One step outside of Damien's apartment and the ache Finn felt for the vampire nearly catapulted him back inside the door. It was as if he and Damien were joined by some invisible thread, which tugged at him with an insistent desperation. Instead of dissipating the further Finn walked away, the sensation only seemed to grow that much stronger. He regretted Damien not being able to feed from him. Maybe if he had, then Finn might have been more at ease with the separation. He reached up and absently traced the fang marks Mike had left. And Finn realized he hadn't processed the idea that his friend was now one of the undead. His every thought was filled with Damien, and knowing that he wouldn't be able to see him for a while tore the jock up inside.

Lightheaded and exhausted, Finn stumbled toward his house and found both the front porch light on and one illuminating the living room. He swayed on his feet, fishing out his key and stumbling through the door. His legs turned to jelly, and Finn fell to his knees and pitched forward onto the carpet with a groan.

Kurt was up from the couch like a shot had been fired. He flung aside the blanket he'd been huddled under and bolted to the door. Despite Finn being face-first on the carpet, it was a vast relief to see that not only was he home but he'd made his way inside at least by himself. It was a good sign. "Finn?" Kurt knelt and gently tugged and pulled until he managed to get Finn onto his back. He was pale, and there were fresh bite marks on his neck, but he looked otherwise unharmed, and Kurt said a silent prayer of thanks for that. He didn't have much more color in his own cheeks, and his eyes were still red from crying most of the night. "Finn, let's get you upstairs." Then he could tell his dad and Carol that Finn was home and mostly safe, the police could be notified... and then, Kurt realized, he had absolutely no idea what he was going to do with himself.

Finn nodded mutely, allowing Kurt to help him to his room. His head swam and it took a monumental effort to force his seemingly boneless limbs into action. Even though he was back home, Finn's mind was elsewhere. The palpable ache of being separated from Damien clawed and tore at him. How would be be able to make it through the next few days without seeing him? A soft groan escaped his lips as he tumbled into his bed. It was close to morning, and as if he were in tune with the vampire he longed for, Finn felt the inexorable pull of sleep. Without a single word to Kurt, he closed his eyes and drifted away.

Though it would have been better if he could have eaten something, sleep would do Finn good too. Kurt tried to ignore the way his heart hammered in his chest as he made his way down the hall and knocked on his father's door. At the sound of Carol's soft voice, he opened it. "Finn's back," he reported, and the smile on the woman's face went miles toward making him feel less wretched. Because that was the important thing, wasn't it? Finn's safe return? "He's asleep. He's... he was bitten again, but he... I think he's okay."

Burt visibly relaxed at the news, although worry continued to crease his brow. "Are you sure he's okay?" he asked, struggling to sit up. Carol placed a calming hand on her husband's shoulder. Burt glanced up at her, insisting, "We have to call the police, get Finn to the hospital."

"Shh," Carol soothed, "I'll go and check on him and let the cops know he's back." She turned to her stepson. "Kurt, will you stay with your father?"

Kurt nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?" In the wake of his relief, Kurt was beginning to feel the gnawing pain set in once more. Everything had changed so quickly for the better in his life only to have all of the hope and love that had flooded in torn away just as quickly. He had to swallow to keep from letting the whimper building up inside escape. He couldn't let his father see the pain. Burt had enough on his mind, was far too stressed out already. Hurt though he was by his father's wishes, Kurt didn't want to lose the only real family he had left either.

"I feel better knowing Finn's home," Burt replied, still looking anxious. He noted the distress in his son's eyes, despite Kurt trying his best to hide it from him. As badly as he wanted to give him anything he wanted, being with a vampire was where Burt Hummel drew the line. His reasons were many, even if he couldn't express them to Kurt. Even if it meant risking his son hating him, Burt would make any sacrifice in order to keep him safe. "Kurt," he started, only to break off when Carol returned.

"I called an ambulance," she explained hurriedly. "Finn's pulse is weak, and I'm not taking any chances." Carol turned to her stepson. "Will you stay here and look after your father? I'll call as soon as I know your brother's okay."

"There's something I want to tell you, but Carol made me promise not to." It was the closest Burt could get to telling Kurt the truth without going into detail about their own lives. "I feel like I'm betraying her in a way, Kurt." He paused, then sighed heavily. "And I wouldn't share this unless I thought it was absolutely necessary." Squeezing his son's hand, Burt confided, "Finn's father was pretty messed up after the war. He got into a bad scene that ultimately led to his death." It was difficult relating all of this to Kurt, despite the fact that the two of them could talk about almost anything. "Kurt, he was killed by vampires."

Kurt's jaw dropped. He almost asked if Finn knew, but he already knew the answer to that. Of course he didn't. They wouldn't tell Finn that. Finn worshipped his father, loved him despite never having had the chance to really know him. "I... had no idea." Of course Carol was frantic. Of course his father was worried, protective at the idea that he might get involved in something similar. No amount of him telling him that Blaine could be trusted would really make it true for Burt after what he'd seen and been through. That realization came with a crushing certainty, and Kurt realized that he'd been hoping with time his father might get used to the idea and soften his views on vampires. "I won't tell Finn, don't worry." His voice sounded hollow even to his own ears, but Kurt lacked the energy to put anymore force behind the words.

"Thank you, Kurt," Burt replied, settling back into bed. "Carol never wanted you or your brother to know." There was so much more he wanted to relate to his son, but Burt couldn't. He just had to hope that learning about Finn's father's demise would help Kurt understand the danger he was in. Closing his eyes to rest, Burt remained aware of his son remaining by his side. Only the ringing of the telephone disturbed his rest. It was Carol. Burt felt a pang of guilt hearing his wife's voice and not being able to physically be there for her. "Finn needs a transfusion," he related the news to Kurt. "They're going to keep him overnight, then let him come home tomorrow."

Kurt nodded. He could feel the weight of the day crushing in on him, and it was hard not to cry. "Can I stay with you tonight?" he asked, sounding for all the world as if he was closer to six than to eighteen. But it had all been far, far too hard. It was one thing staying away from Blaine. Kurt could do that for his father, for his family. He just didn't think he'd ever be able to stop loving Blaine, and that weight was already becoming too heavy to bear. The thought of lying in the dark alone was too much.

"Course you can, buddy." Although Burt was relieved that his revelation about Finn's father had opened Kurt's eyes to the danger he was in, he hated having to hurt his son in order to get through to him. He hoped and prayed that Kurt could meet some nice normal guy. Someone who would treat him right, love him him, and take his mind completely off of those damn vampires. Reaching for the remote, Burt switched on the TV and there was Sue Sylvester campaigning against the "undead menace." //Never thought I'd agree with that woman...// He quickly changed the channel, settling for a mindless sitcom. "Don't worry. I'll be okay, and so will your brother."

Kurt eventually dropped off from sheer exhaustion. Despite the late hour, he knew he couldn't tolerate just staying at home, so instead Kurt got himself ready and made his way to school. He felt and looked far less put together than normal, but at least he was there. Kurt didn't even bother to try to hide the wounds on his neck. Maybe he wouldn't ever get to see Blaine again, but that didn't mean he was any less proud to have been with the man. Besides, news of what he and Finn had been up to was already spreading through the school like wildfire.

Kurt pointedly ignored the whispering and was immensely grateful when Mercedes fell into step beside him. She didn't say a word, just slid her arm through his and offered a warm smile. By the time they reached the choir room, Kurt felt ready to collapse despite having only suffered through half the day, but it helped to have his friend there and supporting him no matter what she might think of his nocturnal activity. "I'll tell you about it," Kurt finally promised, resting his head on Mercedes' shoulder, "just... when it hurts a little less."

"Don't worry, Boo. I got you either way." Mercedes patted his leg affectionately and her glare positively dared Puck - whose eyes had lit up at the possibility of finding out just a little bit more when he spotted Kurt - to come any closer.

Despite being physically and emotionally exhausted, Finn had insisted on going to school when he woke up that afternoon. His mother had protested, of course, but Finn used the "attack" to his advantage and pointed out that he'd rather be with his friends than stay alone in his room all day. Carol had reluctantly given her blessing, making Finn promise to call if he even started to feel the least bit dizzy. He ignored all of the stares he received in the school halls. His only thoughts were for Damien. Although Finn was grateful that the vampire had allowed him to retain his memory this time, not being able to see him had brought on the most horrible ache he'd ever known. Extensive questioning by the police had gone nowhere. Finn wasn't about to tell anyone about Damien, and he couldn't even if he'd wanted to. Vampire magic, or whatever it was, kept his lips sealed tight.

Stumbling into the choir room, and looking for all the world like death warmed over, the jock fell into an empty chair beside his stepbrother. "Are you okay?" he whispered to Kurt. It was ironic he was asking about the other teen's well-being when he Kurt appeared flawless as usual.

Kurt felt his hackles raise, but he knew Finn was being kind. It wasn't actually his fault that things were so thoroughly in disarray. He sat up gingerly and tried to smile, mostly failing at the attempt, "I'm fine. A little tired. Shouldn't you be home sleeping?"

"Dude, screw that! You should be giving me details," Puck protested. Mercedes' protection only seemed to extend to Kurt, so he took that as an invitation to try and get further information out of his friend instead. "We're bros. Bros share these things."

"There's nothing to share," Finn replied, sinking down into his chair as if to make himself invisible. "I don't remember anything." He folded his arms across his chest, closing his eyes and seeing only one image in his mind: Damien. Why couldn't he see him? It didn't make any sense even though the vampire had explained it to him. He could be careful. Nobody had to know about them. Both wounds on his throat ached beneath the bandages, and again, Finn found himself almost swamped by the need to be bitten again. Ignoring Puck, he turned to Kurt and said softly, "The cops mentioned something about a curfew. Do you really think they'd do that?"

Part of Kurt hoped that they would. Then he wouldn't be able to give in to his own temptations no matter how much his resolve wavered. Neither would Finn. //Not that Blaine would want me anymore... not after last night.// Kurt blinked away tears and shrugged, trying hard to look disinterested while Puck scowled at the back of Finn's head. "Possibly. The police said some vampire showed up at the club covered in blood. Hardly business as usual. Lima isn't exactly progressive anyway," he added stiffly. "They're just looking for a reason."

"Covered in blood?" Finn echoed, only to wince when he realized his words were a little louder than they should have been. Something stirred deep within him at the mention of blood. Instead of being repulsed, it excited and aroused him. He remembered the way Damien's tongue had coursed over his neck, lavishly sampling the tide of crimson which streamed from Mike Chang's bite. Groaning, Finn tipped forward in his seat and held his head in his hands. He didn't feel good at all. What he needed most couldn't be solved with medicine. Only Damien could provide the comfort he ached for.

Will Schuester took note of Finn's plight, and was kneeling by his side in an effort to check on him. "Finn, are you alright? You shouldn't have come to school today."

"It's... it's okay," the clearly distressed jock said shakily. "I just need... some air." Finn abruptly stood up and made for the door. That was a big mistake, as the whole world suddenly started to spin. He shambled down the hall, looking like a rejected zombie from a cheesy B movie, until he reached the boys' restroom. Finn hurled himself inside, grateful to find it empty as he made a beeline for the sink and splashed cool water on his face.

"Finn?" Kurt approached his stepbrother cautiously. Finn had looked shaken beyond anything he'd expected. It was even more confusing after their talk the day before. It had honestly sounded as if despite the glamour, Finn had enjoyed himself. But now he was acting as if he'd been traumatized, and Kurt found himself getting whiplash trying to follow the other teen's moods and control his own at the same time. "Are you alright?" Gently he laid a hand on Finn's back. He hoped that the simple gesture might not be crossing the line. At times he still felt that they were finding their footing together, and Kurt didn't want to break the tenuous truce that had only been weakened by their mutual experiences at the Last Drop. "I can drive you home."

When Finn glanced up in the mirror over the sink, he almost didn't recognize himself. Pale, with dark circles under his eyes, and yet it was the mark of having been with a vampire, of being with Damien, and he couldn't be horrified by it. Instead he embraced it. His gaze settled on Kurt, standing behind him with concern glimmering in his eyes. "Maybe mom was right; I should've stayed home," he admitted, finally turning to face his stepbrother. "I feel like I'm going crazy." In all honesty, Kurt was the only person in the world who could possibly understand how he felt. Although he couldn't talk about or even mention Damien's name, there was a sudden desperation in Finn's voice as he confessed with no shame. "I want to be bitten again."

It was a sentiment that Kurt understood heartily, though he recognized quickly that Finn's reasons were probably different from his own. He wanted to belong to Blaine, to be as close to the vampire as possible, but it went deeper than any physical hunger. When he'd been with Blaine, it was like he felt whole for the first time in his life. Finn showed an entirely different sort of desperation. He was shaking, pale. It was easy to see the need etched across his face, and Kurt wished he could soothe away that hunger. "Let's go home. We can talk there without anyone overhearing, alright?" It wasn't really a matter of saving face, at least not for himself. Finn had some standing at the school, was still the quarterback, still looked up to. Since he was in no position to protect himself, Kurt knew it was his job.

Finn just nodded, hugging himself like a lost little boy. He was usually the one looking out for Kurt, not the other way around. As if on cue, the bathroom door opened and Dave Karofsky stalked inside. Karofsky took one look at Kurt and Finn together, and of course, had to say exactly the wrong thing. "What's up, Hudson? He giving you make-up tips?"

Something snapped in Finn, and with an abrupt rush of anger and surprising strength, he grabbed the other jock by the collar of his letterman jacket and slammed him against the wall. "Don't fuck with me today! Don't you fucking open your shitty mouth around me or my brother unless you want me to rip it off your face!" Tempted to do exactly that regardless if Karofsky uttered another word, Finn released his grip and emerged out into the hallway trembling more than ever. He stumbled toward the exit and didn't stop until he reached the parking lot. Leaning against Kurt's SUV, he breathed heavily in the afternoon sun, feeling as if he was going to black out and pitch forward into the asphalt.

Kurt found himself staring at Karofsky, their expressions of shock near mirrors of one another. Recovering first, Kurt brushed past the stunned jock to run after Finn. He found his stepbrother looking ready to pass out. "Get in. Into the car." It was definitely better that they get the hell out of dodge before Karofsky recovered and decided to grab some friends. Kurt helped Finn climb into the SUV and even buckled him in when Finn showed no real signs of wanting to do so himself. The whole drive home, Kurt kept looking nervously over at the other teen. Finn was having a breakdown. Obviously. "Did you... remember anything else? Last night, do you... do you remember it?"

Lying to Kurt had to be one of the worst feelings in the world, Finn reckoned. He shifted uncomfortably in the passenger seat, not meeting his stepbrother's deeply concerned gaze. "No," he muttered, glancing out of the window. "Just... feelings. It's all mixed up." Even if he could tell Kurt about Damien, Finn wasn't sure he could explain what was happening. He'd always been so certain about who he was, where he was going. Now everything had changed. He was aching for a vampire, and not only that, a man. Trying to distract himself from his thoughts of Damien, Finn blurted out, "I remember seeing Mike Chang." Damien had said about keeping Mike a secret. "He's a vampire."

The words drew a gasp of shock from Kurt. He looked over at Finn as if he might find that the other boy was lying, but Finn looked soberly serious about it. "Oh my god... I... that explains why he fell off the face of the earth. I had no idea... Of course, no one did. God, I should call Tina..." It had been a long time before Mike's ex had finally gotten over expecting him to return, and Kurt had no clue how she would react to the news that he was still in town, he just wasn't alive anymore in a technical sense. "Was he... okay?"

"Yeah, he seemed to be..." //He was especially okay biting my neck and drinking my blood,// Finn thought, keeping that little morsel of information to himself. "But... I don't think he wants anyone to know. That he's a vampire." Finn couldn't be sure, but he got the sense that Mike had no intention of revisiting his old life. "That's... all I remember. Seeing him." Again, lying to Kurt wasn't his favorite thing in the world to do. It made Finn want to curl up into a little ball and hide in shame. "It's just the feelings that keep coming back. Of being bitten... of being with him... that vampire... and wanting it to happen." He finally glanced at his stepbrother again, wondering aloud. "I've really lost it, haven't I?"

Kurt could read Finn's anxiousness easily, but he assumed that it was because of everything he'd been through and how difficult the situation was for him to process. "No... no, you haven't lost it. You've been through something big, and it's... well, it's a change." Kurt wasn't sure what the right thing to say was. He pulled into the driveway and led the charge back into the house. "There's nothing wrong with you. You just need to give yourself a chance to adjust." After everything he'd been through chasing after Finn, he couldn't help but wonder how much the sudden obsession with whoever had attacked Finn had to do with the fact that it was a man. "Have you ever - please don't be offended by the question, but - have you ever thought about... about any, um, any guys this way before?"

//Oh god...// This was an area Finn really did not want to get into, especially with Kurt of all people. He glanced away from his stepbrother's gaze as he trudged into his room. "I don't want you to hate me if I said yes," Finn murmured, sinking down on his bed. "Look, this's just between us, right? It won't go any further?" He sighed, feeling another pang of guilt. "Sorry, you know I trust you. We're bros." His pulse racing, Finn admitted, "Yeah, I've thought about guys before. Was so sure I was straight, I mean really, really sure." A slight shake of his head, and then, "That's why I freaked when you liked me. Cause I didn't know how to deal with it. Not you, Kurt--myself."

Though Kurt's initial reaction was a brief flare of pain, he forced himself to take a few moments more to process what Finn was saying and finally sighed. "I actually understand that. And... I didn't exactly make it easy for either of us." In retrospect, Kurt understood well how much of a mess he'd made with Finn. If they'd ever had a chance, he'd killed it himself by being so overzealous. "I have no intention of telling anyone about any of this, and I doubt Karofsky will be mentioning it either." As much as Finn's outburst had frightened him at the time, Kurt couldn't help but smiling at the memory of how shocked the other jock had looked. "As for thinking about guys or... or being attracted to the man you were with... well, it's up to you what you do with that." Out of respect for Finn's boundaries, Kurt had taken a seat in the other teen's desk chair. "For now I think it's just best that we listen to Carol and dad. We owe it to them."

"Yeah, you're right," Finn begrudgingly agreed. He had no intention of doing anything of the sort, however. The second Damien called for him, he would be out of the house like a shot. Again, he felt a nervous tremor quake through his body. Stronger from the blood transfusion, Finn still felt as if he might black out at any moment. It was all because of the overwhelming ache he felt for Damien. The wounds on his neck throbbed, and the jock found himself absently rubbing the bandage covering them. He couldn't understand why Kurt wasn't in a similar state of distress. His stepbrother had also been bitten, and yet Kurt didn't seem to be in the same boat. "I think I'll be okay if I get some more rest," he decided, falling back onto his pillows. "Erm, Kurt? Thanks for talking, and... not being mad at me."

"I'm not," Kurt answered at once. "It's... this is a lot. For both of us." He hesitated in the doorway, uncertain at the idea of leaving Finn entirely by himself. He was acting so strange and so little like himself that it seemed like a dangerous risk. "I could always get the air mattress and take the floor just... until you're feeling a little better. Your mother would never forgive me if I let you collapse trying to get to the shower or something." It was a weak excuse, but Kurt hoped Finn's muddled thoughts might make more sense of it than there was.

Finn's first instinct was to gently turn down Kurt's offer. He wanted to be alone, but he didn't trust himself enough to stay put. Damien had promised to call for him... only what if he couldn't wait? What was keeping him at home and not running off into the night? "You'd really do that for me?" Finn said, sounding almost surprised. "I mean, yeah. That'd be cool. Thanks." He appreciated his stepbrother's company more than he could possibly express. Kurt was the only person who could even come close to understanding what he was going through.

"I suppose it's fair to confess that it isn't entirely selfless," Kurt admitted. He shrugged and ducked his head as he confessed, "I stayed with dad last night. It's just... it's too hard to be alone right now." Speaking the words brought tears to his eyes, and Kurt had to brush them from his eyes. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He darted from the room before the tears could start to fall in earnest. He didn't exactly want to be a sobbing mess when he was supposed to be supporting Finn. By the time Kurt returned, decked out in simple blue cotton pajamas and toting the air mattress, some pillows and a fluffy blanket, he felt far more in control of himself. "Be warned, I will wake you if you snore."

"I do not snore," Finn groused, unsure whether Kurt was teasing him or not. You never could tell with his stepbrother. Still fully dressed, the jock kicked off his shoes and tore off his shirt. His jeans were next, leaving him in his boxers as he dived under the covers of his bed. Finn sighed as his head hit the pillow. He appreciated Kurt's company, but he still couldn't shake the overwhelming desire to run out of the house and make a beeline for Damien's apartment. Rolling onto his side, Finn glanced at Kurt and confessed, "Sometimes... all of this feels like a dream. Vampires being real and everything. It's like any minute Mom's gonna wake me up and tell me I'm late for school, and... I'll wake up and find the world back to the way it was." His eyes darted away almost sheepishly. He usually wasn't this introspective.

"I know what you mean," Kurt agreed with a sigh as he finally flopped back onto the newly-inflated mattress. "It's surreal." Part of him was still waiting for the punchline because surely meeting and falling in love with a vampire couldn't end so simply as all this. "Figures somehow. I meet someone... someone really wonderful and... and then it's just done. Gone. Because of what he is." Kurt shook his head and reminded himself firmly that this was supposed to be about Finn. "It'll get easier. I'm sure it will," he told his brother, rolling onto his side so that he could look up at the other teen. "We just... we have to be a little patient in the meantime. Remember why we're... why we're holding ourselves back."

"But I don't want to hold myself back," he protested, scrutinizing Kurt closer. Although Damien had imprinted in his glamour the task of keeping his stepbrother and Blaine apart, Finn couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt over the sadness in Kurt's eyes. "You really like that vampire, don't you?" Exhaling deeply, he closed his eyes and tried to shut out the voice in his mind telling him Kurt's actions were was wrong and dangerous. "I'm sorry, Kurt... I really am," Finn murmured. "The way I've been acting, I'm the last person in the world to butt in." Damien's orders were clear. "You don't want to end up like me. So, please... try to forget about him, okay? There'll be somebody else."

Knowing he'd already failed rather spectacularly at keeping the focus on Finn, Kurt tried to get his thoughts together. "It's just... I know our parents are scared for us. They want us safe, and I... I can't lose my dad." The thought alone made Kurt's voice shake as he continued, "But it isn't about the... thrill or whatever. I know it doesn't make any sense at all. I barely know him. It shouldn't be anything, but it... is. It is. It's... I can stay away from him for my dad's sake. I have to. But I don't know if... if I can stop being in love with him." That was the thought that terrified Kurt. He was alternately scared that somehow he'd lose the painful ache of wanting Blaine and the vampire would be gone from his heart someday and scared that Blaine would be there forever and leave no room for anyone else. "I don't know if I want to stop."

It pained Finn deeply to hear Kurt speak about his love for Blaine, especially when Damien had ordered him to help keep the two of them apart. He'd really never questioned it until now. Why was Damien so adamant about it? What harm was it causing? Was Damien... jealous? Finn didn't like to think about that. It stirred up a whole whirlwind of feelings, not least of all his confusion over where things stood between him and the vampire. "That's my problem, too," he admitted in a whisper. "I don't know if I want whatever's happening to stop." Something akin to a frenzy glittered in Finn's eyes as he recalled the rush of being fed upon. But again, he had to cover it with lies so that his stepbrother wouldn't be suspicious. "I... I don't remember much, but I do know I like it when he drinks my blood. Sometimes... I wish he could drink it all."

"Finn!" Kurt's eyes were wide with alarm, and he sat up before he could get any sort of control. "You... you can't talk like that. Please? This... whoever this vampire is, he's already come close enough. He should be careful with you. If he cared, he'd be careful." The very idea made Kurt indignant, a response he knew was both fruitless and perhaps silly. But Blaine had been so gentle with him, had been so worried over his health that it made Kurt angry to think that whoever had been with Finn hadn't. Normally Finn was the one protecting him, but Kurt found himself rather suddenly understanding the flip side of the coin. "I don't want anything to happen to you. I know we haven't always been close, but... you're my brother now. I don't have enough family that I intend to give any of it."

Kurt's concerned outburst snapped Finn out of the trance he had zoned himself out in. It meant a lot to hear how much his stepbrother genuinely cared about him. "Hey, it's cool, dude," he tried to calm Kurt. "I don't have a death wish or anything." Of course he didn't want to die. But, when he was with Damien, he also didn't want the vampire to stop feeding. When he was being bitten nothing in the world had ever felt so good or more right to Finn. He shook his head to clear his thoughts as he started to become overwhelmed by the need to see Damien again. "Maybe we'd better talk about something else? I don't think this's good for either one of us."

"You're absolutely right." The more he thought about Blaine, the more unfair it seemed and the more he wanted to try to find a way to convince his father that he just needed to get to know Blaine. Because that wasn't going to happen. "I think we should find something to sing for glee. We've hardly been at practice, and... well, with everyone talking, we may as well at least give them something constructive to talk about. We've apparently attained some small celebrity status. Why not use it to our advantage and blow everyone away with something spectacular?"

Finn considered Kurt's proposition for a moment, and then agreed with a decisive nod of his head. "Okay, but let's steer clear of any vampire songs," he advised, doubting that his stepbrother would want to go down that route anyway. "The last thing I want is to give Puck anymore ammunition." When Puck was trying to pry information out of him in class, he was texting him endlessly for details. Finn had made it clear in no uncertain terms that his and Kurt's personal lives were their own, and that meant off limits. However, that did little to deter Puck. "Tell you what, I'll leave the choice up to you, buddy. You know I trust your judgment."

Kurt brightened visibly at the praise. He knew it was probably bull, but that didn't make it any less pleasant to hear. "I think you're right... something bright... light..." He knew that if they picked something dramatic, he'd end up falling to pieces and just making another scene to run off to the bathroom and cry. That was absolutely and positively out of the question. "We could always get Tina and Mercedes to help... do something like 'Lady Marmalade'." Of everyone in the Glee club, they were the least likely to ask too many questions or pry into areas that neither boy was quite ready to reveal yet.

It wasn't Finn's style, but he'd settle for just about anything so long as it distracted him. The more time slowly ticked by, the worse his craving to be with Damien again became. "Sounds cool," he agreed, rolling back over onto his back and pulling the sheet up to his chest. "You set it up, and we'll start practicing." It sounded so normal that Finn could almost believe that the past few days had really been part of a hazy dream. That is if it weren't for the constant throbbing of the wounds adorning his neck. Sighing, he closed his eyes and tried to block out the image of Damien haunting his mind. "Kurt," he started, "thanks... I mean it, I owe you one."

Kurt smiled in the dark room. "No, you don't. We're brothers. We're supposed to be there for each other, to help each other. I haven't always done that the right way in the past, but I want to do it right now." He rolled onto his stomach and sighed. "We should get some sleep. Tomorrow I'll finalize a song decision and maybe we can practice a little before first period." They knew one another's style well enough that Kurt had no doubt they could hammer something out quickly whether they brought the girls in or not. "Maybe just the two of us... anyway, sweet dreams, Finn. If you need anything, just... wake me up. I'll be right here."

It seemed to take forever for Finn to go sleep, and when he finally succumbed, his dreams were sweet indeed. Damien beckoned to him in his slumbering mind, calling out to him, arms open wide in invitation. Finn could have happily lost himself, preferring to stay unconscious if it meant Damien returned to him. He shifted in bed, fisting the sheets as the vampire devoured him in his dreams. He could feel Damien's mouth--cool, wet, and insistent--on his throat, his fangs slicing into his neck... blood flowing. Without even realizing it Finn was openly moaning, writhing in bed...

The sounds eventually woke Kurt. It wasn't much of a loss. He'd been lost to dreams himself, another rather nasty nightmare that had left a cold sweat over his skin and a knot in the pit of his stomach. Spending all his waking hours and his nights lost in worry for Blaine was exhausting. The meaning of the sounds registered slowly on his sleepy brain, and Kurt felt his cheeks flush. There was a time when he would have paid good money to hear Finn Hudson moaning in the dark. Now it was uncomfortable and more than slightly awkward. "Finn?" Nothing changed, and Kurt suspected his hesitant call hadn't been loud enough. He cleared his throat and called out more stridently, "FINN!"

"Wha--?!" Finn jerked awake. He blinked in the darkness of the room, unsure as to where he was. Realization dawned, and he sat up in bed--covered in sweat, chest heaving, and achingly hard--he was crushed to discover he wasn't at Damien's apartment but in his very own bedroom. Brushing a hand through his warm, damp hair, Finn tried to hold onto the dream, but the images faded away too quickly. He gave a token moan before glancing at the clock. In an hour, it would be time to be up and get ready for school. "Sorry about that," he apologized to Kurt. "Crazy dream..." Finn gathered the sheet around him, hoping that his stepbrother hadn't noticed just how arousing the dream had been for him.

Though Kurt was aware of Finn's state in an objective sense, he'd been spared the specifics mostly through virtue of carefully not looking. "It's alright. I just..." He shrugged and threw back the covers. "Well, I'm going to take a shower and get dressed. If we're already awake, we may as well go in and rehearse. I think I've decided on the perfect song." He hoped he sounded perky. Certainly Kurt felt anything but. He felt as if he'd been chewed up and spit out. He felt as if he hadn't slept in a month. He felt terribly, terribly lonely. Kurt swallowed hard and forced a smile before he flounced off to his own room to get ready for the day. Utterly uninspired, only sheer force of will made Kurt put any effort at all into looking put together. They were going to perform, and he intended to look stunning doing it even if he felt like death warmed over. As soon as he dubbed himself perfectly coiffed, Kurt returned to Finn's room and knocked sharply on the door. "Let's go. We can grab something at Starbucks for breakfast on the way in."

Having taken a very, very cold shower, Finn managed to pull himself together by the time Kurt rapped on his door. He looked like hell, but didn't care. White as a sheet, and sporting dark circles under his eyes, the jock was a shell of his former self. The only time he seemed to come alive lately was after dark, and then he didn't feel complete unless he was with Damien. As crazy as it all seemed Finn didn't question it. He would go to the vampire--somehow, someway--the moment Damien called for him. If he could make it that long... "Okay, I'm coming," he announced, opening the door and joining his stepbrother. Finn purposefully avoided Kurt's gaze, not wanting to see the disapproval over his appearance.

Had Finn looked up, he would have seen worry, not disappointment. Kurt impulsively linked his arm with the other boy's just as he would have with Rachel or Mercedes. "Now, I've picked a song for us - Adam Lambert's 'Strut'. We happen to be amazing, and I think it's time that everyone noticed it has nothing to do with our choice in bars." Given that Finn looked like he might fall over if he attempted any choreography, Kurt suggested as they piled into his SUV, "Maybe you could drum for us? An impressive backbeat is absolutely essential to make this work."

"Yeah, I think maybe I can handle that," Finn agreed, climbing into the passenger seat. That simple action seemed to expend all of his strength, and he closed his eyes. exhaling deeply. He would feel better as soon as it was night. Somehow Finn instinctively knew that. It was a little beyond his understanding, but he liked to think he drew strength from Damien when the vampire woke. Isn't that how it worked in the movies? "Were you still gonna stop and get us something for breakfast?" Finn wondered aloud. "Cause I could really go for something with lots of sugar and caffeine right about now."

"I could not agree more," Kurt answered. He pulled into the drive through at Starbucks and ordered both of them something sweet and frozen along with toasted bagels. He gave explicit instructions that no cream cheese was to be spared. After all, who was he worried about counting calories for? "I think that should hold us over." Finn looked absolutely wrecked, and Kurt wished he could do something to make him feel better. The man needed rest, needed solace. Exhausted and strained as he was, Kurt had very little to offer. "You sure you're up to school today? We could always go home, watch movies..."

That sounded a hell of a lot more appealing than spending all day at school. Finn knew he wouldn't be able to focus on classes. Especially when his every thought demanded to be filled with Damien. "Mom'll kill me if I don't go," he finally decided. "I'm already getting behind, and I don't want to bring you down either. One failing grade and we'll both be out of glee." Munching on his bagel and taking a long drink from his coffee, Finn felt a little more energized. "I think I'll be okay s'long as Karofsky doesn't piss me off." He managed a smile for Kurt's benefit, adding, "Hey, I know I don't say this often enough. But you're awesome, dude. I mean it. I don't know of too many people who would put up with me. So, thanks."

"Well, who do we have if not each other? We're brothers. We're supposed to take care of one another, and... and anyway, there aren't many other people who would understand." The might have been part of the vampire culture in somewhat different ways, but at least Finn knew in a more direct way what had happened and how he felt. Once they were safely parked at the school, Kurt led the charge into the classroom, which was thankfully empty. They weren't the only glee clubbers who sometimes used the room as a safe space to escape the rest of the Neanderthals that walked the halls of McKinley. He put the cd in the player and turned up the volume. "I know it isn't your usual, but this has certainly been a week for going outside our comfort zones."

hat, Finn silently mused, was an understatement. As the music started to play, he closed his eyes and let the rhythm wash over him. Kurt was right, it wasn't his style at all. But it proved to be another much-needed distraction from the constant longing he felt for Damien. It didn't take Finn long to work out the beat on the drums, and thanks to the infusion of sugar and caffeine, he was able to get through the set without falling over. Kurt seemed to also be in better spirits, and there was always a certain glow about his stepbrother when he was performing. Once the music ended, however, Finn started to feel depressed all over again. "Okay, that was cool, and I know you were perfect, but can we do it again?" he piped up.

The suggestion brought a smile to Kurt's face. It seemed that, at least for the moment, focusing on a project was helping them both. "Of course," he agreed brightly as they ran through he song once again. By the time afternoon came, Kurt felt confident that they would absolutely bowl everyone over. The sight of Mercedes sitting and fidgeting as she caught his gaze did distract Kurt momentarily from the upcoming performance. "What is it, 'Cedes? You look like you're about to tell me you ran over my dog, but since I don't have one..."

"I did something," Mercedes half-explained, pulling a folder from her bag. "You were so sad when we talked in class earlier, and you said you didn't even have any pictures, and..." She heaved a sigh and passed the folder over to Kurt. "I didn't know if I should give to you, boo, but I think you need it."

Puzzled by the mysterious observations, Kurt opened the folder and felt his breath catch. "Oh..." Inside was a small selection of printouts from the internet, clippings from what was apparently Dalton Academy's school newspaper and even a yearbook shot of Blaine. Though his hair was gelled to within an inch of its life and he wore a sharp blazer that was a bit on the boring side - what prep school uniform wasn't? - just seeing him made Kurt want to smile and cry all at the same time. He felt Mercedes' hand on his shoulder and finally looked up, blinking back tears. "Thank you." Kurt let himself be enfolded in his friend's embrace for a moment before carefully wiping his eyes. "Can't go crying now. I refuse to perform with puffy eyes."

Finn watched in silence. He felt another pang of guilt for having been so adamant about Kurt and Blaine staying apart. Especially when it was painfully clear how much his stepbrother loved the vampire. But Damien's instructions were clear. And, even as he doubted himself, Finn could hear Damien's voice in his head. Only tragedy awaited Kurt if he persisted in his relationship with Blaine. Finn wasn't about to let anything happen to him. Even if it meant hurting Kurt in the process. Before he realized what was happening, the jock was straightening from the drums and protesting, "That was nice of you, Mercedes. But I don't think it's a good idea for Kurt. He's trying to move on, not be reminded about Blaine." Finn snapped his mouth shut, warming over his sudden outburst.

Kurt's face registered shock for a moment before he lifted his chain and squared his shoulders. "I may have to move on, but that doesn't mean I have any intention of forgetting." He held the folder to his chest protectively and only loosened his hold when he saw a hint of surrender in Finn's eyes.

As soon as everyone settled, Mr. Schuester took the floor, presenting their lesson for the week as Confidence. Everyone had been shaken by the strange goings on in Lima - and especially with Kurt and Finn - and it had definitely cast a pall over the group. "In the interest of getting our groove back, I believe Kurt and Finn have something to present?"

"Yes we do," Kurt agreed, rising from his seat and immediately taking his place in front of the crowd. In silent internal defiance of Finn's words, Kurt found himself imagining how he would sing the song if Blaine were watching. He wanted to be every bit as sexy and confident as he would have wanted to be in front of the vampire.

I want to start a revolution
A type of personal solution
We all have got our own pollution
It's all about the execution

You got something to say, your hands are tied, open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drive, don't it feel good, don't it feel hot?
Feel the fire within

By the time the chorus rolled around, Brittany and Santana had already joined him in front of the class, the three of them managing a decent routine despite the lack of preparation. He felt free of everything for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Kurt embraced the confidence and excitement of performing, the first real release he'd had since his father forbade him from seeing Blaine again.

I wanna see you strut, strut, strut, come on walk for me
Strut, strut, strut, how you wanna be
Everybody's looking for some love, but they don't know
How to let it all hang out and that's why they're solo

Solo, solo, don't wanna be solo
Solo, solo, don't wanna be solo

We're a complicated nation
And now we're in a situation
Let's take a Maybelline vacation
And get yourself some validation

You got something to say, your hands are tied, open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drive, don't it feel good, don't it feel hot?
Feel the fire within

I wanna see you strut, strut, strut, come on walk for me
Strut, strut, strut, how you wanna be
Everybody's looking for some love, but they don't know
How to let it all hang out and that's why they're solo

Solo, solo, don't wanna be solo
Solo, solo, don't wanna be solo

I'll be your mirror
Darling, let your hair down
Show me what you're working with
And let me see you

Strut, strut
Strut, strut, how you wanna be

Everybody's looking for some love, but they don't know
How to let it all hang out and that's why they're solo
Solo, solo, don't wanna be solo
Solo, solo, don't wanna be solo

Strut for me and show me what you're working with
Strut for me and show me what you're working with

Even Puck looked suitably impressed in the end despite the fact that he would normally have made some snide comment about Kurt's riding boots, the eyeliner, or the fact that he'd chosen Adam Lambert to begin with - and, more, that Finn had gone along with the selection. Apparently whatever admiration he'd gained from knowing that Kurt had been to the Last Drop and hooked himself a vampire was holding. Kurt decided to be thankful for small favors. Being thrown in a dumpster wouldn't do anything to improve his mood. As the adrenaline faded from his system, Kurt found himself feeling deflated once more. He took his place next to Mercedes and picked the folder up, holding it close again without even realizing it.

Finn realized that if he wasn't careful he would ultimately alienate Kurt. He didn't understand what Damien had against his stepbrother and Blaine being together. And it stoked the fires of jealousy deep within Finn's heart. He wanted Damien to want him. How could he make that happen if the vampire's focus was primarily on Blaine? Returning to his seat, he felt the uncomfortable air stirring between himself and Kurt. And he couldn't help but notice how the countertenor was holding onto the folder as if his life depended upon it. "I'm sorry," he whispered, trying his best to smooth things over. "Just worried 'bout you, that's all."

Kurt allowed his features to soften and caught the way Finn's eyes cut down to the folder. Only then did he notice how tightly he was hugging it and relaxed a bit. "I know. I know that you've had my best interests at heart with all this." Kurt was thankful that most of the class seemed busy and distracted with trying to convince Rachel that doing another Journey medley would be Sectionals suicide. Even Mercedes had discreetly slipped away when he and Finn started talking. "Right now it just... it feels like somebody handed me everything I wanted and then took it away." Tears were threatening again, and Kurt did his best to wipe his eyes without making a show of it. "I keep thinking that if it hurts this much now... if it hurts this much now, I don't know how I'm going to be able to breathe in a week."

Finn knew exactly how Kurt felt. Well, almost exactly. Being unable to see Damien was close to driving him insane. The thought of the vampire feeding off someone other than him drove him to distraction. Finn started to fidget as he felt the bite marks hidden beneath his bandage throb all over again. "Kurt, man, you can't keep torturing yourself like this," he whispered to his stepbrother, unsure if it was for Kurt's benefit or his own. His legs bounced with nervous energy, and the urge to tear into his skin in order to draw blood nearly overwhelmed him. "Hey, you'll take me home after school, right?" he suddenly asked. Finn didn't trust himself to be alone. Despite Damien's promise to call for him, he was afraid he would run off to find the vampire the minute the sun set.

"Of course." Kurt reached out and gave Finn's hand a warm squeeze but let go quickly enough. Finn might not care right now, but when his head was on straight again, there were things he wouldn't want whispered behind his back. "Are you ready to go?" Rachel had finished in front of the class. The inspirational round up speech would begin any moment, and the last thing Kurt really wanted was inspiration. He felt far too drained to even try faking the emotion. The performance had sapped the last of the energy out of him, and he wanted nothing more than to be safe at home. "I think we're both in need of junk food and movies tonight."

Distracted by his increasing thoughts of Damien, Finn barely registered Kurt's suggestion. "What? Oh, yeah... that sounds cool." As soon as class was over and everyone started shuffling out of the choir room, the jock straightened and got up on his feet... only to be hit with a rush of dizziness. He grabbed hold of Kurt's shoulder for support, trying not to make a show of how unstable he had become. "Let's get out of here," he murmured, barely able to hold himself together. The later the hour, the more he needed Damien. Finn really began to wonder if he was slowly going out of his mind.

Finn's distress was easy to read, and Kurt nodded as he led the other teen out to the car. He found himself afraid that Finn was going to pass out again or, maybe worse, freak out while they were in the car. Thankfully Finn managed to keep it together on the way, and Kurt tried to offer him reassuring smiles until they were back in the house. He felt more at ease there. Being out in the world meant questions and prying eyes, and he wasn't ready for either. Kurt set his bag down by the door but withdrew the folder that Mercedes had given him. "If you want to lie down, I can see about making us something to eat. Dad and Carol are going out after work, so we'll be on our own."

"That sounds awesome," Finn enthused, growing increasingly on edge as the minutes ticked by. "I think I'm gonna hit the shower." Lying down would just make him crazier. And Finn reasoned that scalding hot water might clear his head. "I'll be back down in a little while." Ascending the stairs, he tore off his clothes and hopped in the shower. Unfortunately, the steamy spray did little to alleviate Finn's near-frantic desire to be with Damien again. He bit his lip and groaned, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the tiled wall. His blood raced, boiling in his veins. It was too much. Finn couldn't wait for the vampire to fulfill his promise, he had to see him--now. Shutting off the water, he hurried to his room and threw on a fresh set of clothes. Then, he padded over to the door where he could faintly hear Kurt in the kitchen. As much as he hated to deceive and worry his stepbrother, Finn's need was too great. He was opening his window and shimmying out onto the limb of a tree outside before he could think twice about it. Hitting the ground running, Finn darted off as the sun began to set.

It didn't take long for Kurt to throw something together, and he ducked his head out of the kitchen to call, "Dinner!" When Finn didn't appear at once - it wasn't like the other teen to ignore the draw of sustenance. Kurt frowned and put the lid back on the pot of spaghetti before trudging upstairs, sure he'd find Finn passed out in bed. "Finn Hudson, you get your butt downstairs and-" The cool wind whistling through the window made Kurt's breath catch. "Oh, god..." He shouldn't have left Finn alone. It had been reckless and stupid, and he hadn't even considered that. He'd been too busy thinking about his own loss to worry about Finn's. Knowing he had to get to Finn before he found the vampire who had been driving him so crazy, Kurt tugged a jacket on and hurried out the door, hoping he reached his stepbrother in time.