Chapter Seven

Blaine had expected that any chance to talk to Kurt would be few and far between, that he'd spend a good portion of being grounded alone, in his room, waiting for Kurt to call. That assumption proved to be very wrong and Blaine wasn't about to complain. On the contrary, after the past few days, Blaine was becoming pleasantly surprised and that was an understatement. It seemed impossible, but even with Kurt's chaotic schedule; they had almost formed an orderly routine each day. It started with waking at an early hour, where Blaine and Kurt talked over breakfast. Sometimes Kurt lingered at home to cook, other times he left early and had a bagel on the train ride. Rachel joined them sometimes in their morning and for the most part, they didn't mind her participation. They had both admitted she made things easier for them, because as timed passed, when they were alone, their playful banter was turning into excessive flirting and at an alarming speed. Rachel had become their referee in a way; happy to call out when they were drifting into what the three of them had dubbed 'boyfriend land'. During class Kurt and Blaine would text back and forth during their breaks, talk on the phone if they had a long enough moment. Then they'd speak during the time between Warbler practices, talking away about anything they felt like. Then Blaine would return home and they'd spend the whole night over Skype until they both would force each other to go to bed, so they could start the ritual all over again. Wasn't long-distance suppose to be hard? Even when they were spending every spare moment together, the fact that it was only talk, with nothing physical, was where it was difficult. Also keeping themselves to remain in the safe 'friend-zone.' was the other. They had discussed it a lot, over the last week, how they knew they didn't talk like friends normally would.

Blaine found himself in a place that broke up their usual locations; the Warbler's choir room, during his next talk with Kurt. That was because he had talked to his parents and how with it being so close to Sectionals, glee club was longer than usual. By this point, going back home for an hour was pointless and a waste of gas. So now Blaine was sitting comfortably on one of Dalton's couches, staring at his phone, waiting for Kurt's photo to appear on the screen. Every morning Kurt sent him a photo of his outfit for the day and Blaine had come to love giving his feedback on them. It made him really wish he could do the same, but considering how much Kurt gushed over his uniform, it wasn't much of a loss. Finally Kurt photo flashed on the screen of his phone and Blaine couldn't help but sit up like an anxious puppy, but only because he was alone.

"Hey, Kurt." Blaine said, trying to sound casual with the greeting and failing.

"Oh my god Blaine, it's so good to hear your voice." Kurt groaned on the other end of the phone.

"Bad day?"

"That is an understatement! Remind me again why I was so keen on going to this evil torture chamber of a school?" Kurt shouted.

"Being on Broadway, living the dream, bragging rights?" Blaine began to list.

The amusement in Blaine's sassy comeback brought some of Kurt's tempter down and he realized yelling at him wasn't the answer. Listening to his friend and getting the chance to vent his anger out to a sympathetic ear was. "Sorry, I'm just pissed off." Kurt apologized.

"Where are you?" Blaine asked.

"Freezing my ass out in the cold, on a park bench in Central Park." Kurt muttered.

"Get some coffee, Kurt." Blaine urged.

"Already did and it's not helping."

"What happened?"

"What didn't happen, I messed up my dance routine and was humiliated in front of the entire class. I got talked down by some stupid diva that said I couldn't out high note her and when I did, she said it was because I was most likely a castratto! Not to mention my partner for acting class kept getting uncomfortable with having to act out a love scene with me."

"Like kissing?" Blaine suddenly blurted out in alarm.

"Blaine!" Kurt groaned.

"Sorry, just... I don't like that scenario."

"Teetering very close to boyfriend land there, Blaine..." Kurt warned.

"Sorry, but what sort of love scene?" Blaine asked regardless.

"Just talking and trying to act like it was real, but he, yes it was a guy, just... it was like my face offended him. At least he got reeled out for it, but it hardly helped. So then I switched with a girl and people kept snickering at me. I mean it makes me wonder if I ever have a hope of playing straight. Or am I too gay? I'm well aware I might be seen as what people would consider being 'effeminate' and that's saying it politely." Kurt began to explain, his voice getting weaker with every word.

"Kurt, don't start descending into despair, screw them. You got into Nyada on your own, you were made for Broadway. So you don't fall into any prefixed convention, that's why you're going to redefine any role you get. You have an amazing voice Kurt, one that you were born with for a reason." Blaine told him softly. "Also, you're not girly in the least in my mind, but handsome beyond belief." Blaine added, not being able to stop the playful compliment.

Kurt sighed, how could he keep himself from falling head over heels in love with Blaine when he kept on saying such heartwarming and adorable things, all of which being everything he needed to hear. "Why aren't you here with me?" Kurt sighed.

"Boyfriend land, Kurt... don't test me..." Blaine warned.

"Right, right, back to the friend front. I'll be okay, days like this are bound to happen."

"They sure are, take me for example. Yesterday I ended up missing my mark causing ten Warblers to crash into me and we fell onto the floor in a huge pile." Blaine told Kurt.

Kurt laughed as the mental image formed in his mind. "You're making that up!" he accused.

"I wish I was!" Blaine laughed.

"It just sucks, I thought coming here would... be different and it is, but a lot is still the same. People are still cruel, ignorant and self centred as always." Kurt said weakly.

Blaine began to wish he could be there with Kurt and wrap him up in his strong embrace, huddling together to keep warm in the bitter cold. But instead he was lying comfortably on a couch, in a fancy well-heated room, alone. But Kurt still needed him; even if he couldn't be there in person and that was the reason he wouldn't begin to feel sorry for himself. "Go inside Kurt, get warmed up, the cold can't be helping." Blaine insisted.

"Where?" Kurt groaned.

"Get a bagel, that always cheers you up." Blaine suggested.

"If I keep resorting to that, I'm going to get fat!" Kurt whined; he never worried about that, as he worked out regularly to stay trim, but comfort food was so addictive, especially with the increase of stress in his life.

"Stop whining." Blaine snapped, but he kept his tone light.

"Fine! I will! If anything to stop you from bugging me about it. I'll get going before my ass freezes to this bench." Kurt grumbled as he stood up and dusted the snow that had been falling on his shoulders. He finished off his coffee and let the warm liquid heat him up as it fell down his throat. He was being childish, he knew it, but when Blaine was there to pick him back up, it was more bearable. "I miss you." Kurt whispered as he began to walk down the street.

"Me too." Blaine admitted. "But I haven't' gone anywhere... try to remember that." Blaine added.

"I'll try." Kurt promised. ____________________________________________________________________________

Kurt managed to make it back to his apartment and Rachel was nowhere in sight, which he found annoying, since Blaine was still detained with his Warbler duties. Kurt decided he needed to try to cheer himself up on his own. The answer to this was for Kurt to get his iPhone, put on one of his 'Kurt's happy time' play-list and sing along to one show tune after another. It was Friday, his and Blaine's first week of long distance would soon be over. It was hard to believe somehow the last seven days had gone by both slow and fast at the same time. Kurt wanted to savour their time together, wanted to live his life day by day, but he also couldn't wait till it was December and he could see Blaine again, kiss his lips. "Oh god... there's no way we're staying just friends." Kurt moaned. Why was that a bad thing though Kurt wondered? He knew the answer already, because when it came to long-distance, crossing that line and heading into boyfriend land, meant things would be harder and not in a good way.

Rachel chose that moment to appear and noticed right away that her roommate was moping on their couch. "Kurt, you look ridiculous." Rachel told him.

"I don't feel ridiculous, I feel pathetic." Kurt grumbled.

"You know missing Blaine doesn't make you weak. In fact I'm amazed to find you without your face glued to a phone or computer screen." Rachel added as she walked over to Kurt. She was trying to make him laugh, but she had no idea how foul his mood was, if she did, she would have know what a bad idea it was.

"Warbler practice, Rachel." Kurt sighed sadly.

"Well I didn't think it was possible but you've done it." Rachel said as she shook her head.

"I know I'll regret it. But what?" Kurt asked warily.

"You've managed to be co-dependent while being hundreds of miles away from each other." Rachel stated.

Kurt's reaction to this deduction was to throw one of their couch cushions at Rachel, hitting her right in the face, causing her to shriek. Kurt felt satisfaction run through him, lifting his dark mood, just a little. But when he saw Rachel was not amused by his launched attack, he felt his spirits began to fall once more. "There's a reason why I've spent every free second talking to him, Rachel," he announced.

"If you promise not to hit me again I'll come over and listen." Rachel told him as she hovered over his stretched out figure on the couch.

Kurt nodded and she took the gesture as a peace offering, so she lifted up Kurt's legs, sat down and rested them over her lap, giving him her full attention. "So why have you been so clingy with him? Not that I don't think it's adorable, but Kurt... boyfriend land..." she warned.

Kurt sighed, he felt so heavy, like the whole word was weighed down upon him. "Because if I'm not talking to him, if I can't hear his voice, see his face or even read his adorable comments. Then all that's left for me to do is to miss him, when I'm alone, it... it begins to hurt too much. To the point where I start getting scared, that I can't do this. It's too hard, us being apart, I want to be with him and all the time." Kurt admitted softly as he felt the emotion well up inside him and the tears began. He sniffled and tried to power through with an awkward laugh, but it was no use. "Fuck I miss him, Rachel!" he sobbed.

Rachel had no idea how to help her friend, she had been very wrong. Rachel had assumed Kurt's clinging to Blaine meant he was coping. "I thought it was going well..." she admitted softly.

"It is!" Kurt cried out. "But it's not enough, we're talking all the time, skyping, texting, connecting despite the distance. But I want all of him, I want him here, I don't want to be his long distance friend. I want to be his boyfriend and I want us to live in the same city." Kurt admitted woefully.

"Shh... Kurt, it's okay." Rachel said as she reached out for Kurt, who just sat up and shifted away from her.

"No it's not and don't try to coddle me either." He muttered.

"You're making it impossible to try to be a good friend here!" Rachel shouted in frustration.

Kurt flashed her an angry stare, "Well I feel so sorry for you." he hissed.

Rachel threw her hands up; this was where their clashing personalities and stubbornness went against them. "I give up! Feel free to mope and just give up then! If you're not willing to be brave, then maybe you don't deserve him!" Rachel blurted out as she stormed off.

Kurt was too angry, depressed and above all stubborn, to come to his senses and realized he was the root of the problem. Rachel wasn't innocent but this time their argument was his fault, but he was in no mood to admit yet. Instead the pair ignored each other for a solid hour, in their seething silence until Kurt began to feel drained by being pissed off for so long. His wake up call came a few moments later, in a form of a text, from none other than Blaine Anderson.

Gonna be gone for at least another hour, Sorry. Don't wait for me Kurt, go out and have some fun.

Kurt starred at the text and sighed, how did Blaine know when he needed him. Did he have some weird six senses that picked up when Kurt was moping? He had no idea and he wasn't about to ask Blaine, at least not yet. He had been wondering if Blaine was having a hard as time as he was, but he had the answer already. Blaine had no trouble telling Kurt how much he missed him, during their phone-calls. Kurt had tried to do the same and prove he felt the same way, but voicing such confusing feelings was hard for Kurt.

Blaine, how could you know when I'm getting all depressed over you?

I didn't, are you okay?

No, I fought with Rachel. I'm not being very mature right now.

Go out Kurt, remind yourself where you are. Take Rachel, bond, we can talk when we're both done.

Okay, but I hope you know, long distance is hard. No matter how much we try to tell ourselves. It's not enough...

I agree, but Kurt, I have to go. Not now, please.

Sorry, go.

Going, you too Hummel.

Kurt smiled lightly, "For you Blaine, I'll do it for you." he whispered to himself. "Well, for the both of us." he added. Kurt got off the couch, stretched his stiff muscles and went to do the right thing and make peace with Rachel. "Miss Berry, may I have a word?" he asked as he stood in front of her closed curtains.

"Depends on what the word is." Rachel's voice replied.

"Sorry?" Kurt offered.

Rachel pulled the curtain open and saw Kurt pouting at her, begging for forgiveness with his eyes and her scowl turned into a warm smile and she sighed in defeat. "Come here." she muttered and let Kurt sweep her up in an apologetic hug. It wasn't like Rachel enjoyed fighting with Kurt, she just found him infuriating at times, and they were very similar in some ways and quite different in others. "Are you feeling better then?" she asked.

Kurt let her go and nodded at her, "Yes, all thanks to Blaine, as always, I tell you, he is a piece of work, that one. Let's go out, do something, go somewhere, we need a change of scenery." Kurt requested.

"Callbacks?" Rachel suggested.

"Hmm, it's not very new... but then, I think I'd like a chance to sing out all my problems." Kurt replied.

"Good, let's dress to kill and I'll text Brody and ask him to have Pasquale save us two time slots to sing." Rachel declared.

"What's going on with you two?" Kurt asked, finding being able to tease her a refreshing change.

Rachel rolled her eyes at him. "I have no clue! So there's no use in asking Me," she answered.

"Fine, let's get dressed and head out." Kurt said as he walked over to his side of the room, he already knew what to wear. He hadn't had the chance to wear his second clothing choice from Monday, the one Blaine had said would be good for a night now, well know he could. _______________________________________________________________________________

Kurt got his chance to belt his heart out in song later that night, at Callbacks, with a room full of fellow Nyada students and regular patricians to the piano bar. Kurt stepped up and closed his eyes, using all of his talent and life experiences so far to fuel him forward. The result of this was for him to sing a spell-bounding rendition of 'I am What I am' from La Cage aux Folles and the crowd before him broke into shocked applause when he was finished. Kurt gave the reaction polite yet weak smiles and he walked silently back to his seat where his Shirley-Temple was waiting.

"Feel any better?" Rachel whispered to him.

"It's too soon to tell." Kurt whispered back to her.

Rachel took her turn next and Kurt tried to focus on listening to her, hoping her amazing voice would pull him out of his last spurt of depression. If only it were Blaine up at the piano, signing with his flawless voice, watching Kurt during the whole performance. "Okay this isn't helping." Kurt grumbled to himself.

"Is this seat taken?" A voice beside Kurt on his left suddenly asked.

Kurt looked up to see an attractive young man, who he realized went to Nyada, standing in front of him, trying to act natural. Kurt forced himself to smile shyly at him, "Um no." he stuttered, since the chair was unoccupied and Kurt didn't own the table. He watched as he sat down beside Kurt and held out his hand in greeting.

"I'm Thomas." he introduced himself to Kurt.

Kurt took his hand and shook it lightly, forcing himself to cheer up a bit so he didn't seem cold. "Kurt." he replied.

"I'm hope I'm not being too forward here... but I gotta say, that song... wow... you are... unreal, with your talent." Thomas admitted sheepishly to Kurt.

Kurt's expression softened with the compliment and he noticed he had begun to blush, it felt odd to receive compliments still but they were becoming more frequent now. "Thank you," he simply said, not sure what else he could say.

"I wish I could sing like you do, what's your secret?" Thomas asked with a grin.

Kurt smirked lightly, he had Blaine blinders on so he didn't notice the signs at first, or see the interest on Thomas' face or through his body language. "Um... sadly I don't have any. Sorry." he admitted.

"Oh well, not meant to be, I guess I'm stuck with my vocal chord as they are; unimpressive, compared to you anyway." Thomas stated as he flashed Kurt a charming smile.

Kurt noticed finally, and he started to feel almost as nervous as Thomas clearly was, but for an entirely different reason. 'He's flirting with me...' Kurt thought to himself as he mind began to panic. "I'm sure you're good." he insisted. Kurt had no idea how to come off as being friendly without encouraging him, or for it not to be seen as flirting back. Also, he had no reason not to flirt back, Blaine had insisted they not let themselves commit yet and Kurt had agreed with him at the time. Now that the discussion was being challenged, he wasn't so sure anymore. Kurt figured there was no harm in talking to him, maybe he was wrong, and maybe this Thomas was just being friendly. "You're a sophomore right?" Kurt asked.

Thomas shook his head in response, "Freshman actually, I started last year in the winter term... also it took me a whole year before I even got my life together to apply. I'm honestly surprised I got accepted at all but come January 2013 I'll officially be a sophomore." Thomas explained.

"Oh I hear you there, how did you... get past all the pressure and criticism?" Kurt asked.

"It takes a lot of determination and a thick hide." Thomas answered playfully.

Kurt's comebacks weren't so flowing as easily like when he talked to Blaine, but Thomas wasn't unpleasant, he was charming even. "Well I have those already, so here's hoping." Kurt muttered as he took another sip of his drink.

"How do you like living in New York so far?"

"It's amazing and I still can't believe I'm here... just I hardly know where to go half the time." Kurt laughed.

"I'd be happy to show you around some time." Thomas offered and he saw Kurt's surprise and he began to regret the bold comment. "Sorry, am I being too forward?" he asked.

Kurt shook his head, "No not at all... it's just..."

"You have a boyfriend don't you?" Thomas said with a sigh.

Kurt looked at him helplessly, great, what in the world was he suppose to say now. "Sort of..." he admitted. When he saw Thomas flash him a curious look, he could tell he was too polite to ask anymore, so Kurt saved him the trouble. "There is someone, but he's... in Ohio so we've decided not to date. But I've never been approached... wait... I'm not saying you were planning to ask me out." Kurt sputtered in defence.

"I kinda was..." Thomas corrected Kurt.

Kurt's mouth hung open, if he wasn't blushing before, he was now. "Oh..." he simply responded.

"Which I am beginning to regret fessing up to now."

"No, it's charming it's just..."

"You've already found a guy like that?" Thomas offered.

"Exactly." Kurt told him. "So I have no idea what to do right now," he grumbled. "You're being very charismatic though, all things considered." he added with a grin.

"I could give you my number, so if and when you figure it out, you could call me maybe? My offer to show you around still stands, whether if it's a date or just as friends." Thomas assured him.

Kurt sighed. "Sure, but please don't hate me if I'm not brave enough to call you." Kurt insisted.

"I'll try." Thomas said as put his number down in Kurt's phone and handed it back to its owner. That marked his cue to leave and he stood up from the table, turning to give Kurt one final look. "Call me." he said and left.

Leaving Kurt to be alone once more with his drink and now a guys phone number. All the while Rachel had been singing and missed the whole ordeal. Kurt looked at the number; he knew he wouldn't be doing anything that could be called cheating. But it felt wrong almost, like despite their insisting they needed to stay apart, he would be betraying Blaine in some way. "To call or not to call, that is the question." Kurt mumbled to himself. But so far, his mind, heart and common sense held no possible answers. _________________________________________________________________________

The next day Blaine ended up getting a very weird text from Kurt that morning, or at the time, he thought it was weird.

Blaine, when, where and what time is your Sectionals event?!!!

Blaine stared at the message for a few moments, Kurt's message was earlier than normal, but then, this was the first weekend since Kurt had left. But that wasn't why he was confused, that was because Kurt already knew the answer to every question.

I already told you Kurt, what's going on?

This is Rachel, Kurt's in the shower, I borrowed his phone.

Rachel? This better not be some prank, Kurt.

It's not! Here I'll text you from my phone! I just needed your number. Hold on.

See, it's me, not Kurt. Now when's Sectionals Blaine!

"How can you be so pushy with mere words?" Blaine muttered as he shook his head in amusement.

Why?

Kurt's miserable about having to miss it. So I thought I could change that.

You guys can't afford to fly down for it!!!

That's not the plan! Let me fill you in on my brilliant idea. I know you'll jump aboard straight away.
__________________________________________________________________________

Sunday evening was upon the pair of long distance friends and Kurt so far had no answers to if he should call Thomas yet or not. It had gotten so bad that Kurt was about to do something very risky, where he had no idea what the repercussions would be. But he was that confused and it had reached this point, time to be brutally honest with Blaine and Kurt hoped he wouldn't live to regret it.

"Blaine, what are we? To each other I mean." Kurt asked Blaine through his laptop, from his spot on his bed.

"Why are you asking me now all of a sudden, what's happened?" Blaine asked with concern.

Kurt sighed, he should know better than trying to tiptoe past the facts with Blaine Anderson, he was a crafty one, at least where Kurt was concerned. "I got... asked out... on Friday." Kurt admitted softly.

"Well it was only a matter of time." Blaine said with a sigh.

"Is that all you have to say on the matter?" Kurt pressed.

"What do you want me to say here? That I'm okay if you go on a date? Because of course I won't be, what I'll be is jealous and worried. But I don't own you, we were so adamant on not wanting to be exclusive in any capacity. So honestly there's nothing I can say, nothing I should say to help you decide. I'm sorry but the choice is yours in the end, Kurt. But thank you for telling me at least." Blaine told him in reply.

"I've been trying to figure it out for the last two days but I don't know! I should have just told him no from the start." Kurt muttered in frustration.

"Is that why you were asking what we were? Because you want to change things?" Blaine asked, fearing the answer.

"No, maybe... I don't know! Good lord it's only been a week into this and look where we are! I do not find this amusing!" Kurt groaned.

"Is he cute?" Blaine asked, getting bold.

"Yes, but not as cute as you." Kurt smirked.

"Do you think he's expecting something... like fooling around?" Blaine asked.

Kurt gaped at Blaine's question, "I have no idea! He just offered to show me around the city!" Kurt sputtered off in alarm.

"Sorry, stupid question to ask..." Blaine moaned in embarrassment. "Which I've done before..." Blaine grumbled.

"Yes it was and you have, but then, if the tables were turned, I'd be wondering the same thing. Are you sure no ones been asking you out?" Kurt demanded.

Blaine shook his head, "No, a guy winked at me at a stop light, does that count? Kurt, you're in New York and you're freakishly attractive, this can't be that surprising." he had to point out.

"Well maybe not but... why now! Why me! I don't want anyone chasing me all of a sudden. You're in my way Blaine, but... I'm glad. All I want is you..." Kurt groaned.

"Boyfriend land, Kurt." Blaine warned.

"Don't you start with that now." Kurt muttered.

"Really? Because the way you're going, it sounds like your regretting the choices we made. Or are you just looking for a way out of this." Blaine interjected.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"You're not happy with our situation, It get it, neither am I. But you don't want to deal with the side effects to us choosing to keep some distance. Even if we were dating and you could of just told the guy, 'sorry, taken.' Would it make it easier for us? I know it wouldn't for me. Kurt, this is hard for me too." Blaine explained.

"So I should just go out with Thomas then? What about us?"

"You going on a date won't make me want to end things, Kurt. Of course, I won't be... happy about it. But... Kurt, I still think we had the right idea. All the joking and warning each other about 'boyfriend land' and 'the friend-zone' aside. The reasons I told you are still there, I am terrified of loosing you to someone else... but... I can't hold you back. You can't be here with me, we can try to act like talking is enough, but we both know it's not." Blaine said.

"How can we be having this discussion after only a week?" Kurt cried out.

"I don't like it either." Blaine grumbled.

Kurt noticed the bitter undertones in Blaine's voice and he sighed, he was being immature once more and Blaine was suffering for it. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No, I'm glad you did, doing anything like dating behind my back would of been worse." Blaine argued.

"Okay then, so if I decided to say yes, do you want me to tell you?" Kurt asked.

"I don't know, it depends on how the date goes..." Blaine admitted sheepishly.

Kurt rolled his eyes at Blaine, feeling their usual playful banter return to him; there was hope after all. "I'm not that type of guy Blaine... but you're right. It's best if we keep to our game plan, this just proves it. I'll try not to distract you from Sectionals..." Kurt began to say.

"Then can we drop the whole Thomas thing for now? Since you say you're not sure." Blaine began to request.

Kurt laughed, "I'm not and of course, we should look to the positive. This was our first week since I came back here and look, we're still talking. Quite a lot actually, at least we're doing good with that part." Kurt had to point out.

Blaine sighed and forced himself to smile at that fact, "I'll drink to that." Blaine said as he raised his glass of warm milk.

r32;Kurt laughed and brought his own glass up to touch the screen, like they had made a virtual toast. "Here's hoping the following weeks until the holidays will prove to be as gratifying." Kurt replied. "And good luck at Sectionals, Blaine."

"Thank you, Kurt." Blaine replied as he flashed him a charming grin. ______________________________________________________________________________

Despite Kurt trying to make the most of things and leave his apartment, even when it was so cold. When it came to the night of the Warbler's turn at Sectionals, he couldn't face the outside world. Instead Kurt decided to fight his loneliness with a large chocolate cake from the Italian bakery down the street. Armed with a fork in hand and a large piece of cake on the plate before him, Kurt was ready to dig into his exciting night.

When Rachel stepped up to him, she had her hands on her hips as she eyed her friend. "That's a pretty big piece you got there, Kurt." Rachel had to mention.

"Yes well, it's equals to my mood at the moment, so leave me be." Kurt muttered. "I'll do a strenuous work out to make up for it later." he added as he popped a large morsel of cake into his mouth and began to chew.

"I take it your staying in tonight?" Rachel questioned.

Kurt simply nodded, his mouth being full of delectable cake. He swallowed and then let out a sigh. "I said yes..." he started.

Rachel froze, "To what?"

"To Thomas, I said yes to us going out on a date. I figure this will be a way to tell... I already get the feeling he won't add up to Blaine. I almost feel guilty about it, it's like I'm using him. But... it's reached that point." Kurt admitted as he went for another bite of cake.

"When's the date?" Rachel asked.

"Tomorrow, after class, figured it not being a weekend would be... safer." Kurt answered.

"Have you told Blaine?"

"Not yet, he knows I got asked out by him. But it's Sectionals; he's got enough to focus on. Before you ask, he said it was my choice. I figure acting like we're already a couple at this point, barely a week into... whatever this is... would only put too much pressure on us. So I said yes and I figure there's no harm in seeing my other options. But I'm such a hypocrite because I know if Blaine was the one going out, I'd just... fall apart, at the idea of him finding someone better! Who would be so much easier to be with." Kurt muttered.

Rachel placed her laptop firmly on the kitchen table, startling Kurt enough to snap him out of his blue mood. She opened it up and then brought out her phone, sending off a text message. "If you're free tonight then, I've already got something for us to watch." Rachel declared.

"A musical movie marathon?" Kurt asked. Already perking up to the very idea, it was a comfort night to be sure.

But Rachel shook her head, "No, something even better."

The screen suddenly flickered on but nothing very clear appeared on the screen before them. Instead it sort of looked like one of those pirated cam videos of Broadway shows. "Did you find a better copy of Wicked or something? I could barely make out the last one and the guys camera work was horrible." Kurt began to complain.

"Way better." Rachel teased, not bothering to enlighten him just yet. She then turned her attention to her computer. "How's it going Tina? All to plan?" she whispered.

"Yes Rachel, I have the perfect spot and no one seems alarmed by me holding up my phone to film." Tina's familiar voice said through Kurt's laptop's speakers.

"What's going on? Is that Tina? Wait... where is she? Rachel, what in the world is going on?" Kurt demanded.

"Well, I realized you'd be down about missing out on Blaine's big competition tonight. But unlike you, instead of moping about it, I got clever and did something, you're welcome." Rachel said smartly as she picked up the computer and strolled over to her bed, sat down, and patted the spot next to her at Kurt.

"Wait, is Tina at the Warblers Sectionals competition?" Kurt asked in surprise as he got up, ignoring his unfinished cake and scrambled over to her bed.

"You sure catch on quick. They're not against the New Directions, so I asked Tina to help us, or rather, you out." Rachel explained.

"Oh Tina-Cohen-Chang, remind me to hug you when I see you next. Thanks so much for doing this!" He told her through the computer.

"You're welcome, if anything this gives me a legit reason to spy on our competition. I mean we already won our round, as you know, so this could be useful. I'm sorry Kurt, I know he's something special to you, but I hope we trounce them." Tina told him.

Kurt laughed, "That's fine Tina, just don't judge me if I root for the both of you." Kurt chuckled. He glanced over at Rachel and poked her lightly. "Hey... thanks, for this, it means a lot to me." Kurt admitted.

"That's what friends are for, Kurt." Rachel told him. ______________________________________________________________________________

"Blaine, you were astounding! Congratulations! If only you could of seen Rachel and I jumping on her bed like idiots when they called your win!" Kurt began to babble and gush when they ended up talking the second Blaine got home that night.

Blaine had seen Kurt's text as soon as he was off stage and able, sending his own reply straight away. Their excitement was noticeable even in written form. Kurt learned that Blaine had been in cahoots with Rachel and went along with her whole plan and was impressed he had kept it a secret. By the time Blaine was free to skype Kurt felt like he was on cloud nine, and it was a welcome change. "When I was watching you sing, I knew you had it in the bag." he stated.

"It helped knowing you were watching me, but I bet it was blurry." Blaine laughed.

"A little, but who the hell cares." Kurt said.

"I wish this meant we'd have more free time... but there's still finals." Blaine muttered.

Kurt frowned at that, why couldn't they stay in ignorant bliss for a little longer, oh well, there was no helping it. Instead he groaned in acknowledgement, really it had already started for him. That was another reason why he had said yes to going on a date with Thomas, pretty soon Kurt wouldn't have time to go out for anything, Blaine or anyone in the same city. He wanted to enjoy the location around him while he could, even if it meant he'd have to do it without Blaine. "I haven't forgotten, you think me being in a dramatic arts school would mean less tests. Nope, it just means the format is different but ten times as hard as any written exams. I have so many projects looming over me oh god... I'm sorry, Blaine, but I'm not going to have much time to give you over the next few weeks." Kurt told him reluctantly.

Blaine put on his bravest smile for Kurt, and in turn, himself. "We knew this was coming, and really... this is just the push I need. It's time to get down and hit the books; I need top grades if I plan to make it there myself come the fall. It's probably best if we're not around to distract each other. But I hope we can still talk a little... if infrequently... tomorrow I don't even have Warbler practice, we're taking a much needed break" Blaine explained. "You free to keep me company?"

"Um... actually, Blaine, I have plans tomorrow." Kurt admitted, his tone gave away any attempts to hide what they were to his friend.

"With Thomas?" Blaine asked.

"Yes, are you mad?" Kurt breathed.

"No, I could never be mad at you, Kurt." Blaine assured him.

"Thank you." Kurt whispered.

"For what?"

"For just... being you and finding me, when I needed you the most." Kurt told him with a warm smile. ______________________________________________________________________________

The following day after class Kurt found himself of all places out on the streets of New York, on the third date of his young life so far, but this time with someone other than Blaine Anderson. Despite the change of company, Kurt had to admit he was enjoying himself. It was a different atmosphere for sure; less intense for one, while Kurt didn't feel the immediate pull like with Blaine, it almost felt refreshing, easier. Thomas proved to be a skilled tour-guide and showed he knew was it like for a new resident. He took Kurt all over Manhattan to various quaint little haunts in the city, each having quirky appeal. They went to a little bistro for dinner, where Kurt had the most delicious cheeseburger ever, it had to be the water. After their meal, where Kurt didn't realize his reactions to the food had almost been taken as an innuendo, they headed off once more. To Thomas bringing Kurt to an art exhibit by an inspiring artist and while it wasn't a high-class affair, it was still impressive. As the date progressed, Kurt found himself enjoying Thomas' company but he wasn't sure if he saw him merely as a friend or something more. Finding him confused as usual about the subject of romance.

"I hope you've been enjoying yourself tonight, Kurt." Thomas said as they walked through central park together, towards the end of their date.

"I am, you sure know how to entertain." Kurt assured him.

"Well it's hard not to when I have all this at my fingertips." Thomas joked as he waved his hands around.

Kurt smirked at that, letting out a small chuckle as Thomas' reward. "You know, it took me a while to get use to the bright lights and packed sideways. When you come from a small town like I did... nothing compares to here. But more than that, I'm not use to being so... normal, or not normal exactly, but realizing I'm not alone, off in my own little world." Kurt explained as he pointed to a pair of young men, who's arms were tightly wrapped around each other, showing they only had eyes for each other.

"I fully understand, I didn't come out of the closet until I moved here." Thomas admitted.

"Really? Even when you got into Nyada?" he teased. But then he saw the flicker of hurt in Thomas' eyes and he felt horrible, it seemed Kurt didn't have the natural rapport he had with Blaine. "Sorry... I meant no offence."

Thomas left out a sigh, rubbing his temples with his thumbs, trying to think of the right way to explain himself properly. He was still rather nervous, especially after all the mixed signals he had been getting from Kurt that night, none of which he could decipher. "It's alright, Kurt, it's just... something I'm not proud of. For so long I felt so ashamed that I was hiding who I really was from everyone, including myself. I knew I was gay for a long time and I kept telling myself I'd come out when I moved to New York. When I finally did I suddenly discovered my sexual orientation hardly mattered and it was quite a shock to say the least. I wasn't expecting such a mundane response when the subject came up at school and I confirmed I was gay. Low and behold it turned out not to be a big deal and that... really shook me up. Made me regret staying in the closet for so long... that I could of been braver a lot sooner and save myself a lot of grief." Thomas explained.

Kurt remained silent as Thomas talked to him, letting out some very personal information and he took it all into account. "I came out in my sophomore year and there were times I wish I hadn't. Every situation is different you know... there's no right or wrong way; no one has the right to judge your choices. Well maybe except yourself but what matters is you're out now and living the life you're entitled to, we both are. So try to ease up with the remorse alright." Kurt replied, hoping he sounded interesting.

"I'll try, thanks." Thomas laughed lightly.

Kurt gave him a shy smile in reply, not sure how to break the serious mood they had gone into. Then something from a page of his own past came to mind. "After you came out and got into NYADA... did you start to date?" Kurt couldn't help but ask, wondering if he was an oddity.

Thomas shrugged, "Not really... at first I was too stressed and was just trying not to pass out from the strain. Nyada and the pressure it brings is pretty frightening, it was like being thrown in the deep end..." Thomas admitted.

Kurt eyed him and matching smiles of amusement formed on their faces and they broke out into light laughter. "I know exactly what you mean, that's basically what it's been like for me. It's kind of hard to do anything but try to keep a float."

"But you've changed since then? Getting the hang of things to spend some time on your private life?" Thomas questioned.

Kurt glanced at Thomas nervously, not really sure what the underlining tone of the question meant. "Yeah, something like that." he stuttered.

They walked for a bit more, letting the conversations between them get lighter and more pleasant, not that sharing things they could finally relate to hadn't been welcome. During their chatting Kurt kept finding it hard to know how to behave, flirting was tricky to figure out, at least with Thomas. In some ways the date was far more relaxed than the two he had with Blaine, but the whole circumstances were very different. Try as he might Blaine kept popping into Kurt's mind during the evening, to where he felt slightly guilty about not giving Thomas his full attention at all times. How inconsiderate could he be, even if it wasn't on purpose? He was well aware what a catch Thomas was and was the evening came to its end his charm had only increased.

"Well... this has been a great first date Kurt, I'm glad I asked you. But I guess it's getting sort of late. I'd invite you over to my place for a bit... but the place I live and my room there is pretty small and I have three roommates as well." Thomas began to ramble.

Kurt chose to put him at ease, since he knew Thomas didn't have any ulterior motives to score. "And I have a female roommate who would be relentless with demanding attention, so that's a no go there." Kurt added with a smirk.

"I'd offer to walk you home, but we're in opposite directions and you have a long train ride ahead." Thomas added, trying not to reveal how nervous he was. He wanted to kiss Kurt goodnight, but he had no idea if that's what Kurt wanted, the mix signals hadn't gone away. One second he thought he was gaining points, to other times he swore Kurt wished he was someone else.

When Thomas took a step closer to Kurt, his heart began to race, but not for the same reason. No matter how nice Thomas was, or how cute, and while he had enjoyed their date, he wasn't Blaine. Kurt didn't feel the same spark, or the special pull and that made the difference it seemed. By the end of the date Kurt had his answer and while it didn't make his dilemma pertaining Blaine any easier, it did make it clearer. But Kurt wasn't about to ruin a pleasant evening, he owed Thomas that much. "A considerate gesture, but hardly practical. Walk me to the subway station instead?" he suggested.

Thomas nodded and came to walk down the sidewalk beside Kurt, continuing their light conversation from before. Until they reached their destination and an awkward moment fell between them. Normally a date would end at one of their doorsteps, but not in the Empire State. No, here, Kurt and Thomas were out in a far more public area to say goodnight. The matter of the usual goodnight kiss that followed was both on their minds. Only Kurt was thinking if sharing a kiss would be proper, when he didn't think there would be a second date.

It seemed Thomas finally got the sign he was looking for, though not the one he had wanted. "You don't have to hide it from me, Kurt." Thomas said with a sigh.

Kurt fought the urge to play innocent, because again, Thomas didn't deserve to be lead along, or lied to. "I really wish... I mean... I'm sorry it turned out this way, for you mainly. You need to know Thomas, you were great! Extremely charming and I have no doubt you'd have a ton to offer any guy. It's just... despite me trying to deny it. I've already been claimed, I've met my man, and I'm just waiting till he can take what I have to offer him." Kurt explained, trying to break it to him gently. "I'm sorry, I'm not really making sense, but there's no manual to my life!" Kurt grumbled.

Thomas broke out into light laughter, he was clearly disappointed by the outcome but that was understandable. Kurt was too, but again, for different reasons. "Thanks for being honest with me, that means a lot. So I'd like to think I can be mature here and I hope we can be friends at least... if your... guy wouldn't mind." he said sheepishly.

Kurt laughed, relieved because he did enjoy Thomas' company and he could always use another friend in such a big and immense city. Kurt was still a teenager though and things such as boundaries were still hard to figure out. So when he decided to lean over and kiss Thomas on the lips, he wasn't really thinking. In his mind the gesture was his way to show he had enjoyed the date, what it ended up being was a bad call. Kurt was clueless to his error in judgment at first. Until he saw Thomas' eyes snap wide open once the kiss was over, coming face to face with his stunned expression. "Shit! That was your first kiss, wasn't it?" Kurt stuttered in panic.

Thomas took a step back, running a hand through his hair. "Uh yeah... it was nice, I mean... just really sudden and unexpected." he stuttered. "I mean you're kind of shutting me down and then you go and kiss me." he mumbled.

Kurt let out a loud groan, how could of been so stupid, he couldn't of made it more worse. How was there any hope now of remaining friends. "I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking! Up until recently I've never even had the chance to kiss anyone! Why did I... I'm so stupid! God!" Kurt blurted out.

"Kurt, relax, it's not that bad. It was just a kiss, yes it was my first, but... I could think of a lot of worse ways it could of happened. You aren't some guy trying to nail me. So we're not going to run off into the sunset now, I'll live." Thomas replied.

Kurt was relieved he was taking it so well; if the tables were turned Kurt wasn't sure he'd be so mature. After all, it hadn't been much of a kiss; in fact, he felt he owed Thomas a little better. "I could give a better follow up?" Kurt offered.

Thomas shook his head, taking a further step back to put a proper distance between them. "Nope, sorry, if we want to be friends... then that would cross a line." he warned.

"Right, sorry, this is still so new to me." Kurt muttered in apology.

"I can relate... and can I give you some advice, as a friend? Though it's not like I really know anything to..."

"Yes please, I could use some." Kurt interrupted, giving him the green light.

"Don't date anyone else, or kiss them, while you wait for this guy of yours. You might think if you say you're not his boyfriend it makes it okay. But it doesn't, don't lead people on, it won't make things easier. It will just fuck them up even more, playing with people's emotions like that." Thomas warned.

Kurt nodded, "It's good advice, I should probably be careful with the flirting then too. I mean being polite is one thing, but I need to think about people besides myself, or Blaine. Thanks Thomas, how about this... if I get hit on, I'll try to talk up my great friend who's single?" he offered with a smirk.

"I think I'll try to manage getting dates on my own." Thomas said with an eye roll.

"I hope I haven't ruined any chance of us being friends." Kurt admitted.

"You didn't do it on purpose, thanks for giving me a chance. It was still an enjoyable first date... and kiss even." Thomas assured.

Kurt merely began to nod while he smiled in response, unsure how to react. Since it seemed the ability to break out into playful banter with another person so easily was a rare occurrence. Why had it taken going out with another guy to realize this, Kurt thought in annoyance. One where he had pretty much embarrassed himself enough to finally choose to simply quit while he was ahead, or had redeemed himself to a degree. Kurt only hoped if and when they crossed paths at school things wouldn't get awkward. Luckily the one thing Kurt knew was neither of them would gossip about their date, thankfully. Kurt stepped up to Thomas and touched his shoulder for a moment, giving him an apologetic look. "Thanks for tonight, I still had a good time, all things considered. I'll see you on campus then, okay?" Kurt asked, showing some hesitation.

"Sure, sounds great." Thomas replied.

Kurt let out of a sigh of relief, glad that he was being his usual dramatic self and throwing things way out of proportion. He gave Thomas a quick wave and scurried off down the stairs that lead to the subway where he could catch his train. Almost on instinct, as he sat in the train car he found himself calling up Blaine on the phone. He wanted to hear his voice, talking to Blaine would calm his nerves and make everything right in the world again. Only after ringing for far too long, the call ended up going to Blaine's voice mail. Let out a long sigh, the pair rarely had missed calls but considering Blaine knew he was out on a date, he couldn't blame Blaine for not being around to answer. "No pity party Kurt, you're better than that." Kurt muttered to himself. Instead Kurt sighed and looked to the bright side of things, it was too soon to tell Blaine what he wanted, that it was him. But at least now he had his answer, for if and when he was approached again by would be suitors. Kurt only hoped that Blaine would stay under the raider long enough for them to get to the next step.