Chapter Five

Whenever Hunter watched Kurt work on his instruments it had been easy for the young man to ignore his presence – at least as the days went on. Hunter had very quickly gone from handsomely distracting to attention grabbing and yet it was still so charmingly done that hed never crossed a line. When it was Blaine who was quietly observing Kurt put the finishing touches on his latest creation, concentration was very hard to manage.

“Please tell me again why Im watching you finish that violin from way over here?” Blaine whined.

Kurt narrowed his eyes at Blaine, who was seated at the other side of the work table. “Weve been over this, Blaine; as much as I want to spent the entire night with you in bed, we dont have the luxury. If Hunter were to come home and discover that I hadnt worked on my violin at all, he wouldnt hesitate to ask me why.”

Blaine frowned. He didnt like the explanation any better the second time around. “I understand that, and I actually agree with you, but I still resent my unfair banishment.”

Kurt placed his hands on his hips. “You were the one who refused to behave and keep your hands off of me! You cant expect me to focus when you go so far as to - well, you know!” Kurt muttered, embarrassed.

Blaine knew indeed. His gentle caresses while Kurt worked had started out innocently enough -- a quick kiss here and a little hug there. Was it his fault that their sexual chemistry was so strong that all it took was him getting a bit carried away to fully arouse Kurt? He couldnt very well have left Kurt hanging like that either. At the time, Kurt sure seemed to enjoy having Blaines mouth around his cock, judging by his loud moaning. Once Kurt had recovered from his orgasm, hed thanked Blaine but went right back business – but not the kind Blaine had hoped for.

“Im not enjoying the distance myself, Blaine. Sometimes being sensible is no fun at all.”

That was a cue to let up and Blaine complied, but he wasnt about to keep quiet. “We managed to have some fun, at least,” he said.

Fun didnt begin to describe it. Blaine for one had certainly enjoyed having Kurt pounce on him the second he entered his bedroom that night. Getting a chance to explore each others' bodies and learn what worked and what didnt during sex sure was enjoyable for the both of them, too. Alas, even when the pair had gone at it until they had no energy left to continue, Blaine still felt like hed been shortchanged somehow. He had wanted to cuddle in bed with Kurt all night, so it was too bad his sensible lover had other ideas.

Kurt scoffed, “Darn right we did. Im only human.”

The comment was meant to be humorous, but it reminded Blaine that there was still a lot left to discuss. “Youre right of course, Kurt. As much as Id like it to be so, this isnt the time for more fun and games. Do you think you can work while we talk to one another?”

“Of course I can. This is me youre talking about.”

Blaine laughed lightly. He hoped that when their discussion turned more serious they could still manage to joke like this. “My mistake,” he teased.

Kurt spent a moment making sure he was shaping the violin strings properly. “I have no idea what will happen to us, Blaine; whether we win the competition or not. Either outcome will keep us apart and, win or lose, well never be free to love one another like wed want to.”

Blaine sighed in frustration and said, “I dont want us to live a lie, Kurt, but what choice do we have? If wed met differently and there was no magic involved, then we still wouldnt be free to love one another in the way wed want. Anyone like us, who the world deems as unnatural will face that same hardship, so were no different in that aspect, which is something, at least. Kurt, I dont care what we have to face to be together. I love you... I need you in my life, so I refuse to let you go.”

Kurt smiled at Blaine as he fought back tears. “I want that, too, but arent we forgetting someone?” he reminded Blaine, though he took no pleasure in doing so.

Blaine raked a hand through his hair. “Unfortunately, forgetting about Hunter is impossible, at least for very long. He told me once -- shortly after my arrival -- that I would get to keep my cello regardless of the competition results. That if I won, then I would need it to play for sold out concerts for royalty,” he explained.

This conversation must have taken place over one of Hunter and Blaines many meals together, because Kurt hadnt heard about it before. He wasnt the only one whod kept things from the other, though in Blaines case he had probably planned to tell him eventually. “What if you end up losing?” Kurt asked.

“Then I would be allowed to keep the cello anyway and Hunter would go back to the drawing board... To try again...” Blaine started to answer but his words trailed off and his eyes widened in alarm. “My god, Kurt! Hunter! Hed --” Blaine sputtered, taking a moment to calm down enough to speak properly. “If we were to lose then I bet he would stop turning you back into a human! He would just let your spirit die and I would be none the wiser to the fact!” Blaine shouted in shocked disgust.

There was no point for Kurt to argue that Blaine didnt that know for sure, because they both knew Hunter would do something so ruthless without a hint of remorse. Hunter would drop them both like a stone and leave Kurts spirit to wither and die. Kurt had come to accept the idea that he could die a long while ago, so it was easier for him to cope with now. Blaine, on the other hand, was not so prepared for this possibility, and his lover's reaction tugged at Kurts heartstrings. Hed never seen him so shaken up before. “Blaine...”

Blaine threw his hands up in the air in frustration as he paced back and forth. Kurt could tell he was too mad to say anything sensible just yet. It was so like him to storm about to vent some of his energy rather than say something he would regret. But there was still the chance that Blaine might break something in his rage so Kurt put down his violin and crossed his arms over his chest. “Blaine,” he said in a louder voice. Nothing at first, just muffled grumbling from Blaine. “Blaine, will you please just stop and look at me?”

Instantly Blaines head snapped up and his anger lessened slightly when he finally looked Kurt in the eye. He hurried toward Kurt when he came in for a long hug, clinging to him desperately. “I wont let him do it. I wont let him murder you,” Blaine whispered.

Kurt shuddered. Hed never heard Blaine sound so formidable. It was almost frightening, or it would have been if his anger was directed at him and not at Hunter. Kurt wished he could see Hunters reaction to it, if it werent for the fact that Hunters magical abilities would tip the scale too much to risk it. “We need to take this one day at a time, Blaine. We cannot give into our anger, or our fears, because then Hunter will win without a fight. We might not be able to directly confront him, but what we can do is try to keep one step ahead of him. We can pretend enough to make him believe we are his obedient followers who think the world of him.”

Blaine sighed, “You make it all sound so easy.”

“Its far from that, Blaine, as you well know, but thanks for saying otherwise,” Kurt replied.

Blaine smiled at him. “I already know my part: I am going to do what I came here for. I am going to play my heart and soul up on the stage and I wont be doing it for Hunter. I shall be doing it for you, Kurt, because youre what matters most to me.”

Thanks to Blaines love and acceptance, while Kurt still felt powerless to save them both, he didnt feel worthless. There werent any words of comfort he could give and Blaines sweet smile told Kurt he didnt need to say anything at all. “Were in this together, Blaine, I am never saying goodbye to you and Im never giving up,” Kurt said.

Blaine kissed Kurt, making sure not to get carried away. “Have you made any other instruments that are already finished?” he asked.

Kurt blinked at Blaine and he took a step backwards. “Why do you ask?” he muttered apprehensively.

Despite Kurts obvious hesitance, Blaine didnt relent. He glanced around the room, as if to see if he could find any of Kurts works on his own. “I want to hear you play one for me, if youd be so kind.”

Kurt let out a loud groan in response. “Oh, god please no, Blaine, Im a terrible musician! All Id do is butcher any song I try to play and believe me, no one deserves to hear that,” Kurt said.

“Nonsense, Kurt. You need to stop putting yourself down like that. Im not expecting anything from you. I just want to hear you play. Music is so intertwined in our relationship; its part of who we are, Kurt. Our mutual love for music has ultimately brought us together, so I want us to share that love with you. I suppose I could just play for you, and I would be glad to, but... I really want to hear you play,” Blaine explained.

It was no use, even Kurts stubborn nature couldnt fight against Blaine and his big puppy dog eyes. Really, Kurt was acting dramatic anyway, so he was fine to give into Blaines little wish. “All right, Ill do it... For you, Blaine,” he said in defeat.

He silently strolled over to where a sectioned off collection of instruments, all in various stages of completion, were placed. Kurt picked up a case and opened it to reveal a finished violin inside. Blaine walked up to Kurt, who held out the instrument so he could get a better look.

“Its nowhere comparable to Hunters work, but--”

“Dont even mention his name right now, I dont want to think about that bastard,” Blaine interrupted.

Forgetting Hunter for the time being suited Kurt just fine, so he closed his eyes to let the world fade away until he only registered the violin he was holding. “Here goes...” Kurt said apprehensively.
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Blaine watched quietly as Kurt prepared himself, holding his breath in anticipation when Kurt finally brought the bow to string and started to play. He recognized the piece instantly: which was Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor by Brahms. Soon beautiful-sounding music filled the room. How in the world did Kurt think he was bad at the violin? Perhaps, in his ignorance, Kurt didnt realize his talent. Yes it was raw, a little clumsy in places, and once in a while Kurt did get a note wrong, but he bounced back from every slip up he made and carried on playing. Blaine glanced over at the nearby piano. The sonata was a duet meant to be played with the piano, so he couldnt help himself from joining in the song and Kurt merely glanced over at his lover and smiled. Blaine continued to play the piano with Kurt, ignoring any mistakes Kurt made and sometimes even compensated them. The piece Kurt had chosen to play was a long one and yet the minutes flew by as the young couple harmonized together.

Twenty minutes passed before it was over and the end of the song came just in the nick of time in Kurts case, it seemed. His shaking arms were clearly aching as he slowly put his violin away. Kurt stumbled over to the piano and took a seat next to Blaine at the bench.

“That was lovely, Kurt,” Blaine said.

Kurt fluttered his eyelashes bashfully at the compliment. “Thank you. It is so like you to say so,” he said.

“I say so because it's the truth.”

“Im so tired! How do you musicians do it?”

“Years of practice usually, or thats the reason in my case, at least. I really enjoyed playing with you like that,” said Blaine truthfully.

Kurts tired expression softened. “Me, too. Thank you for joining in, Blaine.”

“It was my pleasure, Kurt.”

“Youre not too worn out now, are you?”

“I am tired, but then, it has been an eventful evening for us,” Blaine pointed out.

Kurt glanced out at the window and Blaine followed his gaze.

“Its late,” Blaine said.

“Nearly dusk.”

Kurt averted his gaze from Blaine, not realizing that he did this whenever there was something he didnt want to do or say. “Im sorry, Blaine, but I cant go with you back to your bedroom. Not this time,” he confessed.

Blaine's face fell in response. He was disappointed but he wouldnt try to change his mind. He simply leaned forward, kissed Kurt quickly, and stood up from the piano bench. “I understand, Kurt, and I think its best for both of us if I were to go now. We both have a lot to think about.”

Kurt nodded. He was relieved that Blaine understood him, but he couldnt let him go on such a bittersweet note. “Im glad there are no more secrets between us, Blaine.”

“So am I,” Blaine said, smiling at him, and then he was gone.

It was always heartbreaking for Kurt to be apart from Blaine, and this time it hurt more than usual because there was no telling when they could talk again. At least Blaine could be with him regardless of Kurts form, keeping both of their spirits, and hopes, alive.
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Gaining self-awareness while he was a cello was a miracle for sure, but it didnt come without its own set of problems. He was grateful, of course; grateful beyond words. Blaine had given him a beautiful gift, but along with the joy came hardship. Blaine wasnt a literal light at the end of the tunnel, because Kurt couldnt see anything when he was a cello. It was more like Blaine was a voice in the darkness, calling out to him. Soon after the first time Blaine had touched him, Kurt could hear him and he could even pick up on his emotions. The latter only happened when Blaine was close and touching his cello form, at least at first. As their connection grew Kurt was able to feel Blaines emotions even when he wasnt physically near him.

In the beginning this had all been enough for Kurt: Blaine was adorable, passionate and the exact person he had longed to love. Then, after he could bear it no longer, Kurt had rebelled against Hunters orders to stay away from Blaine. He didnt regret that decision at all, not when meeting Blaine in the flesh had instantly reaffirmed that his love for the young cellist was real. Grateful he might be, but Kurt was still living half a life. He was still lonely, only now the sorrow he faced was when he and Blaine werent together. That wasnt healthy. Kurt needed his own life; Blaine couldnt become his entire world. Pressure of that magnitude would only crush them both.

Waiting and wishing, thinking and longing, thats what his life had become, but unfortunately, Blaine wasnt the only man in Kurts life. There was another voice that he heard sometimes, one that sounded charming on the surface. Hunter. He was the one to blame for Kurts suffering; it was his fault. Unlike with Blaine, Kurts connection to Hunter wasnt emotional, it was magical. The spell Hunter had put on Kurt linked them together, so there was no escaping him. Kurt feared he would never be free – to live, or to love Blaine.

Kurt had said to Blaine once before that his life was not his own, so how could he commit himself to Blaine when his future was so unsure? Knowing Blaine, he would take what Kurt would could offer him and already had in many ways, but it wasnt enough -- they were just too stubborn to admit that truth to one another. Kurt would have sighed if he'd been in the form to do so. Blaine was off having dinner with Hunter and Kurt could feel the faint waves of annoyance coming from him. Time was something Kurt had a difficultly keeping track of. The days blended together, separated between the moments when Blaine was with him and when he was gone.

By Kurts judgement, four months had passed since he and had Blaine had spent their glorious night together. During that time, Hunter hadnt left the mansion, not even once, so Kurt had remained a cello the entire time. At least the fact that Blaine knew Kurt was his cello had made that time far more bearable. Blaine no longer babbled out loud about Kurt. Now he talked to him when they were alone, and it almost felt like they were conversing. They werent though, not really. Blaine admitted he couldnt hear Kurt, per say, he could just feel his presence. It was Blaines knack for knowing how Kurt would reply to his comments that made it feel like they were able to communicate.

Kurt was growing frustrated. What was Hunter doing? Had he forgotten what had happened the last time he left Kurt as a cello for too long? Not that Kurts spirit was diminishing like before; Blaine was his anchor, his link to the living world and their connection stopped Kurt from fading away. But Hunter didnt know about that, so what was going on with him? Kurts thoughts were cut off when he felt a familiar presence enter the room. Blaine had returned and was touching him. God he missed Blaine so much when he was gone.

“Kurt, Im afraid I have some bad news - wait no, its not that horrible and we knew it was only a matter of time...” Blaine started off, until he realized he was rambling even without Kurt pointing it out. Bless him.

“Hunter and I have been invited to a party. All of the contestants for the competition have. Hunter says its so everyone will get a chance to meet their competitors and see what were up against. I dont think its a very good idea but as Hunter so rudely put it what do I know?,” Blaine grumbled.

Waves of emotion washed over Kurt: anger, frustration, annoyance, and regret.

“Im going of course. I dont want to, but I have no choice. I promised Hunter I would go with him the next time. I know if you could talk right now, Kurt, youd say that if I were to decline, Hunter would grow suspicious. Were leaving tomorrow night, because of course Hunter wouldnt give me any time to come up with a good excuse not to go. I didnt even try to give him one, I just accepted and acted like I was looking forward to it even. You would be proud of my performance, Kurt, it was quite convincing,” Blaine said.

Blaines anger changed to sadness and Kurt wished he could hold him close. Heat built around Kurt, which made him think Blaine was hugging him. Kurt pictured the image of Blaine clinging to a cello and he did a mental giggle. Their situation was no laughing matter, but Kurt had learned the value of humour long ago.

“It goes without saying that I'll miss you. Ill be careful, too. The concert day is almost upon us. Going away with Hunter will give me a chance to study him for possible weaknesses, if he has any to exploit, that is. If all else fails, I can at least keep Hunter off our trail, by playing the obedient and grateful student.”

Kurt wasnt too worried about Blaines ability to act, he was more concerned about Hunters conduct during the party. Would he unknowingly try to draw Blaine away from him with his fancy parties that would offer Blaine the validation he longed for? Blaine might not welcome romantic attention from women, but what about praise? Or what if a handsome man were to approach him? Kurt trusted Blaine and, above all, he knew Blaine loved him. There was just simply no telling what Blaine would face at this blasted party!

“As soon as Im back Ill sneak in here to fill you in on the details,” Blaine promised.

The warmth around Kurt began to cool, which meant Blaine was heading towards the door.

“Oh! Ill be gone for three nights and four days, apparently. How a party can span that many days Im unsure, and Im not sure I want to find out. I guess I will, though, but we both know Id much rather be here with you.”

I love you, Kurt thought, wishing with all of his heart that Blaine could hear him.

“I love you too!” Blaine voiced called back, like an echo in the darkness.
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Kurts let out a loud gasp as his lungs filled with air. The floor felt cold under his hands. He was human again. Kurt was alive, but he was also alone. Blaine wasnt anxiously waiting for him in his bedroom. They wouldnt get to kiss one another, touch, or even talk. For the first time since meeting each other, they were apart. That distance was crushing, and at first Kurt couldnt force himself to stand up.

He took a deep breath. What would Blaine do if he were there to see him in such a state? It was obvious; Blaine would rush to his side to help him up. Kurt forced himself to stand and he looked around to get his bearings. He was in Blaines study. The room was dark and completely silent. Kurt sighed, “Now what?”

The answer was right under his nose. The Kurt Hummel who didnt know Blaine would spend his time working on the only joy he knew: making instruments. So Kurt walked through the mansion absentmindedly, but he wasnt naked because the case that normally contained him had changed into a linen shirt and a pair of brown trousers like always. Before he would get to work, Kurt made a detour to an inconspicuous-looking door to the right of the workshop. He placed his hand on the doorknob and the spell that kept it locked recognized him and the door clicked open. Inside were the few possessions Kurt had, all of which were given to him by Hunter and, technically, not even his. His clothes were Hunters casts off, but Kurt dressed himself in more appropriate work attire and shut the door behind him.

While he was a human Kurt never grew tired or became hungry, since the magic fed into Hunters spell gave Kurts body everything it needed. That left more time for him when he was a human -- another one of Hunters so-called gifts.

Kurt glanced over at the piano in the workshop. He had last seen Blaine there. “I dont even know when Ill get to see him again,” Kurt said.

He pinched the sides of his nose. The pressure in his body felt wrong somehow, like he was out of alignment. He felt sluggish and depressed and he tried his best to force himself to be useful. It would be good for his mental health to work on something with his hands. His latest violin was nearly done and so he set to work, letting his mind drift as he focused on his craft, shaping and adding final touches to the instrument. The task took hours and Kurt barely registered the passage of time as he worked. The fruit of his labours was a finely crafted violin that, in Kurts humble opinion, was nearly on par with Hunters creations – and it was made without a drop of magic, too.

There was nothing left for Kurt to do but test it, because there was more to crafting instruments than making them look pretty. It was what was inside that counted the most. Kurt played a few bars and what he heard brought tears to his eyes. So close! He was nearly there.

“Take that, Hunter!” Kurt cheered in triumph.

But the man in question wasnt there to hear Kurt gloat and he was glad for that. If Hunter were there then he would have turned Kurts near victory into failure with little effort on his part. Hunters words cut deep, penetrating to Kurts core, where his deepest fears resided. Anger boiled inside of Kurt, building without any means of release. Now that Kurt no longer had anything meaningful to keep him occupied, he decided to tackle the source of his problems: Hunter.

He had to stop Hunter, not only from getting his hooks into Blaine, but from continuing his twisted quest for ultimate power. Kurt would never mention this to Blaine, because he wouldnt know how to explain it to him properly, not without scaring him in the process. Kurt couldnt be selfish. There was more than his life at stake. There was Blaine, too. He was in just as much danger as himself, maybe even more.

However powerless Kurt felt, he had to look beyond his own situation. Hunter had to be stopped. Whether Blaine won or lost the competition, either outcome would lead to Hunter finding more people to turn into instruments. If Blaine won, then that would only be the beginning for Hunter. He would spend time soaking in the success but then hed go back to work, trapping soul after soul, and Kurt knew he would eventually figure a way to compensate for the humans spirit needing to be renewed. How many people would it take for Hunter to be content? Just the thought of any possible number made Kurts blood run cold.

He shivered and rubbed his shoulders with his hands to try to bring some warmth bad to his chilled bones. The other alternative wasnt any better though, if Blaine lost the competition, Hunter would throw them both aside and leave Kurts spirit to fade into nothingness. Hed go back to the drawing board and think of new ways to perfect his spells. There was no telling what lines he would cross to succeed. Then Kurt had an alarming thought. What if Hunter figures out how to separate the soul from the human body? Without the need to keep the flesh alive, it would solve all of Hunters problems.

“Problems indeed. Hunter would call them that,” Kurt spat begrudgingly.

It was no question that Hunter had to be stopped. But how? Short of killing him, Kurt couldnt think of a way it would be possible, but killing anyone, even someone so evil, was a terrifying thought for someone who valued life as much as Kurt did. It didnt matter anyway. Hunter wouldnt be so easily killed. But if Kurt had the chance, would he do it? Would he kill Hunter?

Kurt chuckled mockingly, “Its ironic how Id rather let myself die to stop Hunter than kill him myself.” Thank god Blaine wasnt there to hear Kurt admit that, because hed have a thing or two to say about it. Hed go off lecturing Kurt on how Kurts life was too precious to throw away like that.

“But youre not here, Blaine; youre off with Hunter, pretending to enjoy yourself, no doubt, because you love me that much,” Kurt said.

Suddenly Kurts eyes were blinded by light and he squinted in annoyance. “Cursed sunlight!” he grumbled. He froze. Sunlight? Kurt whirled around to stare at the window and saw the rising sun peek over the horizon. “Daylight?” Kurt shouted in disbelief.

Kurt rushed over to the window and barely stopped himself from falling out of it. He reeled back and planted his hands firmly on the windowsill. Tears spilled down Kurts cheeks, he hadnt seen the sun in ages. It was as beautiful as he remembered. He closed his eyes as he felt the warmth of it fall across his face. It was a different warmth to the one he felt when he was with Blaine, different but not any less important.

“How like you this is, Hunter, to give me something back but to take another precious thing away at the same time,” Kurt whispered. “Enjoy everything while you can, Hunter, because its not going to last.”
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Kurt was curled up in Blaines favourite arm chair in his study when the door flew open to reveal the love of his life. Kurts eyes lit up at the sight of him and he would have cried out, if he werent lost for words.

“Oh, Kurt, my love, are you ever a sight for sore eyes!” Blaine exclaimed.

The feeling was mutual for Kurt, who on instinct rushed towards Blaine to hug him fiercely. Kurt was beside himself with shocked delight. “What are you doing here?” he blurted out.

Blaine laughed, no doubt overjoyed by Kurts shocked reaction to his unexpected return. He took a moment to kiss him, keeping it short but sweet. “Hunter sent me ahead without him. He declared I was all partied out and should go home to rest.”

Kurt rolled his eyes and snorted, “He just wanted you out of the way so he could get all of the attention.”

“Whatever the reason, though I think youre theory is right, I wasnt about to complain. Not when I knew it would bring me to you. Ive missed you so much, Kurt!” Blaine gushed between his sweet little kisses.

“Ive missed you more!”

“I beg to differ.”

“I wasnt the one off at some glamourous party,” Kurt said teasingly.

For once Kurts mind wasnt on sex; he was too anxious to hear what had happened at the party. Blaine, who either picked up on this, felt the same way, or both, put a stop to their kissing before it could escalate. He still kept Kurt close but the shift from wanting something physical to happen to needing to speak to his lover was noticeable on his face. Kurt smiled at him lovingly, using his eyes to reassure Blaine that they were of one mind as usual.

The couple walked hand in hand over to the chaise lounge and snuggled up together. Blaine rested the back of his head against Kurts chest. Once they were comfortably in each other's arms, Blaine cleared his throat lightly. “The trip back was long, so we dont have much time Im afraid,” he began.

Kurt ran his thumb back and forth over Blaines hand. “Thats all right. Tell me what happened at the party, Blaine,” he urged gently.

“It was very overwhelming, for starters. Hunter carted me around and started showing me off the second we were in the building. I felt like I was a prize show animal or something. Everyone wanted to meet the lucky man who Hunter had chosen to represent him at the competition. I was a surefire way to get to Hunter, so everyone acted very friendly towards me. Sometimes a little too friendly, though whenever I was getting over my head Hunter came to my rescue,” Blaine explained.

Kurt rolled his eyes; he could picture it now. “Oh, how valiant of him,” he said sarcastically.

Blaine chuckled at Kurts reaction. “Of course he made it look like he was doing it for my sake, but we both know him well enough to see the truth. Hunter only approached me when the young pretty women got too flirtatious and the instant he appeared they dropped me like a hot brick. I was relieved, though, because I really didnt want to pretend to be flattered by the attention.”

“You poor thing,” Kurt teased.

“Kurt...”

Kurt headed Blaine warning, since now was not the time for flirtatious banter. “Sorry, Blaine, please go on,” he apologized.

“The short of is: it was a whirlwind and I felt afloat most of the time. I don't normally feel so out of my element in such a scenario. Im no stranger to extravagant parties, but this time I wasnt expected to play any music and it threw me off guard.”

Kurt perked up. “Now that is surprising to hear,” he said.

“Understandably, Hunter doesnt want anyone to hear me play until the day of the concert.”

“Ah.”

“By the end of the first night I was left more than a little rattled and Hunter noticed this, of course.”

Uneasiness filled Kurt; he didnt like the sound of this. He wasnt about to interrupt Blaine though, because his relaxed state was enough to put Kurts nerves at ease.

“He pulled me aside that first evening, so we could go somewhere to talk alone. I had no idea what Hunter was up to. Straight away he commented on my unease during the party, listing off my inability to fit in with the higher class. The way Hunter worded himself rubbed at me, leaving me vulnerable, or so he thought. In truth I saw an opportunity, one I couldnt afford to miss. I waited for the right opening and admitted to Hunter that I wasnt romantically interested in women, and that actually I liked men,” Blaine said.

Kurt eyes widened. “That was fearless of you.”

Blaine nodded. “It was a gamble for sure. Hunter just stared at me smugly and said I thought as much.' His immediate acceptance of my sexual orientation was surprising, though its hard to say what he actually thought about it. It was in his best interest not to turn away from me, so he didnt. Hunter acknowledged it like it was no big deal and promised he would keep it a secret. Again, that was for his benefit more than mine. Can you imagine the scandal if his choice musician for the competition was revealed to be a sodomite?”

Kurt could indeed and he didnt need any time to think on it. “Suddenly Hunter would no longer be the one in the spotlight. Everything he had worked so hard for would turn into a travesty.”

“One that would be nearly impossible to come out of unscathed, even for him,” Blaine added.

“I fear to think what would be become of us if that were to happen,” Kurt said.

Kurt felt Blaine shudder at the thought and he hugged him tightly against his body. He knew Blaine would be careful to make sure nothing like that would ever happen. Liaisons between men usually needed to be discreet to begin with but, for them, that was quite the understatement. “Hunter knows I like men, too, actually,” Kurt admitted.

This, of course, was news to Blaine and the young mans eyes widened in surprise. “How did this come about?” Blaine asked.

Blaines reaction was adorable but Kurt wasnt about to stall, so he took a deep breath and let it out to prepare himself. “It happened three weeks after I came to stay at the mansion as Hunters apprentice, back before I knew what his real intentions for bringing me there were. We were just working together one afternoon and he turned to me and said You dont like girls do you? You like boys.' It caught me completely off guard, of course, and I had no idea how to answer. Hunter just smiled at me and said I didnt need to hide it from him, so I decided not to. I said it was true and, for a second, I thought Hunter was about to tell me he was the same, then he told me he liked women, but he had no problem with men who didnt,” Kurt explained.

Blaine sighed, “And we, in our na�vity, played right into his hands...”

“Well, I did anyway. At least in your case you were the one fooling Hunter, which was long overdue,” Kurt said.

“While were on the subject of Hunter, hes holding a dress rehearsal two weeks before the concert, to make sure Im ready for it.”

That sounded like Hunter to Kurt and he bet that the luthier had said it in such a way to emphasize how much was riding on Blaine without stating it outright. For all his talent with words, sometimes Hunter lacked any sense of tact.

“Youll be ready for it, Blaine, no matter what Hunter says. I wish I could be there to see that smug smile wiped off his face when he sees how far youve come,” Kurt said.

Blaine sat up and turned around so he could give Kurt a peck on the lips in an attempt at cheering him up. When that didnt appear to work, Blaine grinned at Kurt and said, “But you will be there, Kurt.”

“As your cello,” Kurt said meekly.

Blaine sighed. “Kurt, Kurt, Kurt... What am I to do with you? How can I help you through this? I know its hard for you, but you have to know how much I cherish you, both when you are a human and a cello. Even if the spell is never fully broken... I wont love you any less. Music is a part of us, Kurt, and, despite the complications involved, it still brought us together. Would I prefer to play a cello that isnt a transformed human? Yes. I want you to be free and I want you to live a complete and happy life. I vowed to save you, Kurt, and if I cant break the spell... Then I can at least be with you and love you, for all of my days,” Blaine said.

Kurts eyes welled up and he fought back the tears. He was in no mood to sob into Blaines shoulder, however accommodating he would be. There was one surefire way to bring a conversation around: good old fashioned banter. He took a moment to regain his composure, then he gave Blaine a searing kiss to assure him he was all right. “There is one thing we have going for us, at least...”

Accommodating as he might usually be, Blaine clearly wanted to keep kissing Kurt. Unfortunately, Kurt was in one of his stubborn moods and kept his lips just out of reach.

“Just one?” he said teasingly, in an attempt to get even.

Kurt shook his head; flirting with Blaine was too much fun. He placed his finger over Blaines lips before he could say anything else. “Shh. Just play along.”

“All right, but it will cost you. What is the thing? Because Im dying to know,” he urged.

“The thing is the fact that were both men is the least of our worries and that is... Rather amazing, to say the very least,” he finished. Kurt waited for Blaine to reply, but so far he was remaining oddly silent. Perplexed, Kurt cocked his head to the side. Why were his shoulders shaking like that? “Blaine?”

Blaine opened his mouth and burst out laughing. While unexpected, it was music to Kurts ears and he soon joined in on Blaines merriment.

“Kurt! You are --” Blaine tried to say through his laughter, but his words were cut short as he doubled over again. “You are the most wonderful person in the world! Boy do I ever love you!” he gushed.

Kurt batted his eyes at Blaine. “Care to show me just how much?”

When it came to displays of affection, Kurt knew that Blaine was always willing to step up and convince Kurt of his love. Sure enough, Blaine pounced on Kurt, who squealed in delight as he was pushed down on the chaise lounge. Without warning (or protest), Blaine attack Kurts lips with his own, kissing him again and again. Kurt felt like he was on cloud nine. He grabbed Blaine and pulled him down to lie fully on top of him and they went back to kissing with a rising passion.

Without any warning, Kurts body was struck with a blinding pain right when he was busily unbuttoning Blaines shirt. This was no sudden arousal, Kurt knew what was going on but judging how Blaine pulled back in surprise, he did not. Kurt tried to tell him but another shock wave of pain convulsed through him. He staggered forward on the lounge and he would have fallen off it if it werent for Blaines quick reflexes.

“What is it? Whats wrong?” Blaine shouted in alarm, as if worried he were the cause of Kurt's sudden pain.

He wasnt, of course, and Kurt fought to tell Blaine what was wrong with him. “Im changing back, Blaine! Hunter must be near!”

Blaine looked like hed had the wind knocked out of him, his eyes were wide and his body tense. “Do you think he knows about us?” Blaine asked.

Kurt shook his head. He could manage the pain better now, though it still felt like agony. “No, this is...” he began, but he didnt want to finish his sentence. Kurt didnt want Blaine to know how painful the transformation process was for him. Blaine would feel guilty, even when it wasnt his fault at all. “You have to go Blaine! Now!”

Obviously conflicted, Blaine glanced at the door but he didnt move towards it. “Its hurts you… When you turn into a cello... Doesnt it?” he asked.

Kurt doubled over; he knew it was useless to lie when his pain-stricken body would only betray him. “Yes!” Kurt cried out as his knees buckled underneath him. He had minutes. Honesty was his only option. “But not as much as it would hurt me to see you watch me going through that pain,” he said. No time, there was no time to tell Blaine it would be okay. “Please, Blaine, just go,” he begged.

However badly Blaine wanted to stay, they both knew he couldnt, so he ran out of the room and didnt look back. Kurt wanted to shout ‘thank you' to him, but unfortunately it was too late for that, because the transformation had already started. Everything that was human about Kurt, save for his soul, changed to nothing more than a wooden instrument, silent, alone and lost in the darkness.
______________________________________________________________________________

The day of reckoning had come, the day when Blaines talents as a musician were about to be put to the test. Although he was certainly dressed for the occasion, the young cellist wasnt up on stage. Instead he was in the mansions largest sitting room. This was it. It was now or never. To make it to the actual concert, Blaine first had to prove to Hunter that he was ready.

Kurt knew all of this not from being able to see it with his own eyes, but through his other senses. He could feel Blaines nervousness, no doubt caused by Hunters attentive stare. He also knew Hunter was there from hearing his cocky voice a moment ago. As for Blaines fancy state of dress, Blaine had described the sleek-fitting black tuxedo to him at lengths the night before. While thoughtful, Kurt wished he could see how dashingly handsome Blaine looked for himself, but it was not meant to be.

“Whenever youre ready, Blaine,” Hunters faint but still formidable voice called out.

Blaines anxiety withdrew until Kurt could barely feel it anymore; he imagined that Blaine flashed Hunter a friendly grin before getting into position. Kurt felt two pinpoints of warmth that told him Blaine was touching him. It was a strange thing, one of many, that while it wasnt directly connected to Kurt, the bow Blaine used to play him also linked back to his body. That lingering warmth began to grow and that was a clear sign that Blaine had started to play. The music Blaine created filled the room and Kurt would have swayed to it if possible.

Hes so talented, Kurt thought in awe. What he would have given to be able see Blaine play. It wasnt fair that Hunter had the place of honour, no doubt seated at the back of the room.

A wave of realization hit Kurt like a ton of bricks, giving him no time to react at first. Once the initial shock wore away, he could finally acknowledge the magical thing that was happening to him.

I can hear him! I can hear Blaines music! Kurt cheered in excitement.

Normally whenever Blaine played him, he couldnt actually hear the performance. Blaines presence was stronger, but it had never been like this before. Not only that, Kurt could actually see Hunter sitting a short distance away. How was that even possible? Blaine must be clueless to the change, or else he would have had some sort of reaction. Perhaps he was too lost in the music to register it and that was a blessing in disguise. Kurt tried not to react too dramatically with the risk that he could effect Blaine unintentionally and interrupt his performance.

Kurt took a moment to assess the situation so he could come up with a possible explanation. Then, it finally dawned on him, that he was hearing through Blaines ears, and seeing through his eyes. How it was even possible, Kurt had no idea but he wasnt about to theorize about it. Instead, he merely reached out to Blaine, sending his love, giving what he could to aid him through his music. Whether it was working or not, Kurt swore that Blaine felt it, he was just in too much of a trance to respond to it.

Given the length of Blaines pieces for the competition, Kurt had ample time to study his surroundings through Blaines eyes. Unfortunately, being able to see Hunter wasnt really helping Kurt judge what the other man was thinking. The young lords poker face was on and, to anyone who didnt know him, he looked unaffected, bored even. Hunter was a master of subtlety, though, so his expression of relaxed indifference meant nothing. Since Kurts efforts to decipher Hunters feelings were going nowhere, he changed tactics to focus on the music, and Blaine, who was the one who mattered the most anyway.

Blaine, Kurt called to him lovingly. Im right here with you. Youre not alone.

It wasnt until Blaine finished the first piece and spent a short minute before continuing to the final number that Kurt heard his lover's voice reply in his mind.

I can hear you, Kurt... Blaines voice was barely audible, but Kurt could feel his love and support more than hear it anyway. ... feel you,

Keep going, Blaine. Youre nearly there, Kurt coaxed.

For you... For us...

The heat coming from Blaines fingers darting along his wooden neck felt blazing to the touch, and the same could be said for his body where the bow was touching him. That heat continued to rise as Blaine played, on and on, throwing more passion into the piece. Kurt felt like he was burning, that his wooden body could burst into flame at any moment. He wasnt afraid, though, because by some miracle, the experience wasnt painful, it felt... Empowering, sensual, earth shaking. Blaine had fallen into his usual trance by this point, but Kurt wasnt cut off from him. Not in the least. In fact, he had never felt more connected to him before.

The music started to intensify and Kurt, in an attempt to be useful, turned his thoughts back to Blaine. He pictured Blaine at his side playing his cello while Kurt sang along, even when there were no words to the piece. That mental image grew in his mind -- and Blaine's -- as they were linked together via magic – and love.

Then, as Kurt watched Blaine play, the young cellist his eyes and smiled at Kurt, who cocked his head to the side in confusion. “Blaine?”

Blaine merely smiled as he stepped toward Kurt and offered his hand to him. Kurt didnt know what was going on but he wasnt about to waste time wondering. He reached for Blaine but, right before their hands, touched he hesitated. “Blaine, this cant be real.”

“No...” Blaine replied. “Its not real, but then, that doesnt make it any less special.”

The music continued to build and Kurt forgot what was real and what wasnt. In that moment, Kurt allowed himself to dream and focus only on Blaine and their love. He took Blaines hand and let himself be pulled close to his body. Blaine placed his hand around Kurts waist and followed his footsteps as they danced to the music.

They kept dancing together, spinning and twirling as the music started to climb towards the climax. Kurt beamed at Blaine, who never took his eyes off of his lover as they danced. Kurt never wanted the moment to end, but, inevitably, as the last note was played, it had to.

The fantasy faded away the moment Blaine finished playing and Kurt was thrust into darkness once more. Cut off from the outside world, save for Blaines warm presence, there was nothing Kurt could do but wait for Hunter to speak. Kurt could barely hold himself together, the anticipation was almost unbearable.

Come on. Out with it, Hunter! Kurts inner voice demanded.

“Blaine...” Hunters voice began. “There is no mistaking it...”

Just for once Kurt wished Hunter would give up his love for dramatic pauses and just get to it already.

“You are ready,” Hunter finally declared.

Kurt could feel Blaines joy and relief at hearing Hunter speak those words. Before they could radiate to the surface, Blaine chained his emotions down so that he could act accordingly – the way Hunter would expect him to. Though he couldnt see it for himself, or Hunters reaction to it, Kurt didnt need eyes to know when Blaine was playing humble and flattered. His bashfulness only lasted a second, though, and was soon replaced with a fierce determination that was no charade on Blaines part.

“Were ready, you mean,” Blaine corrected, knowing that Hunter wouldnt realize that the we he was referring to didnt include him at all.