Author's Notes: Chapter 10

Kurt had been enjoying a quiet moment after the excitement the last six days had brought upon him, sitting on Mercedes' bed as he finished packing up another suitcase. He had dreaded coming to LA for a visit, but now that his time there was almost over he regretted having to leave. Kurt had enjoyed Mercedes' company of course, but most of all, he had enjoyed not having to keep his emotional walls up so tightly. They were still there, never fully gone, and through out the trip little things set him off to bring his usual self back to the surface. A driver would cut Kurt off, an overly loud teenager spewing forth such vulgar words and sentences lacking proper grammar that Kurt wanted to hit him over the head with a dictionary. But for the most part he had adapted pretty well to the change in scenery. Kurt realized wherever he went he could survive, but it was easy when he was with an old friend. Mercedes was currently not in the room, she was having a shower, and they planned to go out later in the evening for one more night of fun. Which gave Kurt the opportunity he had been waiting for, he hurried over to one bag in particular and rooted through its contents until he brought out what he had been searching for. His present for Mercedes, something he had been working on the last two days before arriving.

Kurt grinned as he pulled the nearly finished dress out of its bag, all it needed was a final fitting and it would be done. The problem was how would he accomplish getting the fitting done and still keep it a surprise. Kurt quickly heard the bathroom door open out in the hallway and he carefully placed the dress back in the bag and out of view as Mercedes came back into the room. He saw she was already dressed in a pair of jeans and a shirt and he smirked at her. “What? You get to see me naked but you have to get dressed in the bathroom instead of in here,” he teased.

“I didn't see you naked by choice Kurt, and I saw far more of Sebastian than you,” Mercedes replied smartly as she threw her towel in Kurt's direction, who caught it easily.

“I have shitty camera work skills okay,” Kurt sassed.

Mercedes' opened her mouth to say something in reply when Kurt's iphone started to ring and the song 'Mr. Blue Sky' by Electric Light Orchestra began to play. Mercedes' eyed Kurt with amusement. “Seriously you use custom ring tones, Kurt? That's so lame,” she told him.

Kurt rolled his eyes. “Hey it's an early warning signal to who's calling me. I can ignore it with out even having to look at my phone,” Kurt explained as he brought out his phone and grinned. Whenever 'Sleazy' by Ke$ha started to play he knew to ignore, but Sebastian rarely called him anyway.

“Not going to ignore this call then? Who is it?” Mercedes asked.

“It's uh... It's Blaine,” Kurt quickly muttered and touched the answer button on the phone before Mercedes could tease him about it. “Hey Blaine, how nice of you to call,” Kurt muttered quickly, ignoring the big grin she had on her face.

Blaine had to stop himself from starting to breath weird as he finally heard Kurt's voice for the first time in almost a week. Not the mention the fact that this was the first time speaking to Kurt after hooking up with Sebastian. To his relief he didn't feel too nervous; it was quite easy to focus on Kurt and no one else. “Hi there Kurt, hope it's okay for me to call, just wanted to say hi. Are you free to chat for a bit?” Blaine asked, trying to sound casual.

“Oh my god, he sounds adorable,” Mercedes whispered from her spot beside Kurt on the bed, having heard every word Blaine had just spoke.

Kurt shook his head at Mercedes. “Oh no it's fine actually you have perfect timing, as I do have some time to kill here. How's things been?” Kurt said.

“Good, nothings really any different here but that's expected. Say if you have the time, up for skyping maybe?” Blaine suggested. Again the ease in which he answered an innocent question with a not so innocent answer was surprising. Of course Blaine wasn't lying, by his judgment nothing was really different. His sleeping with Sebastian as he had commented before meant nothing to either of them and neither acted any different since. In fact Sebastian was lying low, though he still sent texts now and then.

“Uh... lemme see...” Kurt muttered as he looked over at Mercedes, “Can I use your computer for a bit?” he asked her.

Mercedes nodded and got up off the bed and took it off of her desk, she brought it back and handed it to Kurt. “Of course, but only if I get to video chat along side you, that's my terms for using it.”

Kurt narrowed his eyes at her in annoyance but when he saw there would be no point in arguing he let out a large sigh in defeat as he took the computer from her and opened it up. “Fine,” he hissed at her. “Sorry about that Blaine, yeah I can chat with you, but my friend Mercedes will be joining us so I hope that's okay,” Kurt explained. He was faced with a real dilemma now, how the hell should he act during the video chat. Of course it was only Blaine so Kurt could allow himself not fully revert back to his usual self, but no matter what option he chose one of his friends, if not both, would notice the obvious change in him.

“That's totally fine! I'd like to meet her actually,” Blaine answered is his usual warm and friendly tone.

“I bet he's gorgeous too right? Oh and gay of course,” Mercedes whispered to him as she began to nudge his side with his elbow.

“Behave,” Kurt whispered back at her as he logged into Skype and waited for Blaine's icon to come up and he clicked on it. Blaine's face instantly appeared on the screen and Kurt couldn't help notice Mercedes' reaction to him. Kurt knew he would regret it later, but he still wanted to talk to Blaine regardless. “Hey there, Blaine this is Mercedes Jones, Mercedes this is Blaine Anderson,” Kurt said as he quickly introduced them to each other.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mercedes,” Blaine said as if he were a young man back in a more romantic and gentlemanly time.

Kurt couldn't help but crack a small smile at how dapper and charming Blaine could be without even trying. Mercedes was already succumbing to his appeal as she grinned back at him and leaned in closer beside Kurt so she was fully in view.

“Likewise Blaine, so you're the friend Kurt had me take a photo of his tattoo for,” Mercedes commented.

Blaine laughed lightly, only increasing his allure as he did. “Yeah wow that sure was a big surprise when I got the text! I was sitting in Feeling and everyone still heard me over the loud music!” he laughed.

“And Feeling is?” Mercedes asked.

Blaine made a confused face; he was slightly caught off guard that Kurt hadn't told her about the club he had met Blaine at, not to mention Sebastian. That made him unsure of how much information Blaine should give that involved Kurt's life in San Francisco during their 3-way conversation. Blaine chose to remain silent at first and flashed Kurt a helpless look, as if to say 'A little help here,' as to what his answer should be.

Kurt rescued his friend from making any mistake, as it was his fault the issue had happened anyway. “That's the gay club we go to, sorry I forgot to tell you the name of it,” Kurt quickly answered, relieving Blaine of the burden.

“Okay, why the hell is a gay club called Feeling at all then?” Mercedes asked.

Blaine's figure on the computer simply shrugged, showing he had no idea. But fortunately for the both of them Kurt was a pursuer of knowledge and had asked Kent the same question one night. “It's from the song Flashdance, the verse 'What a Feeling.' Seems the owner loved the film and when he was a youth still struggling with his sexuality and finally he decided to embrace it. He found his way to San Francisco and the gay club scene and the feelings he felt from seeing he wasn't alone, struck a cord with him,” Kurt began to explain. When Kurt had found this out himself he hadn't not noticed the irony of how the word had run through his mind during the show at USF. “Okay the history lessons over,” Kurt added with a smirk.

“So when are you heading back here?” Blaine asked, ending the topic.

“Tomorrow afternoon,” Kurt answered matter-oh-factually.

Blaine felt somewhat disappointed that Kurt didn't playfully asked if Blaine missed him and he could jokingly reply he did, only it wouldn't of been an actual joke, but the truth. But Blaine reminded himself that this version of Kurt was one he usually kept well hidden. Blaine saw more of it seep through when they were alone, but it was clear that being in Mercedes' company unleashed it fully. But despite this Blaine could tell Kurt was still holding back, keeping a part of himself berried behind his emotional walls. Blaine was surprised at first at how much that the vulnerable side of Kurt pulled at him, made him want to comfort Kurt, to start the healing. That under Kurt's hardened exterior of insults, swear words and snark, he had doubts, fears and dreams like any other flawed human being. “How has your trip been so far? Enjoying the sun?” Blaine asked, choosing a far safer subject to bring up.

Kurt smiled lightly as he brought his arm up, he was glad the bruise mark was almost faded, but he had chosen the opposite arm just to be safe, to show his tanned skin. “I know you probably can't tell through the video, but for me this is pretty tanned. No sun burns either so I am very proud of myself. But really it's way too hot here for my liking; I've come to appreciate SFS and its fog far too much. I miss my cardigans, scarves and sweaters. Tank tops and shorts are no fun,” Kurt pouted cutely.

Blaine at that moment wanted to reach through his computer screen, grab Kurt's face and decorated it with kisses. Instead all he could do was sit there, in front of his laptop from his spot on the couch and try not to look like a lovesick fool. “Well I honestly can't wait for some good beach weather here,” he admitted.

“Meanwhile I've had my fill of the sun for a while,” Kurt muttered.

Mercedes began to chuckle to herself, because of how adorable the two boys were being and they seemed oblivious to the fact. “So tell me about yourself Blaine, what are you going to school for?” She asked, bringing herself back into the conversation.

“Music major, composition, over at the University of San Francisco. Though actually I am thinking I might minor in theatre in the future. I use to want to be a performer back in high school until towards the end of my senior year. Then I focused more on the root of it, AKA music and I got this desire to learn about how it's created,” Blaine answered.

“Oh really that's interesting, I don’t know if he's mentioned it but Kurt use to be in our High schools Glee club,” Mercedes said.

“He did, once. Was he just a good a singer back then?” Blaine asked with a smile.

“I'm surprised he let you hear him sing, I'm going to need details later, Kurt,” Mercedes teased.

“So any big plans for your last night there?” Blaine asked, since he noticed by Kurt's face he wasn't enjoying the new subject, so he changed it once again.

Kurt nodded, silently grateful that Blaine seemed to known on instinct when things were making him uncomfortable during their conversations. It was one of the reasons Kurt had been able to feel more relaxed around Blaine, because he knew the dapper young man would be quick to take notice of his mood swings and steer the conversation to safer topics, usually about himself.

So as a result Kurt had come to know far more about Blaine than Blaine knew about Kurt and he couldn't never forget that fact. It left a weird wall between them that was different from his emotional walls he had built to deal with the hate he faced. No, this was almost a wall around his heart, but Kurt knew that was just the romantic in him trying to claw back out, it was all a load of crap as far as he was concerned. But as Kurt thought about this he realized Mercedes and Blaine had began to ramble on and on and Kurt had no idea what about.

“We're not going to get to go anywhere tonight if you two keep gossiping,” Kurt teased lightly.

“Right sorry about that, I'm such a blabber mouth,” Blaine laughed.

“Who says fucking stuff like that any more, Blaine,” Kurt groaned.

“Sure beats swearing like a sailor, Kurt.” Mercedes commented.

“Well this has been fun but I won't keep you, I guess I'll see you once you're back, Kurt. Nice talking to you, Mercedes. Bye!” Blaine said as he waved at them both.

“Goodbye, Blaine,” Kurt said as he rolled his eyes and shut the laptop closed. Sure enough the second they were alone again, Kurt turned slowly to look at Mercedes, who was beaming at him. “Get the merciless teasing about Blaine out of your system right now,” Kurt muttered with a sigh. “Because god forbid two gay guys can't have a simple platonic relationship without it turning into romance,” he added sarcastically.

Mercedes groaned in response, she didn't know weather to humor him, spare him the teasing or smack some sense into him. How Kurt could be friends with such a handsome, charming and even after only taking to him for a few minuets, genuine young man and not even think about romance, even a little. Mercedes knew Kurt swore he didn't believe in love, but she herself hoped that Kurt was lying to himself. That as far as she was concerned, Kurt was one of the people who deserved to be loved and be in love the most. After what he had faced, what he had conquered, he was due some happiness. But Mercedes knew that if she teased him too much it would just make Kurt uncomfortable, but she wasn't about to let him off scott free. “I'm sorry but you have to admit you two would make a cute couple,” Mercedes commented.

Kurt narrowed his eyes at her with judgment; he was not going to give her any satisfaction by getting any reaction from him. “No comment,” he simply said, his face neutral.

“Okay fine, just one last thing. Why did you choose that song for his ring-tone?” Mercedes asked him.

Kurt fought the urge to dodge the question with snark but instead he chose to reply with a face void of difference and emotion, to become neutral. It was all a glorified facade because Kurt had asked himself that very same question and each time, he disliked the answer more and more. The explanation his mind had come up with made him feel confused and clueless and try as he might, he couldn't dismiss it. Maybe on some level even Kurt was aware of the effect Blaine had on him and why, or at least the basic root. The answer was so poetic and sappy Kurt grimace even at the thought of it, bringing his inner walls up at full strength to hide any signs from Mercedes.

That being with Blaine, even merely in his company or talking to him. Was like when you woke up in the morning and felt instant warmth spread over you. Waking up to see clear blue skies and a bright sunny day, were all you could do was smile. Renewing in you a sense of feeling truly alive and being that much more eager to face the day, because a sunny day meant happiness.

Sappy crap indeed, no matter how many times Kurt's weaker side, who Kurt dubbed 'the dreamer' tried, he wouldn't allow him to return. No, love was dead, gone and berried and Kurt, well he knew first hand what emotional attachment brought. He could only allow himself to be Blaine's friend, nothing more. The whole notion that there could be more was another dream Kurt instantly shot down, both for his and Blaine's sake. So he tossed the answer aside once more, not letting the dreamer cling to it.

“It just fits,” Kurt finally answered, and that was that. ________________________________________________________________________

The moment Kurt ended the call Blaine allowed himself to finally show some of the nerves coming to surface from deep within his heart. The chat with Kurt had proven one thing; it would be possible to talk to Kurt after what had happened with Sebastian. More proof that the sexual encounter had indeed meant nothing and in some odd sense, Blaine was glad it had. After all, countless others, not only gay or young chose to have casual sex. Or at least sex where there was less attachment and Blaine had no right to say their choices were wrong.

Just as Blaine's usual firm belief that for him, sex needed to be more than just the physical act wasn't him being disillusioned. Blaine closed his laptop and ran a hand along his face, letting out a tired breath. The call had gone well, Blaine kept telling himself, he missed Kurt so much and he had needed to hear his voice so badly.

“I guess I do have what it takes to be an actor,” Blaine chuckled to himself.

Blaine felt in good spirits, which only proved while he still doubted now and then, giving in and sleeping with Sebastian wasn't the end of the world. Blaine had no idea how Kurt might react to finding out about it. But at the present he still felt no desire to tell him, after all, Kurt had kept his sexual arrangement from Blaine. Now Blaine could relate to why, it was private, not something that directly affected Blaine since he and Kurt were only friends and first and foremost, Blaine hadn't asked him. Blaine stood up from his spot on the bed and stretched his legs, wanting to get outside for a change and do something. Blaine grabbed his guitar and headed off outside, to enjoy San Francisco’s foggy weather while it lasted and let his struggles inspire him to create some music perhaps.

A short while later Blaine found his way to a park bench and silently began to strum a few cords, not really bothering to play any specific song, one of his own or otherwise. He grinned to himself when he remembered when he had even started playing the guitar. Ironically it had come to pass back when Blaine had finally had his own sexual awakening, when he was seventeen and nearing the end of his senior year of high school.

Before that point, Blaine had dated now and then but hadn't found anyone he felt any real connection with. After watching the countless student body around him dive in headfirst and just have sex, he had resisted getting in the water. Until Blaine at the time had thought he had gotten a break, in the form of his first real boyfriend. At the thought of Nate, Blaine let out a sigh, he hadn't been horrible, and not some villainous deviant but he hadn't been who Blaine had thought he was.

In the end, after dating for three weeks, the pair finally did the deed. Where Nate's true nature began to show and the result was Blaine's first time had not only been not very memorable but quite painful. Needless to say their relationship fell apart soon after, proving that their views on intimacy were very different.

After that little episode Blaine had decided he needed some sort of outlet to get his feelings out and he had turned to music. Blaine first instrument of choice had of course been the piano but by that point Blaine wanted to try something new, not to mention more portable. Learning to play the guitar and taking lessons had been a good way to distract himself. Also a smart move to make since he was aiming for musical composition after graduation. At first Blaine had been rather clumsy figuring the cords out and he had written some terrible first songs. But over the last five years, Blaine had somehow managed to become a semi decent player. But even now, it was still more of a side hobby and a tool to use for class.

After his first experience with sex, it wasn't until Blaine had moved to SFS that he tried to move past and try again. The result was Blaine discovering he wasn't cut out for casual relationships or one night stands. Many of his hook ups had been enjoyable, if infrequent but either he was left wanting more or faced disappointment when the guy interest was over once their pants were back on. The last and final nail in the coffin had occurred when he was eighteen and thus marking the start of his long three-year dry spell. That bastard made Sebastian seem like a saint, and while he had done nothing malicious to Blaine. His sheer carelessness and disregard for Blaine's own enjoyment had left a bitter taste in Blaine's mouth which hadn't been come and that had been the deal breaker. Until earlier in the week when one determined young man, who was named Sebastian Smythe, had broken past his barriers, which Blaine now realized had been weakening already and shook up Blaine's values.

Blaine was over complicating things though, it wasn't like now Blaine had had a second sexual awakening and craved cock like a deranged horn dog. No, if anything in some ways Blaine craved the emotional connection he had never experience before even more now. The trouble was, he'd have no such luck even if he did give in and sleep with Kurt. Which was why him being able to talk to Kurt with no drama, angst or nervousness was so welcome. Only having to focus on keeping his love for Kurt hidden was hard enough and Blaine just hoped he'd manage as time went on. When it came to Sebastian, he already knew nothing would change between their dynamic.

Except maybe Sebastian's constant innuendos and attempts to seduce him would shift to referencing their little sexual escapade. But as long as Kurt didn't hear those or wouldn't believe them if he did, then Blaine was fine. Blaine brought out his phone and decided to test the theory a bit, sending Sebastian a text.

So Kurt's coming back tomorrow. I just talked to him.

Sebastian reply didn't come until another thirty minuets passed, where Blaine ended up playing an acoustic version of La Roux's bullet proof, followed by a whole little set list to pass the time.

So he didn't run off for good then, fun.

Blaine rolled his eyes at the message; what in the hell did that mean Blaine wondered.

As long as you don't mean fun by telling Kurt we hooked up. Or torturing me that you might.

Blaine, why do you doubt me? Don't answer that, no lectures. You have no reason to trust me. But it's far more amusing to keep him in the dark about that. You'll see. ;)

“Oh lord... I'm not sure I want to,” Blaine muttered with a laugh. 'But at least you can laugh about it, Blaine,' he told himself with pride. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Kurt strolled into Mercedes' bedroom without warning, right in the middle of her getting changed. But Kurt had timed it perfectly so she was still fully clothed, standing with her hand on a hanger that was her dress choice for the evening. Only Kurt glided over to her, took the hanger out of her hand without a word and held out the garment bag he was holding with the other hand. “Sorry to barge in but I have your outfit choice for the evening right here.” Kurt told her with a wicked grin.

Mercedes began to laugh when Kurt placed the garment bag into her hand. “What's this, Kurt?” she asked.

“It's my present for you, something I've been working on. Your own Kurt Hummel original, keep this because it will be worth thousands one day. But I need to do one final fitting to make sure it fits you to perfection. I trust you have a sewing machine somewhere in this house?” Kurt explained as he looked around the room for signs of one.

“Of course and oh my god Kurt, you didn't have to do this. Can I look?” Mercedes asked as she began to unzip the front.

Kurt nodded. “I had considered blind folding you during the fitting but that would just be too much of a pain. So it sort of lessons the surprise but then I'd rather it fit you properly anyway. I figured you could wear it tonight and don't worry, my outfit matches and will make you pop and shine even more. I'll be your ultimate accessory tonight, Mercedes,” Kurt said with a smirk.

Mercedes reached out and pulled Kurt into a fierce hug without warning and Kurt rocked back to keep his balance and not end up falling over. He laughed lightly and patted her shoulder. “So put it on so I can pin you up and do the finishing stitches,” he urged.

Mercedes nodded. “This just makes me wish you didn't have to go back... oh my fucking god, Kurt, it's beautiful!” Mercedes suddenly shouted in shock as she pulled the dress free from the garment bag and her mouth hung open. It was a deep maroon purple in colour with a light and flowing material with the perfect amount of stretch to hug the skin just the right way. The front folded over and swept up under the bust and even on the hanger it was stunning and Mercedes wondered how much better it would look when she was wearing it. “Thank you so much, Kurt,” she said with a small sob.

Kurt grinned back at her warmly. “No, no tears, we cried enough a few days ago remember. I'm good for life as far as I'm concerned. So slap that baby on and... Oh I dyed a pair of heels to match I'll get them as you get dressed,” Kurt muttered as he went over to his stash of luggage.

“You don't have to leave or look away for me to put a dress on, Kurt,” She said with a chuckle.

“What makes you think I'd find the prospect of watching a girl get naked, even one as sizzling as you, be at all appealing?” Kurt teased.

“Why do I get the feeling you don't act like this back in the Golden City?" Mercedes muttered as she began to undress, as Kurt was proper enough to look in the opposite direction.

“You would be correct in that assumption, truthfully even when we were talking with Blaine, I'm not normally like this around anyone but you. I... I'm not really sure you'd approve of the person I am back there Mercedes, it's why I didn't want you visiting me,” Kurt admitted.

“Such as...” Mercedes urged as she went to her dresser to choose a proper bra to go with the dress.

“Well if you think like I swear like a sailor now you should hear me when I'm around Sebastian. If we were on daytime television the censor would have a field day with us. But other than that I'm far more rigid, jaded and if you thought I was bad in my senior year. Yeah, that was nothing. It's only recently that I've allowed myself to open up, though I'm sure to my friends they have no idea, they just think I'm hiding everything. But to strangers or people I know casually, not well enough to call them comrades, I'm not what anyone would call warm and friendly. In fact I'd go so far and say I'm the exact opposite from Blaine and even Sebastian can be charming, though most of the time it's just an act,” Kurt explained to her. “To summarize, I'm a closed off and snarky young man who most people choose to avoid and they're wise to do so,” Kurt finished.

“Hmm well I think I'd surprise you, Kurt. I mean do you swear and yell at people if they give you no reason to?” Mercedes asked.

“No,” Kurt admitted.

“And do you intentionally ever say anything that would be considered hurtful? Like if again they did nothing to bring it on?”

“Well no but...” Kurt began.

“And can you truthfully admit that you wouldn't care if you end up casing someone emotional pain?” she added.

“Again no. I mean it depends on the person and the circumstances but I never like to hurt anyone, physically or especially emotionally,” Kurt muttered. “What's your point?”

“Ever insult someone without holding back just because you have different opinions?” Mercedes asked, ignoring Kurt's urging to get to the point.

Kurt sighed, “Not if it's something trivial and they don't question my own life choices, then no. If they keep whatever they believe in to themselves, I could care less,” he admitted. “It's only when they get insistent and attack my own views that it becomes a problem.”

“How about intentionally withhold information to make someone suffer?”

“I hardly find any point to this interrogation... what's your angle here?” Kurt asked warningly.

“Answer my last question first,” Mercedes countered.

“Of course not! Fuck! How could you even ask me that!” Kurt hissed in anger.

“Then it sounds like to me you're less of a monster than you're trying to say you are, Kurt. I get it, if people try to push at you, like really hard; you won't hesitate to show your anger. I assume from what I overheard with Sebastian, you two constantly are arguing, swearing and shouting at each other. But I doubt either of you are really putting any effort in it to go so far as to really try to hurt each other. If anything I think the real change is that you just keep yourself hidden behind the snark to avoid letting anyone creep past your defenses and actually hurt you,” Mercedes told him softly. 'Which is probably why you won't allow yourself to accept the possibility that Blaine could be more than a friend,' Mercedes added to herself in thought only, she knew that voicing the last note would be bordering suicide. She had no idea what Kurt thought about Blaine, or Sebastian for that matter, all she could guess is that Kurt was in denial and for many different things.

Kurt was about to sputter off and make a big fuss when Mercedes turn to eye him and he gave up even thinking about trying to meet her head on. Unlike with Sebastian he didn't actually enjoy arguing with her and he reminded himself that. “Okay... I admit what you're saying holds some truth. But can we drop this for now? I want us to have some fun on my last night here. Go paint the town chartreuse or something more daring than mere red.”

Mercedes laughter broke out again as she finished slipping into the dress and tapped Kurt on the shoulder to let her know she was done. “So how's it look, I won't look in the mirror till it's finished,” Mercedes said as she ran her hands down the smooth fabric. “But so far I'm loving it, Kurt!” she added with a grin.

Kurt already had his pins ready and he snapped into designer mode as he whirled around Mercedes making the necessary adjustments. “Well I'm please to see I was pretty close to the perfect fit, this won't take long to finish.”

“I'll slip out of this and let you do your magic then, just unzip me,” Mercedes asked and Kurt obliged and undid her zipper.

When Mercedes was out of the dress and wearing her slip Kurt nodded and Mercedes brought out her sewing machine. Once Kurt had it set up at the table he set to sewing the dress at am amazing speed as he fed the fabric through the needle. Just as Kurt had said, he was quickly finished and once Mercedes put the dress back on Kurt looked at her and he froze. “God I may be gay but you're stunning, Mercedes,” he muttered in awe.

Mercedes gave him an affectionate smile as she stepped in front of the mirror and looked at her reflection for the first time. She looked at herself in Kurt's creation and she was blown away from his talent. Kurt had captured every part of Mercedes in the dress and it flattered her in every possible way and she grinned at herself. “Damn Kurt, you are going to get so famous, this dress is killer,” she declared.

“I know, you won't be able to keep the fellas off you tonight,” Kurt replied with a laugh. _______________________________________________________________________________

Of course cruel irony seemed to follow Kurt whenever he went and his trip to LA hadn't given him a chance for any escape. Just when Kurt had thought his visit to LA had truly been a vacation in every sense, the cold hard truth of the world was revealed to him yet again. At first it hadn't been much of a backlash, to where the snarky young man had dismissed the signs. The night had certainly started off well enough, where Kurt and Mercedes had joined some of her girlfriends from school and gone to a local club. Even when it wasn't a gay bar, Kurt had met no real opposition, if anything his presence was celebrated, at least by the female partygoers.

After it being so long since Kurt had been in the company of women, he hadn't realized how much he had missed the carefree atmosphere they brought. Females could still get one his nerves though, especially drunk ones. But he still didn't face any potential drama until a pair of ignorant dicks made snide comments at Kurt, being close enough for him to overhear and the old Kurt was back. Ready to whip his wit right back at them and the result left the jerks with their mouths hanging open. That hadn't been a real problem, Kurt had dealt with the negativity rather well and it was over before it started basically. The real test began after Mercedes and Kurt were all partied out and ready to head home. Kurt had been walking casually along side Mercedes as they went looking for a cab when he suddenly went dead still. He narrowed his eyes in thought as he heard some sort of struggle. At first he was indifferent to the discovery, thinking it was just some randy drunkard but then he got a better sense and froze.

Causing Mercedes to smack into his shoulders from his sudden stop. “What the hell, Kurt?” Mercedes asked in surprise.

“Shh, I hear something... something I don't like and almost familiar,” Kurt muttered and the silence returned. There it was, Kurt heard it more clearly this time, a despite cry for help and the sounds of pounding fists on flesh. “Shit no!” Kurt swore and he was off in a dash, running forward and leaving Mercedes in his wake.

“Kurt!” She yelled after him but it was no use, with his long legs and her high heels she had no hope of catching up with him.

Kurt stumbled as he raced forward, trying to keep his balance at such a hard speed wasn't easy but he managed. His mind was so focused on how familiar that cry had sounded and it gave him all the grace and power to sprint on. The closer he got the better he could hear the attack and soon Kurt found the source and it wasn't good. Two men where hovering over a fallen body, kicking their victim without holding back. Kurt noted they missed a number of times and he began to factor in his odds, Kurt wasn't a trained fighter but he wasn't a weakling either.

Kurt was always adamant that he wasn't a violent person, he might shout and swear but his assaults were usually in defense and never physical. There were better ways to deal with hate, unless of course there was no other option. Then Kurt would rise to the confrontation and fortunately, so far in his life there hadn't been any real cause to. Until now, it didn't matter that Kurt wasn't directly involved, he couldn't watch on the sidelines. Kurt had taken defense classes a few years ago and because of which, knew how to protect himself.

Then the reason why the scenario was affecting Kurt so much came to light, when he heard one of the men yell out.'Filthy fucking fag,' and Kurt couldn't hold himself back any longer. Kurt was on the pair of attackers in a blur, using surprise to his advantage and pulled the first man off the fallen boy with near brute force, sending him crashing to the ground. The second man came at Kurt but he was ready for him, at the key moment kicking upwards, using his solid and flexible body to knee him hard in the gut, pushing him to the ground.

“Leave him alone!” Kurt bellowed as he stood in front of the victim, staring them down.

Quickly the two men stumbled back up and Kurt saw the clear signs that they were most likely drunk and on the inside Kurt was greatly relieved. Even he wasn't sure he could fight two fully ambled men but if they were drunk, that was a different matter.

“Oh look it's gay man come to the rescue,” The first guy sneered.

“No, just your average fag come to help his own kind,” Kurt told them in a superior tone.

“You're gonna get what you deserve, lady boy!” The second guy shouted.

Kurt had heard that exact insult before, only this time he didn't react, instead he snapped into action, always keeping himself in check still. It would be so easy to dish back all the hate and hit them over and over like he knew they wanted to. But Kurt wasn't about to lower himself to their level, so when they came at him, he kept his retaliations to defensive blows. Armed with inebriated state of the pair, Kurt had the upper hand and thus proved it when he punched one guy in the nose so hard he heard it crack, to where it was clearly broken. Blood gushed and he stumbled back, swearing in pain.

“Fucking fag!” he screamed.

“I don't fuck homophobes,” Kurt muttered. Normally he wouldn't of been so forward and push his luck, but the adrenaline in his body was making him more forward. Kurt never had the chance to face bullies head on in his own life and it was quite tempting to do so now. But then, he heard a quiet groan from the boy behind him and he came to his senses, this time it wasn't about Kurt. “Just stop... go limp away and you better hope the kid recovers.” Kurt warned. He very much wanted to check on the boy and see what state he was in. But Kurt knew if he lowered his guard at all he'd leave himself open for an attack. Kurt stared them down, challenged them to act with looks of confidence and superiority and he could see the conflict in there eyes. “End it, leave,” he commanded.

“Smile for the camera, guys,” Mercedes' voice announced and they turned to see her filming them with her phone, her shoes in her other hand. Kurt urged her to hurry to stand beside him because he wasn't sure what their view on hitting a woman would be.

Kurt was very relieved at her appearance and he kept his eyes on the angry men in front. “Check on the boy,” he whispered to Mercedes out of the corner of his mouth. She nodded and handed Kurt her phone, quickly he took and continued to film, zooming in on their hateful faces. “If you leave I'll delete this and not post it on you tube,” Kurt warned. Which was a hidden lie because he planned to do no such thing, thankfully he could be quite convincing when needed.

That threat seemed to make up their minds and did the trick, though clearly neither was happy about it. For one second Kurt feared they'd try their luck and take him and Mercedes on, but her combined stares helped kill that plan. Kurt didn't pay attention to their hateful slurs as they ran off, watching them until it was clear they were gone for good. Kurt only hoped they wouldn't return with reinforcements or if they did, they'd find no one remaining to attack. Kurt finally got his chance to turn his attention to the fallen youth and he rushed up beside Mercedes, crouching on the cement. “How is he?” he asked, taking a deep breath.

Mercedes was currently checking his pulse and let out a sigh of relief. “He's breathing, thank the lord... but it's hard to tell how bad his injuries are. But Kurt, oh god the blood... he's not in good shape,” Mercedes muttered with concern.

Kurt swore under his breath and handed Mercedes back her phone. “Here, call 911 while I check him out, Carole taught me basic first aid. I might have a better idea what to look for,” Kurt explained as he took over the examination. Kurt came to kneel in front of the weak figure and he got to work. 'Shit he's young,' Kurt thought in alarm. He had to be only sixteen or so by Kurt's judgment and that sent triggers off in his mind. Only Kurt pushed such thoughts away, there was no place for them now. Kurt began to push up the kid’s dirty shirt and felt his stomach. Feeling for anything that seemed wrong. “Okay I can feel broken ribs for sure... fuck! I don’t know he could have some internal bleeding... wait... no, thank god! I think they missed any of his internal organs,” Kurt deduced. “The blood we see is from his mouth, looks like he took a punch to the jaw or something,” Kurt added continuing. “Broken wrist... and some bruising from the kicks... kids lucky though. Those dicks were either very uncoordinated or drunk, most likely both,” Kurt concluded.

Kurt could hear Mercedes talking fast on her phone and during he noticed the fallen teen begin to stir, most likely to Kurt's touch. Kurt made soothing sounds and kept his touch light. “Hey, hey you're okay, you're safe... they're gone.” Kurt assured softly. When the boy relaxed somewhat at the news Kurt continued. “I'm Kurt, try not to move too much you're pretty banged up. Can you tell me your name?” Kurt coaxed gently.

The boy struggled to speak and when he tried to pull himself up off the ground, Kurt urged him to stay still, holding him in place. “I... S.S... Steven,” he croaked finally.

“Okay Steven, keep it together now, the ambulance is on its way and we're going to stay with you and keep you safe,” Kurt explained. “Us gays got to stick together,” Kurt added with a small smile but then he realized those men insinuating he was meant nothing. “That is, if you are gay, makes no difference really,” Kurt added.

Steven managed to crack a small smile, but he was clearly in a lot of pain still. “Yeah... I, I'm... gay... never said it out loud before,” he stuttered as he tried to speak proper sentences but the pain was overpowering his motor functions.

Kurt let out a small laugh; he had moxie even in his state. Kurt slowly began to coax his body into a more comfortable position. Rolling him onto his back and bringing his head to cradle in Kurt's lap. “Good on you then, trust me... admitting it is the first step to get to better pastures. Might not seem like it right now, but being honest is the first hurtle,” Kurt said.

“How... fucking you... how can you say that?” Steven said with a groan.

It was an honest question and Kurt had wondered the same thing many times before, how did anyone really know that things would get better? In reality Kurt didn't really know but his own experiences held some clues. “I don't, not really, but I do know for sure nothing good will happen if you deny who you are. Sure I've never been beaten like you just were, but the emotional pain and the scars left were just as hard to deal with. I'm not even sure I'll truly ever conquer them but what I won't do is live a lie,” Kurt explained. “Now you need to rest while we wait for the paramedics. You've been banged up pretty bad, as I'm sure you know. From what I found you've got some broken ribs, maybe light internal bleeding but you got lucky. Did they do any other damage, anything else hurting?” Kurt pressed.

Steven tried to shake his head but only hissed and winced in pain. “No, but my nuts hurts like a bitch, they kicked that too,” he said as he tried to laugh.

Kurt smirked lightly, “Yes well you'd be amazed how much force that area can take. You see like a fighter, now prove me right.”

Mercedes returned to their side and leaned pressed up beside Kurt, holding onto his shoulder. “Hey kid, you hanging in there?” she asked.

“Yeah, somehow, thanks... nice dress,” Steven replied.

Kurt chuckled lightly. Steven's attempts to be humorous were encouraging and the second bit of good news followed when the three heard the sound of sirens. Soon the ambulance arrived and Kurt relented his hold on Steven so he could be placed carefully on a stretcher. The police had arrived at the same time and began to question both Mercedes and Kurt about what had happened. No they didn't know the victim, and Kurt simply nodded, answered their questions and gave all the information he could, along with sending them the video from his phone. Afterwards the pair of tired friends was asked if they wanted to go to the hospital and Mercedes looked to Kurt, silently showing it was his choice.

Kurt instantly shook his head, it would do Steven no good in the end, and he needed to stand on his own. If Kurt's own past hadn't made him slightly bitter he would of realized it was the wrong call, that depending on others wasn't a weakness. But in his mind Kurt had stopped the beating and that was enough. Of course he only allowed himself to give such a decisions knowing the fact Steven would fully recover from his injuries.

Then once Steven was off to the hospital, Kurt and Mercedes took the police's offer to drive them home, having no energy left to do much else. Once dropped off Kurt walked towards Mercedes house, Mercedes clinging to his arm, completely silent. It was enough of a fight just to keep his emotions fully under control by this point. The attack had been Kurt's reality check, a reminder to why he had become so hardened. That no matter how many genuinely kind people there were in the world, there was just as much hate, to the point where Kurt thought it outnumbered the latter. Kurt wasn't ready to deal with everything the night had brought on, or had stirred up in his mind. “How's your dress, any damage?” Kurt finally asked as they arrived in Mercedes' bedroom.

Mercedes gaped at Kurt, she knew her friend had every right to not want to deal with everything right now, but he was focusing on very trivial details. “Who cares about the dress, Kurt! It's fine though, nothing the dry cleaners won't fix,” she muttered. Mercedes eyed the young man before her and the apparent turmoil on his usually closed off face. “Are you okay?”

Kurt held up his hand in warning. “No, just... don't Mercedes, I can't. There are too many memories to deal with right now. I had a lot of triggers come up back there... which is ridiculous! Because I was never in that situation!” Kurt said with an awkward laugh, running a hand through his hair.

“You could have and what you faced was just as bad,” Mercedes pointed out.

“Not right now, I just want to sleep,” Kurt pleaded as he fell onto the bed headfirst.

Mercedes sighed, she was too worn out both physically and emotionally to put up much of an argument. “Fine, but can we cuddle it out tonight and offer some comfort? Might not be as rewarding as sex but... it's all I got to offer.”

Kurt laughed, pulling himself off the bed, throwing his jacket on his suitcase and stripped down to his boxer briefs and undershirt. “Sex is highly overrated anyway,” he sassed. “If I had to chose, sleep all the way. But I warn you, I'm not a cuddler... you might regret it,” he warned, though he wasn't being very serious.

Mercedes gave him a weak laugh and soon she was dressed only in her bra and panties and when she crawled into bed Kurt followed her lead. Despite his disclaimer, Kurt didn't hesitated to snuggle up beside Mercedes on the bed, nor did he pull away when she wrapped her arms around his frame. The fact that there was nothing sexual about the embrace was the reason neither person in the bed felt awkward. Kurt for one couldn't pull away, he needed it and as much as he hated to admit, her presence helped his mind settle down for the night. If anything it was far too hot to wear anymore clothing, so the pair relented. “Okay, this isn't so bad,” Kurt admitted with a yawn.

“You're a natural,” Mercedes teased.

“Don't make me want to kick you,” Kurt teased.

Kurt settled down to rest and his eyes began to flutter shut, he was so worn out and needed to sleep. He'd face whatever remnants his mind threw at him in the morning. Once more he was looking forward to a long drive back to San Francisco.

“You're a hero Kurt, I hope you know that,” Mercedes said softly. But when Kurt didn't say anything in reply she pulled out of his hold slightly and his arms loosened, she discovered he was already fast asleep. _________________________________________________________________________

The next morning when Kurt awoke to find a half naked woman sleeping next to him in bed, his first response was to merely yawn. Kurt knew no matter how drunk he got, he'd never resort to sleeping with a woman and that was no insult to their gender. As his mind began to wake more Kurt let out a small groan, he might have missed any injury from last nights show down, but he the blows he had laid in defense still hurt.

Kurt brought up his hand and clenched his sore fist; he had never punched anyone before, especially to the point of breaking someone’s nose. As much as he told himself he was a pacifist at heart, Kurt had felt a rush of satisfaction when his fist hit the homophobes face. But Kurt still hoped the need to resort to physical violence wouldn't happen again. Kurt got up from the bed and pulled the blanket to cover Mercedes fully and he stood up and stretched. Kurt walked over to the mirror and studied the three letters on his upper ribcage. Even after only five days the tattoo had been healing nicely and Kurt grinned. Of course he realized having the tattoo right above his cigarette scar meant people would ask about it. But considering Kurt didn't plan to show the tattoo to many people, it hardly mattered. Kurt found his phone to check the time, it was 6am, good, and unlike last time Kurt planned to actually leave in the early hours for his trip.

Since there was no need to wake Mercedes yet Kurt peered into the hallway, when the coast was clear he walked into the bathroom to have a quick shower. That was another advantage to starting the day off so early; no need to fight for the bathroom, sharing one with one female had been hard enough. It was also still too early for Kurt to deal with any side effects to the night prior and for once his mind agreed, much to his relief.

Kurt headed back into the room; fully dressed in a vintage t-shirt and a pair of jeans, him wanting to dress simpler for the long drive ahead. To find Mercedes awake and sitting up in her bed, dressed in a housecoat and he smiled at her. “Morning.”

“Morning Kurt, you okay?” She asked him like the night before.

“Yes,” Kurt simply answered as he walked over to his luggage, which was already packed and ready to go.

But Mercedes was recharged enough to not let the interrogation end there and she looked at him with genuine concern. Walking up to him and reached out to touch the side of his face and Kurt couldn't help it; he pulled away before her fingers touched his skin. “Doesn't look like it,” she countered.

Despite flinching away from the touch even Kurt had limits and there were things he couldn't even share with her. “I'm fine Mercedes, so let me be,” he warned. “Or I sure won't be if you keep pestering me.”

“Fine,” Mercedes sighed in defeat.

Kurt reached out and kissed her on the cheek with gratitude. “I just want to go home,” he admitted and he was caught off guard. By home he meant San Francisco and that made him blink in surprise. When had SFS become home for Kurt, he had never called it that before. It had always just been a place he was currently living in, what had changed to make it matter? The trouble was, Kurt didn't want to find out the honest answer.

Even when Mercedes hadn't been around Kurt for well over two years and she didn't really know this new version of her friend, or at least what he was trying to hide from her. She still knew him enough to realize there was no use in pushing any further. All that would result in was Kurt reaching a breaking point and he'd try to walk out of her life again, so she gave up. “Alright, if you say so, Kurt,” Mercedes said. Of course her tone and facial expression made if clear she wasn't very convinced but she let the subject drop. “I guess all that's left is seeing you off,” she added.

Kurt didn't find the need to show or even voice his relief that Mercedes was leaving him alone, but he was grateful nonetheless. He nodded and rounded up his luggage, keeping his face rather neutral and closed off during the task. “Thanks,” he stated.

The walk from the bedroom to the driveway where Kurt's car awaited them was a slow journey, where neither friend bothered to fill the time with talk. The drama from the night prior had left them both emotionally drained and getting some sleep hadn't helped all that much. Kurt more so since he had been too occupied chasing demons in his dreams to feel all that rested. At the moment Kurt was very busy fighting the dark memories that been dredged up. Kurt kept telling himself his own experiences with homophobes had been different. Sure he'd been thrown to the ground, tossed into garbage bins and smashed into lockers. But none of his attackers had been brave enough to face him head on and lay the damage with their own hands. All but one and even Travis hadn't resorted to any real brutality, again the cigarette did all the work. He'd been smart and used far more sinister tools, that left deeper scars.

Despite all of this, Kurt had finally realized why he was so affected. Because Kurt knew if he hadn't managed to leave Lima, he might of met the same fate as Steven. Only there would be no one coming to his rescue at that was what had his mind full of conflict and strain. Kurt was still a fighter and he was confident once he returned to the bay area, he'd recover fully, or near as possible.

After Kurt put his luggage in his trunk, he realized Mercedes had done nothing to earn the silent treatment. He didn't want his visit to end on such a low point, when up until now he had thoroughly enjoyed himself. He took of his sunglasses and began to squint at her through the glaring sun. “Well I guess this is so long for now. You need to know, I really enjoyed my visit, Mercedes, I really needed this,” he admitted.

Mercedes response was to give him an affectionate smile and hugged him tightly before Kurt had the chance to protest. To her delight he squeezed back so tightly there was risk of ribs cracking but neither one cared. “Right back at you.”

“I'll be in touch, that I promise you,” Kurt assured as he turned to his car, only to be stopped.

“Just promise me one thing, that it won't be another year till I see you again,” Mercedes pressed.

Kurt nodded, finding no urge to deflect in the least. “I think I can grant that request. In fact, how about you come and visit me during winter vacation? At the latest of course, in case we can't meet up before hand,” he offered.

Mercedes grinned at him and pulled back to look at his face. “I like the sound of that,” she replied.

Kurt laughed lightly and leaned forward to give her a quick peck on the lips and with that final show of affection he piled into his car. Kurt connected up his GPS once more and once done Mercedes reached out to bop the end of Kurt's nose with her finger, where he rolled his eyes at her like he was an annoyed child.

“Have a safe journey Kurt, and don't stop believing,” Mercedes told him with a wink.

“We're never going to leave that song behind us are we?” Kurt asked with a groan.

“Nope,” Mercedes laughed in response. _____________________________________________________________________________

For Blaine Anderson back in San Francisco, life had been rather uneventful by the end of the week, besides the ordeal with Sebastian. Which was over and done with in both their minds and amazingly, since the hook up, he and Sebastian had talked about the fact. Leaving Blaine to be in an oddly calm state of mind, something he hadn't expected. Sure he'd feel weird about it now and then but thanks to Sebastian's views on sex, there was no chance to over complicate. Sebastian didn't treat him any different and now Blaine found it easier to deal with his usual cocky ways. Blaine figured he had come across one of the reasons why Kurt could put up with Sebastian, to the point of living with him. But no matter how at ease he felt, Sebastian knew there would be no second round, a fact he had made very clear to the man in question.

Aside from Sebastian making a smug 'Sure, whatever you want,' response, that had been the end of the matter. Good thing too, since Kurt would soon be brought back into the fold. One-sided feelings aside, Blaine couldn't wait until Kurt Hummel would be back in his life no matter what happened in the future. He had certainly noticed the space left in Kurt's wake, to where at the moment, life was pretty boring. Blaine was at work, sitting at the cashier of the Sound of Sheet music, where he let out a bored sigh. Most of the stores usual clients were theatre students and while there was the summer semester, the lack of customers was well noted. Blaine had earlier passed the time by playing some tunes on his guitar, since his boss encouraged it, but now he had grown tired of the effort. He absent mindlessly had brought out his phone to stare at the text Kurt had sent him earlier that morning.

Hey, just letting you know I'm heading back there now, Blaine. Miss me?

Blaine was so transfixed upon the words on the screen before him that he didn't notice the door chime when someone stepped into the store.

“Why Blaine, are you gazing at my present perchance? Though that's not your horny face,” Sebastian announced as he stopped in front of Blaine, his usual smug expression on his face.

Blaine snapped his head up and quickly put his phone face down on the counter, not giving Sebastian any satisfaction, even when he hadn't been gazing at the photo. “No I wasn't! For the record and you better delete that photo off your phone before Kurt finds out and commits murder on you,” Blaine warned.

Sebastian's answer was to toss his phone on the counter in front of Blaine with a flick of his wrist. “Here have a look yourself, you'll find a lot of naked guys there, but not one of them is Kurt. Mind you in some you can't see their face but trust me, Kurt's not there,” Sebastian announced.

Blaine glanced at the phone but didn't bother to check for himself; instead he let out an exasperated sigh. “Oh no I'm not opening up that Pandora’s box thank you, I'm good,” he muttered as he ran his hand over his face.

“The question is, did you delete the photo off yours,” Sebastian replied as he grabbed Blaine's phone off the counter and began to look through his photos.

“Sebastian!” Blaine shouted but it was no use, he saw the sheer look of smug satisfaction and it was too late, he had found the photo.

“You're such a fucking hypocrite Blaine, it doesn't suit you,” Sebastian muttered as he deleted the photo for him. “There, all gone, I did what you should of.” he said as he placed the phone back on the table and retrieved his own.

“Why did I ever sleep with you?” he muttered.

“I have my theories, ones I doubt you'd like me to voice. But you tell me yours and I'll find out if they're the same. For one thing, I think this guys to blame,” Sebastian said as he brought up Kurt's name in his contact list. “Seriously just do us all a favour and fuck Kurt when he gets back,” Sebastian suggested.

Blaine smirked at Sebastian; ready to go off once more and list the many reasons he wasn't about let that happen. When Sebastian's phone began to play Filthy Gorgeous by the Scissor Sisters and Blaine began to shake his head. “What is it with you and Kurt using custom ring tones?” he muttered as he rubbed his chin with his hand against the stubble of his faint beard. Blaine himself had refused to give into any peer pressure and join that trend, for one thing Blaine would be either too embarrassed on what he'd want to choose, or feel worried that he might offend someone. Blaine knew that neither Kurt nor Sebastian had such thoughts. “Who is that?” he asked.

Sebastian grinned at Blaine as he let the song play for a bit longer before he finally answered the call. “Someone who usually never calls me,” Sebastian told Blaine. “Why Kurt, I'm surprised you're calling me, this is the first time I've heard from you since you left. What did you miss me that much?” he taunted.

“Yes actually, I'm calling to declare my undying love for you, Sebastian,” Kurt muttered sarcastically.

“Uh huh and the real reason you're calling is,” Sebastian asked, not wanting to put enough effort in playing along with Kurt's act. As tempting as it would be to torture Blaine by pretending to be all sickeningly lovey-dovey, he wanted to keep from vomiting up his lunch.

“Well I know Blaine's working so I figure I'd at least show some courtesy and let you know when I'll be home. Considering we're roommates and you'd have time to clear up whatever train-wreck you left at the apartment, inanimate or human,” Kurt explained.

“How considerate of you but the apartments fine, I haven't touched any of your clothes either. Though I drank all of your beer but you left it in the fridge since it was fair game,” Sebastian declared.

“It's the cheap stuff anyway, which you are well use to.”

“So you're actually coming back then?” Sebastian asked.

“Yes, I'm at the half way mark right now, so I'll be back in a few hours, four max,” Kurt answered, finding no urge to dodge the question. “Anything of importance happen while I was away?” Kurt asked and he hoped he wouldn't regret the question.

Sebastian glanced over at Blaine in front of him as he raised an eyebrow to the question. Blaine simply glared at him and Sebastian decided to humour him. “Nothing of any real importance. Want to hear what my number count is now instead?”

“Fuck no!” Kurt shouted through the phone.

“Kurt, you're scaring Blaine,” Sebastian chided.

“Blaine's there? Are you stalking him to the point of showing up at his work now?” Kurt demanded with a groan.

“Not like you're here to police me, Kurt,” Sebastian pointed out.

“Which I wouldn't do even if I were there! Blaine can take care of himself,” Kurt barked back.

“Really? That's interesting that you think that...” Sebastian said as he smirked at Blaine. “If only he knew,” he whispered to Blaine with a wink.

“Thanks Kurt, things are going fine here.” Blaine said as Sebastian put the phone close to his face. Blaine was sure he had wanted him to say something entirely different but he wasn't about to let Sebastian get his way again anytime soon, once was more than enough.

“Good, I knew you'd be alright without me,” Kurt said.

“I don't know if that's exactly true, I'm glad you're coming back though,” Blaine said with a laugh.

“Me too, how's the weather?” Kurt asked.

“Foggy,” Sebastian answered before Blaine had a chance too.

“Good, that's just what I need,” Kurt said.

“Are you covered in freckles now, Kurt?” Sebastian asked. “Can I play connect the dots on your skin when you get back?”

“Fuck off, Sebastian,” Kurt muttered, in truth he had almost missed being able to say that on a regular basis. “Anyway I'm going to get back on the road, see you soon, boys,” Kurt told them and he ended the call before they could say their goodbyes.

“So the big question I'm wondering is Blaine, will you be okay when Kurt gets back? Or will you crack under the pressure?” Sebastian asked him as he leaned in close to Blaine.

Blaine wasn't Kurt, he wasn't about to allow Sebastian to get that close and think it was fine. That their sleeping together once wasn't an open invitation to grope and kiss him in public, or even in private. “I'll be fine,” he simply answered as he pulled back to add the proper amount of distance between them. “Don't worry about me, focus on yourself as usual,” he assured him.

Sebastian was beginning to bore from the whole exchange so he stood up at headed for the door. Just before leaving he turned and smirked at Blaine maliciously. “Good, because I told Kurt you know about him and I being fuck buddies, just for the record,” Sebastian informed him and he was out the door without another word.

Leaving Blaine to sit at the counter gaping and he fought to recover; only it wasn't that easy to accomplish. “Fucking hell, Sebastian!” Blaine swore under his breath. He now had a reason for his life to be a bit more complicated. “Why me,” Blaine muttered weakly as he grabbed for his guitar and decided to deal with it all like most musicians did, he'd write a song about it. Yet so far the only title that came to mind was; 'The many reasons why Sebastian Smythe is a Dick'. It might not ever reach the top 40 chart, but it would be just as rewarding for Blaine none the less. If anything he knew Kurt would approve. ______________________________________________________________________________

True to his assumptions before he had even left, when Kurt returned home and walked through the door, the sight before him proved his absence had made no different for him, or his roommate. Not when Kurt stepped through the door to discover Sebastian fucking some guy over the kitchen table and Kurt didn't bother to react to the erotic scene. Since moving in with Sebastian he'd walked in on him having sex well over thirteen times and he wasn't even keeping track. “Well nothings changed here,” Kurt said to no one in particular as he walked past Sebastian and headed to his bedroom, ignoring him and the noises he and his sex partner were making.

“Miss me, Kurt?” Sebastian taunted, as usual the fact that he was having sex with someone didn't affect the casual tone he spoke in.

“Hmm? Not really no, at least for the most part,” Kurt called back from his bedroom as he began to unpack already.

“I was expecting some tender exchange, this blows,” Sebastian teased.

“Maybe focus on blowing the guy you're fucking?” Kurt suggested.

“I think he has a point,” the guy said in agreement and he let out a long moan.

Kurt closed his bedroom door and was relieved when Sebastian took the suggestion to heart and stopped their weird conversation, not that Kurt found it awkward, but others he knew would of. As he finished putting away the last of his new clothing he had bought in LA, Mr. Blue Sky began to play on his phone and Kurt quickly answered the call.

“Hi Blaine, I just got home, working on unpacking at the moment,” Kurt told him.

“Welcome back Kurt, want me to come over and help with that?” Blaine offered.

“Uh...” Kurt started as he paused to listen and peered out into the hallway, Sebastian was still hard at work causing the guy he was with to scream out with pleasure and Kurt hoped the table would survive the act. “...that's not really a good idea,” Kurt finished.

“Oh, are you too tired?” Blaine asked as his voice fell, he tried to take the rejection in stride but it was hard.

Kurt could hear the disappointment in Blaine's voice and that caught him off guard. “Oh Blaine no, I actually would love to see you...” Kurt began and then he heard the word, the word he rarely ever said, and remembering the whole shower scene with Sebastian, no, it meant nothing he told himself. “It's just... Sebastian's... sort of...getting busy with some guy in the kitchen... and from the sounds of it they're far from done. Nor do I trust Sebastian to think he'll move to his bedroom anytime soon,” Kurt explained.

“Are you serious?” Blaine blurted out in shock, he knew Sebastian was lewd at times but this was almost too much.

“Oh this is nothing new for me, I've walked on him more times than I can count. I don't care either, he cleans up after his mess at least,” Kurt told him without holding back, showing how little it affected him. “Anyway, it might be wise to stay away,” Kurt suggested.

“Yeah I can only imagine what would happen if I walked in the door. Well nothing would happen but still! I'll uh... have to live without seeing your face for a little while longer I guess,” Blaine admitted sheepishly.

Kurt paused and he felt himself blush, he began to scowl at himself and shook his head sharply. “You really missed me?” he asked softly, hating himself for his moment of weakness.

“Of course Kurt, we're friends aren't we?” Blaine replied with a laugh, forcing him to make it seem far less complex that it really was. If he had allowed himself to be truthful Blaine would of made a bold declaration of his undying love for Kurt and how much he had missed him.

Kurt let out a sigh of relief; he was being stupid for nothing. He had let his mind get the better of him and fear things were much more serious, once again reality proved himself wrong. “That we are Blaine, and I missed you too,” Kurt admitted lightly.

“Can we have a rain check then? You could probably use a good rest anyway,” Blaine offered.

“ Oh, Fuck yeah!” Sebastian shouted so loudly that even Blaine could hear him over the phone.

The pair of friends broke out laughing and Kurt knew for sure that nothing had changed between the three of them in the least and he was glad that was the case. “Yeah, that's probably for the best,” Kurt agreed.