Hummels office to pick up his first official paycheck for instance. The need to pay his bills caused Blaine to enter the war zone; a place he hadnt been remotely close to since his and Hummels first confrontation there. Whatever happened this time, Blaine doubted the man within would make the encounter very enjoyable.

At first Kurt didnt even notice Oates reluctant arrival and it took his light cough for Kurt to look up from going over the club's monthly expenses to even acknowledge his presence. He wasnt enjoying the interruption, or how Blaine was staring at him like Kurt was a prison guard. “May I help you?” he asked in an impersonal tone.

“Im here for my paycheck,” Blaine explained.

Kurt quickly rummaged through the stack of letters on his desk to hand it to Oates.

At first Blaine was surprised Hummel would bother, since the document would have his actual name written upon it. But when he took the envelope the reason became clear; stuck over the place where his name would normally be visible was a sticker labelled Oates. “Why are you so against learning my real name?” Blaine asked.

Kurts first response was to shrug, which felt oddly satisfying. “I really dont care all that much and its not like we need to be on a first name basis. You dont know mine, so I thought you would appreciate the equal treatment,” he explained casually. “Oates suits you just fine.”

As much as Blaine felt tempted to just drop his name, his heart wasnt really in it. “On the subject of Hall & Oates, Sam and I have the H2O numbers down pat. In fact I think youll be quite impressed come Saturday night,” Blaine announced.

Kurt very much doubted that but he chose to keep the fact to himself for once, as he really did have better things to do. “Uh-huh. By all means please try; your vigour is adorable,” Kurt chimed with thinly veiled sarcasm. “Come next week I think it will be time to retire the Hall & Oates routine though, before it becomes yesterday's news.”

“Alright, but now Im wondering what youll call me then,” Blaine teased.

“Oh, youll always be Oates to me,” Kurt said in a sweet and overly sarcastic voice.

Blaine let out a tired sigh and accepted his fate to be ever-known as Oates and let the issue drop. Hummel seemed to be over it as well as he started to organize the remaining pay stubs during their conversation.

“I know you and Sam have suggestions to share and Ive been getting feedback from customers as well. Since theres a lot to take into consideration... there will be a meeting about all this sometime next week,” Kurt explained.

While Blaine had heard about how seriously Hummel took his job as co-manager he still hadnt expected him to put so much thought into a simple set list. “Sure, just give me some warning beforehand, because I have a day job.”

“Doesnt everyone?” Kurt scoffed. “I have one as well.”

The way Hummel stuck around the club most nights, Blaine almost suspected he lived there in some fabulous underground lair. When Blaine tried to picture him acting domestic all he got was a messed up vision of Hummel dressed only in an apron. Oh my god, what the fuck am I imagining? Blaine thought with horror; he really needed to get laid.

There it was again, the almost creepy way that Oates drifted off with a perverted look on his face. What in the hell was he picturing this time? “You do realize I have a life outside of work right?” Kurt pointed out. One you will never be a part of, not even as a one night stand, Kurt added in thought.

“Must be nice, I barely have any free time,” Blaine admitted, for what reason he had no idea. But he did manage not to add how he also had little money for that matter. Right from the start it didnt take much to realize Hummel was someone who didnt have to do without. Which made it hard for Blaine not to feel petty with resentment.

“Is that everything? I have a lot of work to do,” Kurt said.

That was a dismissal if hed ever heard one and Blaine had no intentions to linger, even to look around Hummels office. Because for all of his avoidance, Blaine still found himself thinking about Hummel and who he exactly was quite a lot. So Blaine thought if he learned a bit about him then his curiosity would lessen. But it was way too risky to ask around the club because Hummel was everywhere and heard everything. Blaine already had the stigma as being labelled as one of the many new boys who wanted to sleep with him so Blaine didnt want do anything that could further support that stupid idea.

Right when hed planned on making a graceful exit, the sleeve of Blaine's jacket, which was currently thrown over his shoulder, whipped out as he spun to leave, knocking a number of objects off of Hummels desk.

Kurt swore in protest at the unexpected attack and looked down to assess the damage. In his usual oafish ways, Oates had managed to knock over his pen container. But that and the additional casualty of an empty coffee cup hardly made him want to explode. It wasnt until Oates knelt down to pick up a final item, one that had been out of Kurts line of vision at first, that his anger started to build.

Blaine turned the item in question around to discover it was a picture frame that was now badly cracked. “Sorry about that,” Blaine quickly apologized. He had planned to hand the frame over to its owner, until Blaine glanced at the photo and what he saw caught his full attention: a picture of a kind faced blond man and a slightly younger looking Hummel in his arms. Staring, Blaine could barely believe how happy the pair looked. Hummels joyous smile was such a contrast to his usual stone cold exterior.

Before Oates could ask any questions about the mans identity, Kurt snatched the photo right out of his hands, like he was unworthy to even set eyes upon the image. At the sight of the cracked glass, Kurt hissed with anger. “You broke the glass!”

“I was an accident and Ive already said I was sorry!” Blaine said in his defence. The actual photo wasnt damaged so what was the big deal?

Little did Oates know just how important and treasured the photo was to Kurt and how its place on his desk had special significance. “Out! Before you break anything else!” Kurt ordered.

But Blaine refused to budge this time. “No,” he answered flatly.

Kurt stopped to place the photo carefully inside his top left drawer before dealing with the mans act of defiance. “Excuse me?”

Hummel wasnt the only one who could turn to dramatics if push came to shove. “I refuse to let you send me away like Ive committed a major offence. I havent done anything wrong and I certainly dont deserve your scrutiny,” Blaine challenged.

Kurts eyes narrowed; usually no one aside from those he was closest to ever tried to spar with him. “I dont like your attitude,” he declared.

“Of course you dont. You dont like any sort of back talk unless its your own,” Blaine accused.

Kurt had no idea what Oates was getting at, unless he was trying to make Kurt so angry hed fire him on the spot. Something similar had happened before, when some guy had lied to try to knock Kurt from his position of power. Stephan trusted Kurt too much to let that happen, though, and the guy had gotten canned instead. Well, then, if that was Oates game, then Kurt was more than ready to step up and tangle. “Have it your way; Ill retract all grievances youve committed before. Well start anew right here and now. Lets see how youll fare this time, Oates, do your worst... try to win me over,” Kurt enticed.

The dripping sensual undertones in the lower register of Hummels voice were doing things to Blaines brain. There was no way someone that radiated so much sexual energy wasnt aware of the fact and clearly wasnt above using it to his advantage. Was Hummel actually making a sexual pass at him? On the off chance Blaine was horribly wrong he didnt call him out on his attempts. “Fine with me, I would like to prove Im not a horrible person... if only to show you wrong,” Blaine agreed.

Kurts smile was devious and yet saucy at the same time. “Very good then,” he nearly purred.

“But when it comes to anything else... Im still not interested and I never have been,” Blaine added, deciding to go there after all.

Which was a bad idea and instantly Kurts posture stiffened at the implication. Normally Kurt didnt care if people thought hed slept with countless men but since the awkward situation where Kurt had inadvertently slept with Oates roommate, this time it felt too personal. “Believe me, Im not trying to seduce you,” he said with teeth clenched.

“Good, then theres no problem with wiping the slate clean, right?”

There was something Oates had on Kurt, him sleeping with Hunter, and from his tone it almost sounded like Blaine was planning to use it against him. “Im not ashamed of my actions. The only reason Im keeping my affair with Hunter a secret is for his sake,” Kurt explained.

Blaine might have been more willing to accept that claim if only Hunter wasnt such a horrible person, who certainly didnt deserve the valiant gesture. “I wasnt planning on telling anyone. I dont participate in idle gossip,” Blaine scoffed, leaving out the fact hed told Sam in strict confidence, but he knew his friend was trustworthy.

The heated confrontation could have gone on forever, if not for Stephans sudden arrival. He took one look at the boys and ignored the tense atmosphere. “Ah, two of my favourite men in the same room,” he announced.

“Stephan, to what do we owe the pleasure?” Kurt chimed.

“I thought Id check in to see if youve told our new star about the meeting?” Stephan explained.

“I just did. In fact we were just finishing up the details,” Kurt explained.

It didnt go past Blaine how both Stephan and Hummel were purposely avoiding using his first name, which meant even Stephan was going along with Hummels childish whims. Not that Blaine cared. He didnt hate the nickname because there were worse things he could be called. “I just need to check the schedule for my day job and then we can finalize the day and time,” Blaine added, sounding equally professional.

“That is wonderful news, boys. I must say I am looking forward to watching you and Sam perform the H2O album this weekend. You see what happens when the two of you work together?” Stephan said while grinning away.

Kurt rolled his eyes as soon as Stephan looked away, only to notice Oates was now glaring at him. “It was a team effort,” he remarked.

Despite the inaccuracy in that comment, Blaine made no attempts to correct him. Perhaps Hummel warped stories to put himself in a better light to gain popularity at the club, because Blaine still found it very hard to believe hed landed his position with hard work alone. “Anyway, Ill see you both at tonights show. I need to go cash my paycheck now. Later,” Blaine said and darted out of the room.

The eyesore gone, Kurt set to putting his desk back in proper order.

“Wheres the photo of you and Adam?” Stephan asked, pointing to its usual spot.

Kurt brought out the frame to show Stephan the damage. “Oates knocked it over so I need to get a new frame for it,” Kurt explained.

“I thought for a minute you were intentionally putting it away...”

“Why? Its not like Im trying to forget Adam existed. Its true for the first few months I couldnt look at any photos of him. But now, when its almost been two years... I know better. I cant make him a ghost of my past, Steph. Hes dead... but Ill never forget him,” Kurt said softly.

Stephan placed a supportive hand on Kurts shoulder, which was soft to the touch from the shoulder pad underneath Kurts blazer jacket. “You get so poetic at times, Kurt,” he cooed.

There were few people who got Kurt as well as his boss, because he was also a beloved friend. Theyd gone through so many ups and downs over the last decade and learned countless life lessons in the process. Stephan would never forget their first encounter, when a brash teenage Kurt had snuck into Flare to be caught by the then twenty-eight-year-old Stephan. But most of all there was no forgetting how Stephan had taken Kurts virginity that night thanks to Kurts efforts to seduce him.

“Why are you being so tough on--” Stephan began, only refraining from saying Blaines name because Kurts hand quickly covered his mouth before could.

“I dont want to know his name!” Kurt hissed.

It had been a very long time since Kurt had acted this childish, or stubborn for that matter. “Hes an employee, Kurt, youre usually the one everyone goes to when it comes to the staff. So tell me, what is it about him that you dislike so much?” Stephan coaxed, his voice quiet and not at all pushy.

Stephan was the only other person aside from Rachel who Kurt wouldnt blow off, no matter how much he wanted to. “Hes... just... really irritating, for a number of reasons...” Kurt grumbled.

“Such as?” Stephan urged, refusing to budge.

Kurt let out an exasperated sigh, “Hes a clumsy, jarring, judgemental attention whore and... he tries way too hard to please people. Though not with me, which Im glad for because I can see right through his act. Its so fake...”

“I dont get that from him at all, Kurt,” Stephan admitted.

“Give it time,” Kurt sassed.

“Should I go and fire him then?”

Kurts eyes widened at the very idea. “Oh god no! Hes an adequate enough worker. I just dont want to be friendly with him. You dont need to understand my reasons Steph, just... try to respect them... for me, please?” he pleaded with big puppy-dog eyes.

Stephan could already curb a guess at why Kurt was set on keeping Blaine at arm's length and was going out of his way to dislike him. The reason Stephan had come up with didnt have much to do with how the pair had gotten off on the wrong foot. Blaine reminded Stephan of someone, who was very dear to Kurt and whod hed lost two years ago: Adam Crawford, who was warm, kind, and the type of person who instantly made you feel treasured and safe. Both men had the same air about them and their similarities were no more apparent than in their smiles. Whether Kurt had picked up on their common traits or not, it made sense for him to react so strongly to Blaines presence. He could very well be a physical reminder to what Kurt had lost.

“Only if you try to keep an open mind about him,” Stephan said.

“Fine. But I doubt anything will come of it,” Kurt replied.

Stephan sighed. Kurt was in one of his stubborn moods. “Keep your feud going then. Just as long as it doesnt affect either of your work ethics...” Stephan began to warn.

“This is me Steph. When have I ever let my emotions call the shots here?” Kurt scoffed.

“Never,” Stephan confirmed.

Kurts inability to abandon anything or anyone he cared about was well known amongst those who had his confidence. Stephan himself had ruthlessly laid down the law to make Kurt drop his work responsibilities during the final months of Adams life. But when Kurt had returned to the club after he died, Stephan let him come back to work regardless of what he had personally thought. Two weeks hardly seemed like enough time for recovery but Kurt explained he needed something to do. If he didnt try to resume his regular life, Kurt would succumb to grief.

It took him a total of eleven months, but Kurt recovered from his mourning period. It was then when Kurt had placed the photo of him and Adam on his desk and started saying his name again. The two year anniversary of Adams death was looming near and Stephan was worried Kurt would push everyone away again. No matter how close they were, the days when he and Kurt were lovers was long gone. It wasnt his place to try to fill the void left by Adam, and Stephan truly hoped Kurt would find someone who could, one day.

“Just remember... when you pass judgement too quickly there is no telling what you could miss out on,” Stephan said, voicing one final word of wisdom before leaving Kurt alone.
______________________________________________________________________________

Now that Blaine had more or less settled into his New York life, he finally had time to look after his physical health. While having two jobs kept him occupied, it also had showed how out of shape Blaine had become over all. Blaine was far from pudgy; his physique was fine but there was always room for improvement. He didnt need a six pack but it would be nice for him to have more energy when he was dancing up on stage. This had led him to sign up for an aerobics class courtesy of Tina. Whod gone so far to help her friend pick out the perfect work out ensemble. When really Blaine thought calling it perfect was a bit of a stretch.

Blaine had still gone along with her choice, since he was too polite to voice his concerns, and now he had to live with the end result. He still thought the bright green shorts he was wearing were too tight and didnt cover his legs enough. His black tank top was equally snug and he wasnt really into wearing legwarmers for that matter. But at Tinas assurance that it was typical aerobics attire, he boldly stepped into the correct room. To his relief everyone within was dressed in a similar fashion or a slightly more feminine version because they were all women.

Since he was there to work out and not check out cute guys, he hardly minded that he was the only male there. But right when Blaine was busy going through the warm up routine Tina had taught him, another fellow did show up.

“Wow, hes hot,” a leopard-print clad woman suddenly announced at the sight of the new arrival.

Blaines head snapped up after hearing that, but unlike the rest he instantly let out a dreaded groan.

The man deemed hot stormed right up to Blaine, crossing his arms over his chest.

“What are you doing here?” Hummel demanded.

“Attending an aerobics class. Its a free country,” Blaine threw back.

The only remaining spot in the room was located directly behind Oates yet Kurt still took it, and he planned to ignore Oates for the entire lesson. At first all was going to plan as Kurt silently unrolled his mat and Oates went back to his own business. But a side effect to Oates turning his back to Kurt meant he now had the perfect viewpoint of Oates perky behind. Kurt tried to look anywhere but straight ahead but he was powerless to it. Why did he have to wear those ridiculously tiny shorts which left nothing to the imagination?

Try as he might Blaine couldnt stop himself from sneaking a glance at Hummel whenever possible. Blaine would have never thought a red star patterned tank top and white shorts with red stripes combo could look that good on anyone. Yet somehow Hummels attractive features were only heightened and that made Blaine envious and a little turned on.

A silent stand-off broke out between the two, neither one realizing just how physically attractive they found one another.

On his third glance back Blaine finally realized Hummel was actually staring at his ass. “Do you mind?”

“What? Did you think I was ogling you or something? Hah. In your dreams, Oates,” Kurt quickly barked back, lying through his teeth.

The escalating confrontation was suddenly interrupted when a fierce looking woman sporting a mullet stormed into the room and slammed a bulky boombox down on a nearby table.

“Okay ladies, downtime is over!” she announced in a formidable voice.

Blaine and Kurt, fear stricken and unwilling to experience her rage, abandoned their argument to go back to their respective spots.

“Each and every one of you has the privilege to undergo one of Sue Sylvester's workout regimens, which are personally responsible for the Material Girl herself, Madonna, losing her love-handles. So if you want to survive my class then you better leave all your petty troubles at the door,” Sue bellowed.

When there were nothing but stunned faces and no words of protest, she nodded with approval. She pressed the play button and took her place at the front of the class to start the workout and watch the bodies fall.

Now Blaine and Kurt had a real reason to forget about each other, as they were subjected to the most strenuous workout routine ever created. Those who couldnt keep up limped off the battle grounds to nurse their newly inflicted wounds. But this was not the fate for the two men in the room, who soon were trying to outshine one another to the sounds of Burning Up by Madonna.

“Alright ladies, work those childless hips until they pop!”

Sweat beaded down Kurts brow. He was able to hide it but on the inside he felt like his muscles were on fire. When the workout switched to lunges Kurt took a deep breath as he pushed his body forward. Kurt needed something to focus on, and without meaning to his gaze lingered back to Oates. Watching the young man coax his body into what would be very sexually gratifying in the right situation sure revved him up nice and good.

“Leg up, leg up!” Sue ordered.

Blaine swore he could hear raspy breaths and he craned his head back to find the source and discovered that Hummel was staring at him again. Caught in the act, Hummel quickly looked away and paid Blaine no mind. It wasnt like Blaine could talk though because when Hummel went on his back with his legs in air, now Blaine was the one who couldnt look away. There was something blatantly sexual about the display before him and soon his anger for Hummel turned to sexual frustration.

The near sizzling tension continued to rise to heated levels as the routine went on, peaking right at the end.

“And drop,” Sue decreed.

As Kurts back hit the mat, he wasnt able to hide how hed pushed himself a little too far, what with his recent bruising. He knew it was unwise but Kurt reminded himself he couldnt afford to become stiff; he needed to push himself if he wanted a fast recovery. Besides, it wasnt so bad, since Kurt was always on the move anyway. Hed hooked up with Hunter because it was just the sort of workout hed needed and this aerobics class was only the second stage. Hed feel it the next morning, or that night even, but Kurt already knew that pain of this kind was a necessary evil.

Blaine wasnt faring much better when it came to regulating his breathing and it didnt help that Hummel looked downright pornographic, starting from his beautiful side profile and continuing down his throat and straight onto his long muscled toned arms, Hummel was a piece of art.

“Would you please stop gawking at me,” Kurt growled angrily.

“Oh, like you can talk, you couldnt keep your eyes off my ass during the workout,” Blaine accused.

“At least I had no choice to, cause it was right in front of me. Whats your excuse?” Kurt countered.

“How about your heavy breathing? It sounded like you were suffocating,” Blaine said.

The comeback was weak but Kurt still gave a loud mocking laugh, “Oh, how considerate of you to be so concerned for my well-being...”

“You two! Gay boys!” Sue shouted with arms crossed as she towered over the pair. “Finish your sexual interludes someplace else! Go find a vacant bathroom stall or wherever your kind do your dirty work! Nobody gets physical in Sue Sylvester's classroom unless it's on my terms,” Sue said formidably.

“We werent...” Blaine tried to explain, but it was no use.

Sue yanked them both up by the back of their tank tops and hauled Blaine and Kurt to the door, chucking them out like she was a bouncer at a bar. Dismissed and humiliated, for once the pair had a common enemy to fume over.

“Wow, shes horrible!” Kurt stuttered.

“Youre telling me!” Blaine exclaimed.

For a fleeting moment the boys' normal hate for each other was pushed aside to the back of their minds as they headed for the men's locker room.

“Id report her but I know it would be useless. When is anyone a voluntary gay advocate these days?” Kurt grumbled, more to himself than to Oates.

Blaine made no comment because he still felt hot and bothered, for a number of reasons, the strongest of which was due to Hummel. That became very clear when Hummel stripped his shirt off without warning and Blaine couldnt take his eyes off of him at first. How could one person test Blaines libido this much? Hed always prided himself on being able to rise above his physical urges and break the stereotype that gay men only wanted sex.

Kurt was oblivious to the attention from Oates as he brought out the necessary toiletries to take a much needed shower. Kurt ended up dropping his shower gel, watching it tumble to the ground and roll out of reach. “Fuck,” he swore.

Blaine knelt down to the retrieve the fallen item on reflex, holding it out for Hummel to take. When he learned forward Blaine heard his pained hiss and frowned. “Shouldnt you... take it easy, what, with your...” Blaine began, only he wasnt sure what to call Kurts bruises. “...injuries?” he chose to go with.

Kurt glanced down at his torso. He kept trying to forget they were even there but clearly they hadnt healed enough for that quite yet. “Im fine, this is nothing,” Kurt assured.

“If you say so,” Blaine muttered.

“But before you ask, I didnt get them from having rough sex,” Kurt quickly admitted. He might not care what the club-goers thought but for some reason Kurt disliked the idea of Oates thinking he was a sex crazed deviant.

Blaine blinked. “I wasnt...” he protested, only for the lie to fall flat under Hummels gaze. He had thought that and there was no use trying to say otherwise.

Kurt shrugged, the matter closed and he walked into one of the open showers and closed the door behind him. Kurt would have taken a shower whether they were closed or not but he was glad for the added privacy. Besides, Oates had probably gotten a good look at his package back when theyd crossed paths at Hunters apartment. Kurt had no sense of shame when it came to nudity anyway; his sexual history had desensitized him long ago. As Kurt came out of the shower stall he instantly noticed Oates was there, still damp from his shower, shirtless and looking far too delectable for Kurts liking.

Blaine chose not to act bashful since when it came to his own physical attributes he felt he had nothing to hide. But then he was proven otherwise when Hummels eye-line fell to one particular spot on his lower right hip.

What Kurt saw there made him smirk. “Funny, I wouldnt have pegged you as the tattoo type,” Kurt declared, gesturing to the ink with his hand. Kurt couldnt quite make out what the tattoo could be, not when it was still half hidden under the waist of Blaines jeans.

Blaine rolled his eyes. “Uh huh, well theres a lot you dont know about me, Hummel,” he replied as he watched the snarky young man come cover to get a closer look. Not only did Blaine make no protest but he pulled his jeans down underneath the tattoo to make it easier to see.

Kurt squinted his eyes; there, written across Oates hips were the words I will survive, Hey hey in a stylish font. “Do you seriously have lyrics to a Gloria Gaynor song permanently tattooed on your hip or am I seeing things?”

“Whats it to you?” Blaine challenged, his voice unintentionally musical.

“Nothing, its just an amusing observation.”

“Give it to young rebellion I guess... though I wish Id picked a better spot,” Blaine said, leaving out how much personal meaning the message held.

“There were a number of times I nearly got one myself,” Kurt admitted.

“What stopped you?”

“My voice of reason.”

“You have one of those?” Blaine questioned in sarcastic surprise.

“Yes. Seriously, what sort of person do you take me for?”

“Youre the one you keeps implying how much of a wild past you had when it comes to sex,” Blaine countered.

“Well I did but that stopped well over three years ago. As it turns out, leading a promiscuous life can get old after a while. But dont think that means Ive gotten rusty... you sure wouldnt be able to handle me,” Kurt said, in his deadly lower register that few gay men could resist.

Even Blaine found it hard to remain unaffected, but his stubborn pride fought valiantly against it. “Dont you hate throwing yourself around like you're worthless?” he asked.

Kurt stiffened from the unexpected question, one he had asked himself many times before. But just like then Kurt had no interest in discovering the answer. “Oh how little you know... having a reputation as a sex addict, whether accurate or not, is still better than nothing at all in the gay community,” Kurt explained.

If Blaine werent so worn out from the aerobics lesson, he might have dared to go against Hard-Ball-Hummel. But no matter how much Blaine wanted to disagree with Hummels claims and point out how not all gay men thought that, he had nothing to back his claims up. He had a point and that was what pissed Blaine off most of all. “You and Hunter sure deserve one another,” Blaine said, in a weak attempt to change the subject.

Kurt stopped his efforts to make his hair look more presentable and just threw his t-shirt over his head. “We arent dating or anything, hes just...”

“One of the fortunate men you choose to fuck whenever you feel like it?” Blaine offered sarcastically.

There was no point for Kurt to feel offended, since everything Oates had said was true. “Pretty much. Got a problem with that, Oates?”

“Not if I dont have to come home to it all the time,” Blaine replied.

Kurt closed his locker door shut; it was time for him to find a new gym. “Believe me... that will never happen again. As far as Im concerned, if you and I only see one another at the club, it will be heaven on earth, and this is coming from an atheist,” Kurt sassed.

“I guess its possible for us to agree on something. Proof that miracles can happen,” Blaine said.

“Whatever. Im leaving before you knock a locker over on top of me,” Kurt muttered as he turned his nose up at Oates and escaped his trying presence.
________________________________________________________________________________

Contrary to what some people might think, Kurt was fully able to admit that even he could be wrong at times. That Saturday night was the busiest Dare to Flare had ever been and it was all due to the two men currently up on stage. As soon as the cover band had started performing their first number Kurt knew hed lost this round. Oates, for all his annoying confidence, knew how to deliver when it came to musical entertainment. In fact Kurt thought that his talents were probably wasted in such a place, but breaking into showbiz in this day and age was rough, especially in New York.

At least the show distracted Kurt from what was proving to be a difficult week for him, one he wished he could desperately escape somehow. Everyone was treading lightly. Even Stephan hadnt asked him if he was doing okay. When Kurt spotted the club manager heading his way grinning, he guessed his friend was coming to gloat. “Okay... you win, you were right about him. Happy now?” Kurt muttered, robbing his boss of the satisfaction to say it himself.

“Immensely, and you should be as well. Take a look around,” Stephan replied.

“We still need to mix things up to keep it fresh, Steph,” Kurt warned.

“Thats why were holding a meeting later in the week,” Stephan reminded his second in command playfully.

Kurt shrugged, which signalled he wasnt in a very playful mood, and since he actually had a good reason Stephan didnt push him too far. Not when there were two things that risked bringing down Kurts demeanour in the upcoming week, neither of which Kurt wanted to deal with since fighting his melancholy state was enough of a challenge so far.

At least with Stephan there to run the show Kurt was on light duty for the night, allowing Kurt to drop his guard enough to let his more easy going side out but not too much. Whenever his shields were down it didnt take long for the men at the club to notice and for once Kurt made no attempts to evade them. Kurt was fine to admit (to himself anyway) how he enjoyed the attention he got from guys. It felt good to be wanted, even if most of the time he was treated more like a gay trophy. But at first not even getting the chance to flirt could keep the second thing that was threatening to ruin his week from entering his mind. Kurt was sick of his sex crazed persona, and hed already put the wild side of him to rest years ago. Sure he was no longer considered a slut, but his highly exclusive reputation was almost as bad. But even then he still wanted something more, something intimate.

But such a romantic quest could wait for another day, when Kurt was in a more adventurous mood. Men flocking around him to flirt was just the sort of pick me up Kurt needed and he was quick to use every trick in the book, from batting his eyes at the right moment, to laughing at their jokes and even holding the proper stance to draw them. All that Kurt needed was someone really good to show up and luckily for him the flirting king of Flare (or at least one of the best) was also off duty and now heading his way.

“My, this is a pleasant surprise. Your shields are down, Hummel,” Sebastian said with two drinks in hand.

“Im trying to turn over a new leaf, Sebastian, care to help?” Kurt enticed.

“For you babe, anything,” Sebastian flirted back.

Sebastian instantly started to give Kurt some of his best work and he began by telling Kurt precise descriptions about what he exactly wanted to do to Kurts body. Such graphic details would normally cause any man to blush, but not Kurt. He listened with interest and dished it all back until the two started a to-and-fro with their flirty counter remarks. Neither one got the upper hand for long but that made it more fun, and it wasnt long before the rest backed off because they all knew there was little point to try their luck anymore. It was common knowledge that Sebastian was one of Kurts regular-hook ups, an old favourite especially since hed been going to the club almost as long as Kurt. But hardly anyone knew the real reason why they were still on such good terms: Adam. If it werent for him, Kurt and Sebastians relationship wouldnt have branched outside of work and the occasional fling. Not long after Kurt and Adam had finally started dating, Sebastian had befriended the both of them -- all thanks to the fact that Adam and Sebastian lived in the same apartment building.

Kurt and Sebastians difficult loss of a mutual friend had caused an unexpected bond to form, one where both knew there was no risk of becoming emotionally dependant on one another in the process. So there was no guilt when they both gave each other what they needed, even when it included their sexual needs. Nearly two years later, the relationship between the pair had reverted back to something simpler: friends with occasional benefits.

“So why are you having this sudden change of heart?” Sebastian asked.

Kurt shrugged. “If I dont melt my cold exterior now and then Ill end up making too many enemies,” he explained.

“Wont you end up misleading too many hopeful suitors if you go in the other direction?” Sebastian warned.

“Honestly... Im starting to think that would be the lesser of the two evils...” Kurt began, only his explanation was cut short when the room erupted into loud cheers when the Hall & Oates duo up on stage finished another impressive number. Kurt rolled his eyes at the scene. He kept telling himself the urge to change his reputation at the club had nothing to do with Oates or how his cheerful nature had won everyone over so quickly.

Sebastian eyed Kurt curiously. “The sexual tension between you and Oates boy is so obvious.”

Just because Kurt and Sebastian were still good friends who had occasional sex didnt mean Sebastian was any less of his smug self. He still made his regular catty remarks and wasnt above confrontation when it came to the co-manager of Flare. Because no matter how hard Sebastian pushed at Kurt, there was too much history between them for either to want to cut all ties.

“And what, pray tell, do you mean by that?” Kurt asked warily. There was something about Sebastians tone that made him feel uneasy. “What arent you telling me?”

“Ill tell you but we should probably go somewhere more private,” Sebastian suggested.

Kurt didnt like the sound of that, not when Sebastian was one of his top informants at the club. “Will my office suffice?”

“Wont people think were going there to fuck?”

“Shut up,” Kurt muttered as he pushed the bartender towards the back of the club. “I dont fuck people here...” he started to say until Sebastians snickering became too loud to ignore. “At least not in recent years! You see, this is a clear example of why I want to change my image!” Kurt started to rant as they weaved through the crowds.

Back up on stage Sam and Blaine gave each other an enthusiastic high five after they belted out the last line of the song.

“We totally rocked the place!” Sam yelled over the crowd.

“Did we ever!” Blaine agreed.

At first all seemed fine and dandy. Blaine was in an exceptionally good mood and intended to get out there and reap the benefits of a job well done. It wasnt until the team were backstage that Blaine picked up on Sams unease and his excitement quickly turned to concern.

“Are you okay there, buddy?” Blaine asked softly.

Sam nodded, a little too quickly. “Yeah... Im good...” he replied.

Only Blaine wasnt buying the answer. “Sam, you know you can always come to me if somethings bothering you. Is a guy at the club getting too... forward with his intentions?”

“No, its nothing like that... theres something I need to tell you. Only I dont know how,” Sam reluctantly admitted.

“Just tell me, you know you can trust me, Sam,” Blaine coaxed.

Sam shuffled his feet before finally complying. “Two nights ago... I ended up getting kinda drunk at the club... and I made out with a guy,” he admitted.

Blaines shoulders relaxed at the confession. “Is that all? Thats nothing to be ashamed of. Heck, Ive made out with girls while drunk before,” Blaine admitted. “Thankfully I never slept with any of them! So you should be fine if youre careful to a point.”

For some reason Sam fidgeted nervously as he started to change out of his Daryl Hall costume. “I think I told him how you ran into Hummel at your apartment,” he explained.

“What? Oh my god, what did you say?” Blaine blurted out.

“I dunno! I cant remember. But uh, I must have said something wrong because now everyone thinks you and Hummel hooked up,” Sam continued to say.

So that was why guys were acting even more flirtatious than usual that night. Blaine had been too focused on bringing it on stage to consider the reason until now. He guessed getting Hummel into bed meant he too was now nearly as desirable by association alone. “Im dead...”

“You? What about me? Im the one who blabbed!” Sam shouted.

“No, you dont get it. I already told Hummel I wouldnt tell anyone about it. When he finds out... which he probably already has... Im done for...” Blaine said, shuddering at the thought.

“I think its time I go tell Stephan how Im really straight,” Sam said and slipped past Blaine before he could stop him. “Sorry, Blaine!”

“Great! What the fuck am I supposed to do now?” Blaine cried out in desperation. It was only a matter of time until all hell broke loose.

Running when he actually hadnt done anything wrong was pointless and would only fuel the gossip already spreading around. What Blaine needed was to get out there and try to set the record straight before Hummel could find him first. But just as Blaine was about to set that plan in motion he heard a familiar shrill. Blaine froze. Was it already too late? Had Hummel come for him? Blaine peered around the corner to discover Hummel wasnt alone; he was with Sebastian. Blaine carefully trailed after the pair, making sure to keep out of sight, and followed them to Hummels office.

“Come on, lets this over with,” Hummel said as he pushed Sebastian inside.

“Youre so hot when you get bossy,” Sebastian taunted.

Not this again; what was Hummels problem? Did he have no sense of shame? Blaine very much doubted Hummel and Sebastian were going in there to talk about a work related issue. Hed seen how much Sebastian went out of his way to flirt with Hummel and that Hummel did nothing to discourage the attention. It was time for Blaine to walk away, not from every issue, but he at least wanted to stop thinking about Hummels questionable morals. Blaine refused to be known just as one of Hummels cheap flings. He stormed off and away from Hard-Ball-Hummel and his bartender boy-toy, determined to clear his own name.

Inside of Kurts office the atmosphere was tense but not of the sexual kind like many would assume. Kurt was sitting at the edge of the desk anxiously studying Sebastians face for clues. This wasnt the first time such a scene had taken place; whenever Sebastian had bad news to report it usually brought them to the same place. But for once Kurt had no idea what it could be. He was really losing his touch lately.

“I know this is a tough week for you to hear anything negative...” Sebastian began, sounding more sympathetic than usual.

“Not only for me,” Kurt pointed out.

“He was your boyfriend, Kurt,” Sebastian argued.

Kurt rolled his eyes; he hadnt even meant Adams death in the first place. Besides, though it might seem like it, Adam hadnt been forgotten at Dare to Flare. Last year a memorial service (which Kurt didnt attend) had been held in his honour and there was talk of it happening again. Kurt wasnt sure he could be brave enough to show this time around, even if his mourning period was over with. “Just tell me whats going on, Sebastian.”

“Word around the club is you and Oates hooked up a few nights back,” Sebastian said without warning.

Anger washed over Kurt, anger towards Oates because there was only one explanation for how that crazy idea had gotten round. “The fucker! He lied to me! Right to my face! He said he wouldnt tell anyone!” Kurt shouted with rage.

“Wait, you mean you actually fucked him? How is he? Ive been tempted to myself-”

“We did not have sex! I was with his roommate that night, not him!” Kurt interrupted.

“Why are you so angry? This shit happens all the time,” Sebastian said.

“Thats the whole problem! Seb, what level are we talking here?”

“Its a full blown ten, Im surprised you havent noticed yourself,” Sebastian answered.

“Ive been... occupied...” Kurt grumbled.

Kurt already knew why the rumour about him and Oates was already spreading so out of control. Hed gone a very long while without anything scandalous happening and people were starved for drama. Kurt was always so careful when it came to his usual sex partners and they all knew how to be discreet. Normally Kurt wouldnt care if people knew who he was fucking but he was so sick of it all. The last thing he wanted was for people to think he couldnt resist a pretty new boy who certainly hadnt done anything to grab his interest. So far Kurts reputation when it came to his work habits hadnt taken a hit but now he wasnt so sure anymore. But no matter how bad it got Kurt refused to tell the truth and out Hunter in the process.

“So what now? Gonna call Oates into the office next?” Sebastian asked.

Kurt shook his head and slid off of his desk. “Oh no, he hasnt earned the courtesy. This means war!” he shouted and went off in search of the little blabbermouth.

“Oh Oates, youre in for it now,” Sebastian chuckled as he hurried after Kurt to watch the blood bath.

As soon as Blaine first appeared on scene he had every intention to clear his name but hed underestimated his newfound popularity. Men were hitting on him left and right, never giving Blaine any chance to get a word in edgewise. It also didnt help that so many drinks were ordered for him he couldnt begin to drink them all, though he did finish three in attempts to counteract his growing anxiety. Getting so much attention quickly reminded Blaine how it had been a very long time since hed last gotten laid. Too long actually. Suddenly one of the best-looking regulars, a dream-boat named Angelo, who was tall, broad shouldered and had short dirty blonde hair, approached Blaine, and he was finally willing to give into his suppressed desires.

“You have to tell me how you did it, Oates,” Angelo whispered in Blaines ear.

The music was blaring and Blaine was on fire, dancing close up to Angelos sizzling body, and there was no helping it; he just went for it. “Wanna find out for yourself?” Blaine flirted.

Little did Blaine know but the man everyone thought hed landed was coming his way, ready to open a whole can of whip-ass on him. As Blaine and his potential hook-up were making out to the sounds of Duran Duran, trouble was already well on its way.

As Kurt approached Oates, crowds parted to form an instant pathway that led straight to his target. Kurt stopped a short distance right in front of the oblivious miscreant, who was too busy sucking on Angelos neck to notice.

For one fleeting moment Kurt thought he was watching his younger self and Adam dancing together, like it was a scene straight from Kurts memory. The way that the pair were dancing and so oblivious to the outside world reminded Kurt what it had felt like when he was with Adam on the dance floor. With a shake of his head the image faded away and his anger could no longer be contained. Kurt grabbed on the collar of Blaines blue Ocean Pacific polo shirt and yanked him off of Angelo without so much as a warning.

Blaine, who had planned to accept Angelos invite to his place next, was left standing there in an open space on the dance floor. “What the hell? Do you mind?” Blaine said in protest.

Kurt pushed himself right up in Oates personal space, staring him down. “What have you got to say for yourself?” he demanded at the top of his lungs.

Ears ringing, Blaine hardly knew what to say in response. “That youre out of your mind?” he threw back.

The attitude that came along with Oates answer was enough to set Kurt off, increasing his anger threefold. “So much for valour then, I should have known,” Kurt scoffed.

“If you have something to say to me, then say it!” Blaine urged.

“Did you honestly think I wouldnt find out how people think we slept together?”

Blaine was about to say he hadnt until he caught Sams panicked state off in the distance. “I try not to think about you at all,” he explained.

The crowd within earshot let out a loud round of Ooos and if that werent bad enough, the DJ ended up changing the song to Shout by Tears for Fears.

Egged on by the crowd and the appropriate music, Blaine and Kurt continued their shouting match despite having an audience.

“Youve got a lot to say for yourself,” Kurt hissed.

Blaine glanced over towards Sam again, who looked like he was about to keel over and there was no way Blaine would throw his friend under the bus and into Hummels rage-induced path. “What? Does the idea of us hooking up bother you that much? I saw your looks of hunger during the aerobics class. You couldnt stop staring at my ass!” Blaine accused.

“Oh please, if I wanted the John Hall look Id rather have the real thing! Not some cheap knock off,” Kurt scoffed.

The insult fell flat and Blaine was about to show Hummel he was no push over. “Face it. You want me, Hummel,” he whispered enticingly.

The taunt didnt work on Kurt, though he had to admit Oates did look hot when he got rowdy. But still he threw his head back to let out a loud mocking laugh at the very idea. “In your dreams!”

“You mean nightmares! I dont find your whole ‘Ive got a stick up my ass' high and mighty act very sexy! Nor do I think your flashy clothes pull off a superior air of high fashion either. I bet that blazer of yours isnt even a real brand name. I think we all know whos the real cheap knock off here.”

Fashion was Kurts lifeblood; hed set the trend in the East Villages gay community for the last decade and there wasnt a harsher insult Oates could have delivered. Kurt stepped back, like he had been physically wounded, and some of the men surrounding them gasped in shock. “You take that back! This jacket is top of line and authentic! I have the credit card bills to prove it!”

When Hummel flaunted his obvious wealth it made Blaine act very petty and juvenile because hed worked so hard in life only to come up with so little. “Youre such a joke!” Blaine accused.

“And you dont have what it takes to make it here!” Kurt shouted back.

The anger in Blaine was building and he was running out of things to yell back at Hummel. “Id never fuck you in a thousand years! Who knows what Id catch!”

Kurt fell dead silent, so did the entire room, every eye was on the pair and no one could believe what had just gone down. Oates had no way to know just how stupid a thing hed just said and no one chose to enlighten him.

Kurt hesitated; part of him wanted to run while the other wanted to punch Oates in the face. Of course even Kurt wouldnt go that far, but he did end up shoving him by accident. Oates obviously thought the move was intentional and was quick to angrily shove back. This caused both men to start a juvenile shoving match in turn.

“Thats enough! The both of you!” Stephan bellowed as he pushed the two away from one another.

Humiliated and ashamed from his childish outbreak, Kurt staggered backwards. “Stephan...” he breathed.

“Save it Hummel, Im disappointed with you. You know youre better than this,” Stephan chided. “Now get your ass in my office and wait for me there,” he ordered, pointing towards the back room.

For a second it looked like Kurt was about to protest but he folded under Stephans formidable stare and did as he was told. Blaine, who looked quite embarrassed, was still where he had been since Stephan had broken up the confrontation.

First Stephan got everyone in the club to go back to their usual festivities and focus on themselves again. Once the dancing and merriment returned did Stephan look Blaines way. “First off, youre not fired, but youre still in a lot of trouble, Blaine,” Stephan warned.

Blaine nodded in acknowledgement and followed Stephan to the back and where hed surely hear his punishment. Now that the fight was over with, Blaine knew hed acted out of line, but Hummels verbal attack had come at him without any warning. It had brought up too many horrible memories of ugly confrontations with his parents, none of which he wanted to recall, especially since the last one had resulted in him breaking away from his family for good.

“Im really sorry Stephan, I dont know what came over me,” Blaine said.

“Youre not the only one to blame, which is why Im dealing with the both of you together,” Stephan replied as he brought Blaine to his office.

Inside Kurt was sitting crossed armed at one of the chairs, starring off at nothing and tapping his foot on the floor. The second he looked up to see Oates in tow his bored expression turned to annoyance. “Not him,” he grumbled.

“I never thought Id see two members of staff duke it out like that and over what? A stupid rumour? I thought I was assured you two would keep things professional despite your personal differences,” Stephan lectured.

“Rumours can still do a lot of damage... whether theyre true or not,” Kurt argued.

“Well they will if you dont handle the situation well, so you two better tell me what went wrong,” Stephan urged.

“I was the one to start it. Id just found out about the rumour and I took it badly. Like you said I was stupid and lashed out at Oates in a public setting... that I wont deny. But still, I wasnt the only one shouting out there,” Kurt admitted begrudgingly.

“I egged him on,” Blaine added.

But Kurt didn't like how that made it seem that Oates was the one rising above to come out the better man. “Only because I accelerated things to that level,” Kurt countered.

“You didnt force me to insult you,” Blaine countered.

Stephan slammed his fist onto the table dramatically and it did the job of stopping the two from squabbling. “Are you seriously fighting over whose fault it is? Thats it. Im suspending you both from work... for one day. Maybe after youve had a whole night off to cool your heads youll start acting like adults,” he instructed.

“Is this really necessary?” Blaine asked.

Blaine ended up taking the words right out of Kurts mouth, which proved how the two feuding men were more similar than they were willing to admit.

“It sure is, be lucky thats all Im doing. Now go, and not another word from either of you,” Stephan said.

Dismissed and reprimanded, Blaine and Kurt slowly sulked out of Stephans office and came to look at each other. The angry outbreak was over but that didnt mean either of them were ready to make nice and bury the hatchet.

But then Blaines giving nature got the better of him and he couldnt leave things without trying to make amends. “Look... about what I said back there, Im sorr-” Blaine began to apologize, but he didnt get to finish.

“Save it Oates, you meant what you said. Nothing you can say to me will make up for it. So dont bother trying, I dont need your apology... because we both acted like shit heads,” Kurt interrupted.

“Wow... youre a real prick at times,” Blaine muttered.

Kurt turned his noise up at Oates, passing him by. “Ta-ta. Go back to sucking on Angelos neck for all I care.”

Blaines mouth fell open in surprise. “Where are you going now?” he called when Hummel started to head back in the direction of the club.

“Damage control. Ive put too much work in the place to abandon it now. You have no idea what goes on behind the scenes and I didnt fuck my way to the top, for the record, either,” Kurt told him casually.

“I never...” Blaine started to protest but then, was that claim really true?

“Yes, you did, and I dont care one way or the other. But what I dont want is people thinking we slept together. So Im going to instruct my network to set the record straight about the rumour,” Kurt added.

“Is that why you want me to go back to Angelo? To help clear your reputation?” Blaine accused.

Kurts smirk in reply was ample confirmation so he found no need to state it outright. “Maybe theres hope for you after all, Oates. See you at the meeting,” he taunted and was gone.

Blaine shook his head; how could one person be so exhausting to deal with? “This is not what I excepted to face when I moved to New York,” he said with a sigh.

Blaine was tempted to just head for home and was about to when he heard someone calling for Oates from the door leading to the club area. Blaine looked over to find Angelo was waiting for him with a flirtatious grin.

“There you are...” Angelo beckoned.

All that Blaine could manage was a weak smile in response. “Im surprise youre still willing to put up with me,” he admitted.

Angelo obviously was and wrapped his arms around Blaines waist, pulling him close and putting his hands in the back pockets of Blaines pants. He leaned in and kissed Blaine full on the mouth and all the raging hormones from before were back and more demanding than ever. “Are you kidding? You actually went head to head with Hummel; thats impressive and hot as fuck. I want you, so my offer still stands, if youre up for it,” he explained.

“Oh god yes, lets get out of here!” Blaine exclaimed. He really needed to wipe his mind of Hummel and just have some enjoyable recreation time for once.

As Blaine and his playmate for the night made a hasty exit, off in the distance a watchful pair of blue eyes followed them.

Kurt wasnt smiling, even when hed played a key role in sending Angelo his way, but for some odd reason it didnt feel all that rewarding. Oates was gone and out of his hair and that was good but now, there was nothing to distract him from the dull ache in his lonely heart.