"You look incredible tonight." Brett laced their fingers together and headed for the queue into their favourite bar.

"Don't I always?" Kurt raised an eyebrow but smiled warmly.

"Of course, but this outfit is spectacular - plus you know what that shirt does to me." He bumped his shoulder into Kurt's gently. They stood in companionable silence as the line shuffled forwards. Once inside Kurt led them to a booth a few feet from the stage. Brett would have preferred to be further back, but he knew Kurt loved open - mic night so he sat down without protest. He linked fingers with Kurt while Kurt gave their drinks order to the waitress.

They listened to the sound check, chatting idly until a tall, willowy blonde appeared on stage. Kurt shushed Brett and tuned in eagerly. He sat forward appraising the girl's appearance. She began to sing the opening notes to Hallelujah. He noted her voice was technically excellent, but her performance lacked passion, or indeed any emotion at all, Kurt sat back carefully listening to the familiar words. He clapped politely when she finished and waited for the next act. Brett was now fully engaged in a game of Angry Birds on his phone, Kurt shook his head smiling and turned his attention back to the stage.

Kurt's heart leapt into his throat as he gazed upon the dark haired man plugging his guitar in. Kurt knew those dark curls and beautiful hazel eyes well. His hand shot out and grabbed Brett's wrist. Brett looked up from his game and saw Kurt's wide - eyed expression, his laboured breathing. He followed Kurt's stare, his eyes falling on the tan man on stage who had just swung his guitar into his lap and was plucking the strings with practised ease. There was only one person this could be, this had to be Blaine. He returned to look at Kurt who had a hand resting delicately over his heart, the other still clasped tightly around Brett's wrist.

"Babe?" Kurt just shook his head and watched Blaine on stage.

I heard that you're settled down
That you've found a guy and you're
married now.
I heard that your dreams came true
Guess he gave you things
I couldn't give to you.

Blaine looked up from his guitar into the silent audience, the pain evident on his face, his eyes flickered over Kurt and snapped back, he never missed a word.

Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain't like you to hold back
Or hide from a lie.

He held Kurt's gaze for a few seconds longer before returning his attention to the rest of the audience.

...that for me it isn't over
Never mind I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best...

Blaine's voice was as strong as ever, the sheer emotion it help laid bare for all to see. Tears were forming in Kurt's eyes as he watched Blaine let it all out, yet perform flawlessly, his fingers dancing over the strings. Blaine's eyes drifted back to Kurt every now and again. Brett felt as though he was intruding on something so incredibly private. Kurt hadn't taken his eyes from Blaine once, his breathing had evened out, but Brett recognised that look on Kurt's face. He hadn't seen it before, but he knew true love when he saw it. A pang shot through him; he knew Kurt would never act on it, he probably didn't even realise himself that he still loved Blaine. But Brett knew.

Nothing compares, no worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes there memories make...

Blaine launched into the final chorus, his head raised slightly, his eyes clamped shut. He held the last note perfectly. Applause erupted in his ears. He stood thanking the audience, he didn't dare look at Kurt just yet. Blaine knew he needed to gather himself first, so he headed backstage and straight out into the fresh air outside the bar.

---

"Kurt?"

"Hmm?" Kurt turned to face Brett starting slightly, he had been so wrapped up in his own little world after Blaine left the stage he had almost forgotten Brett was there.

"Oh, yeah... sorry I was miles away." Kurt covered Brett's hand with both of his.

"That was quite a performance, I didn't realise Blaine was so..." Brett wasn't sure how to finish that - so talented? Emotive? Gorgeous? Nope, jealousy isn't attractive Brett, just focus on Kurt.

"So...what?" Kurt's face was quizzical, he knew Brett must have gathered it was Blaine by Kurt's reaction, he had never shown Brett any pictures. It hurt too much to look at them.

"So open, he really gives it all up there doesn't he?"

"Hmm, he always has when he was singing. I did not expect that tonight." Kurt's light blue eyes trailed back to the stage where an older man was now belting out a Neil Diamond song.

"That song, does it mean something to you...both of you?"

"How do you mean?" Kurt scrutinized Brett's eyes carefully, Brett looked nervous.

"I mean was it an important song for the two of you or anything?" Brett shifted his legs uncomfortably, he didn't want to put a dampener on their first proper night out in months, but really Blaine had already done that.

"No Brett, that is the first time I've heard Blaine sing an Adele song. And if you're going to read into every - "

Blaine appeared at the table cutting Kurt's lecture off prematurely.

"Um, I just thought I'd come over and say hi, I didn't know you'd be here. You must be Brett, pleased to meet you." Ever courteous, Blaine extended a hand which Brett shook firmly, looking him directly in the eye. Tension coursed through the air.

"That was quite a performance." Brett settled himself back into his seat, inching just that little bit closer to Kurt. Blaine didn't miss the action and had to fight the slight grin off his face.

"Thanks, I haven't done it publicly for a while so I'm a bit rusty." Blaine shoved his hands in his Jean pockets and shrugged.

"How about you Kurt, no criticisms?" He winked at the exceptionally quiet Kurt cheekily.

"It was a little plain." It was petty and he knew it, but Kurt couldn't bring himself to admit to Blaine how perfect he really was.

"Well, three years of not performing will do that to you. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi, so I'll leave you to your evening." Blaine raised a hand in farewell and headed for the bar.

He sat at the opposite end of the bar, he really didn't want to intrude on Kurt's evening, he had a feeling that just his presence would have done that enough tonight. The barman pushed a glass half full of honey coloured liquid towards Blaine. He picked it up and drained the glass tapping on the bar for another. He certainly didn't want to get drunk, but he was a bit shaky and needed something to take the edge off right now. He noticed someone take the seat next to him and ignored them until he felt a hand on his thigh. He looked up and saw a beautiful brunette looking up at him through mascara laden eyes. She fluttered her long lashes a couple of times and ran her finger gently up his leg. Blaine couldn't help but grin as she leaned across to whisper in his ear.

“All alone tonight handsome?” She wrapped a piece of chocolate coloured hair around her finger as she watched him.

“ 'Fraid so.” Blaine tried to return his attention to his drink, hoping she would get the message.

“I'm sure I could keep you company if you'd like.”

“No I'm fine, thanks you.” Blaine resolutely kept his gaze on his own fingers.

“No need to be shy honey, I won't bite...unless you want me to.” The woman moved her fingers just a little too high on his leg causing Blaine to jump up suddenly. A couple of other people turned to look at him, but he just didn't care right now.

“I'm sorry, but I'm really not interested. I'm gay you see.” Blaine looked her in the eye hoping to hell that she would just disappear.

“Oh.. right. Sorry, you just can't tell you know?” She stood up quickly and left Blaine alone. He returned to the seat signalling to the barman for another drink. A slim body slid into the seat next to him. He sighed loudly.

“ Look lady, I tried to be polite but I really...” Blaine stopped talking abruptly when he turned to look at the body next to him. His gaze was met by clear blue eyes which looked highly amused.

“Don't look so smug. As if you've never had to fend off unwanted advances.” His bottom lip stuck out sulkily.

“Never to the extent you had to, I just seem to scream gay you see.” Kurt's lips twisted into a small smile.

“Brett sent me over, said he didn't like the idea of you sitting alone over here. He asked if you would like to join us.” Blaine snorted gently.

“I don't think that would be a good idea.” Blaine ran his fingers around the lip of the glass, relishing the cold hard glass underneath his fingertips.

“I did say you wouldn't, but he insisted. I don't mind if you do you know.”

“I know, but I just don't think Brett and I would... get along particularly. I think I'm just going to go back to the hotel. Text me sometime to meet for coffee or something Ok?” Blaine paid for his drinks and stood.

“I will, Blaine, you were really good tonight.” Kurt smiled softly, a gesture which was returned. Blaine nodded and said goodbye before returning backstage to collect his guitar. Kurt went back to the table, sliding into the booth to find Brett watching him almost anxiously.

“No Blaine?” Brett's fingers were crossed under the table. Sure he wanted to be polite and find out more about Blaine and what the hell happened between him and Kurt, but he didn't actually want to spend time with the stunning man that his boyfriend was clearly still in love with.

“No, he said he was just going to go back to his hotel. Right, do you want to stay here for a bit or wander down to Cat's?” Brett decided to let Kurt decide how to spend the night, his mind working overtime on plans of how to get to the bottom of this whole bloody mess.