A little while later, Adam came around with room keys.

“Here you go, you have room number two,” he said as he gave a key to Elliott, “and you, Kurt, have room number four.”

Kurt took the key, confused. “Okay, but wait, Elliott, why are we in separate rooms? I assumed all three of us would bunk together.”

“I figured you would want a good night’s rest by yourself, in case they clear the roads tomorrow and you can get to Heathrow. Besides,” Elliott sheepishly lowered his voice, “I ate that Welsh rarebit for dinner, and you know how dairy does a number on me. I’m saving you from being gassed to death, trust me.”

“Well, what about Dani?”

Dani looked up from her guitar, which she had taken out from boredom. “Oh I don’t mind farts…yeah Elliott, I heard you.” Elliott grimaced. “Besides, I actually might stay down here a bit. There are some interesting folks down here, they can give me some songwriting inspo.”

Kurt shrugged and pocketed the key. “Suit yourselves, then. I’m going to finish this pint then head up.”

“Alright, David and Wes, I have you in room three, here are your keys,” Adam said. He then handed another key to Blaine. “And you are going to be in room four.”

“Room four? That’s…not the same room as the band?”

“Blaine, can I be blunt?” Wes said. “You snore.”

“I do not!” Blaine protested.

“No, man, you do,” David agreed. “There are times you sound like a chainsaw. Like, an old gas-powered chainsaw that needs oil.”

Blaine was affronted. “You never said anything? Heck, we’ve stayed in the same hotels plenty of times, you never once complained, which you wouldn’t because I don’t snore!”

“We were trying to spare your feelings,” Wes said, putting a friendly pat to Blaine’s shoulder. “But hey, now you know. You can probably look into one of those sleep institutes, see if you have apnea. At least look into those nose strips.”

“In the meantime, I’m going to go to bed.” David stood and stretched. “Probably call my girlfriend first, it’s late enough.”

“I’ll give you some alone time before I go up myself. Maybe play some darts first.” Wes looked at Blaine. “Hey, you’re awfully quiet.”

“What are you up to?” Blaine asked.

“Up to?”

“I know damn well I don’t snore, so there’s some other reason we aren’t staying in the same room.”

Wes stood up and smoothed his pants. “Blaine, just be happy you have a room to yourself and don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

As he walked away, Blaine finished his ale, thinking. Maybe Wes was right; they were doing him a favor.

(a few moments earlier)

“I don’t know,” Adam said. “Isn’t this against some sort of ‘Innkeeper’s Code’ or something?”

“Look, I don’t know if Kurt truly hates Blaine… no one talks that much about someone they actually hate,” Elliott said, in hushed tones. “Maybe it’s some unresolved sexual tension, maybe in some alternate universe they would have been soulmates. But I for one am sick of hearing about it. I say we get them in a room together, and I don’t care if they end up kissing or killing each other, I just need some rest.”

Wes nodded, “I think you’re right. And Blaine is no better. He says Kurt’s a narcissistic diva with no soul, but I see how he looks at him when he thinks we’re not looking.”

“Well, I can’t really speak for Blaine, but I will say, the man I met here at the pub is nothing like the one Kurt’s described in his texts.” Adam sighed. “Blaine’s perfectly lovely. If anything I almost feel sorry for him, putting in the same room as Kurt. I’m his ex, I know what his temper is like.”

“And I know the difference between temper and passion,” Elliott said. “Trust me fellas…this idea will work.”

“Well that’s it then.” Adam turned to grab the room keys from the bar drawer. “I’ll get it set up.”