The next morning came all too soon for Kurt's liking. He was on and off with sleep, because Blaine kept playing his guitar throughout the night. Kurt takes a quick shower and gets ready for the day. Ready meaning spending 45 minutes searching for an outfit and an extra half hour on his hair to make sure it looked absolutely perfect. And this had nothing to do with Blaine. Not at all.

When Kurt emerges from his bedroom looking fabulous in a blue v-neck t-shirt to match his eyes, skin tight black skinny jeans, and a pair of white Doc Martens. He sees Blaine at the kitchen counter and is about to say good morning, before Blaine looks up at him.

Blaine's jaw is agape, taking all of Kurt in. He's just as beautiful as always. If not more. Blaine thinks.

“Did you get any sleep?!” Kurt asks, taking in Blaine's blood-shot red eyes.

“Huh?” Blaine snaps his mouth shut before he begins to produce drool.

“Your eyes are so red. Were you not able to sleep?” Kurt asks, worriedly.

“Oh. No, I didn't get any sleep. But don't worry, its not the apartment. I was up all night writing some songs for tonight. Nothing new.” Blaine says, as if its obvious.

“But,” Blaine continues, “I did get some breakfast for you as a thank you for last night.” Blaine hands him a bagel and a coffee.

Kurt thanks him and takes a sip of his coffee. He almost chokes when he realizes what kind of coffee it is.

“Is something wrong Kurt? Do you not like the coffee?” Blaine asks concerned.

“You remembered my coffee order?” Kurt asks quietly.

“Of course I do.” Blaine says. “Kind of hard to forget when we got coffee everyday after school when we were dating.”

Kurt flinches, but recovers quickly. He doesn't want Blaine to see how deeply affected he still is by their breakup. Blaine doesn't seem to notice. Keep it together, Kurt. You can get through this. This is nothing.

“Um… so do you know what you're wearing to your gig tonight?” Kurt asks, keeping the conversation safe.

“Actually, I don't. I was thinking about just going in a t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops.” Blaine says.

Kurt almost has a heart attack. “You can't wear flip-flops! I will not allow this! I may not be able to be there, because I have work tonight, but I will help you with your wardrobe.”

“Really? Kurt, you really don't have to.” Deep down Blaine really wanted any time he could have with Kurt.

“No, I really do. Trust me, Blaine. I'll come here before work and pick out something casual yet classy. Presentation is important, Blaine.” Kurt says. '

“Thanks so much, Kurt. I guess I'll see you later then?” Blaine asks.

Kurt looks at the time and sees he has to go. “Yeah, later.”

“Have a good day Kurt.” Blaine says with that smile that drives Kurt crazy.

“Bye.” Kurt says, and runs out the door.

◊ ◊ ◊

Kurt arrives to class on time and sits in his usual seat. He's soon accompanied with someone that even Kurt thinks is too handsome for his own good. Jeremy Hunter. Tall, brown hair (not too dark, not too light), brown eyes, a smile to die for. Most importantly, straight. Kurt knew right away, especially from his experience in high school with Sam and his step-brother Finn. Jeremy and Kurt became friends during the first semester of the course. You could say they were sort-of close.

While waiting for the professor, Jeremy speaks up. “Okay, spill.”

“What are you talking about?” Kurt asks, genuinely confused.

“I can see something is on your mind. Almost as if you're arguing with yourself. Which brings me to my comment again. Spill.” Jeremy says. He can pretty much see right through Kurt.

How does he do that? Kurt thinks.

“Ugh! Fine. My ex came by yesterday, and asked for a place to stay.”

“Ah. I can see the argument you're having in your head now. 'Should I have let him stay? Am I doing the right thing?' Am I right?” Jeremy asks.

“How do you do that? But yes, you are. He's the one I told you about. He got into a situation with his ex, and I just couldn't turn him away. You should've seen him last night, Jeremy. He looked like an abused, lost puppy.” Kurt sighs. “I just couldn't leave him like that.”

Jeremy seems to think over what Kurt just said. “You are too good of a person, do you know that Kurt Hummel? He's lucky to have you. He better not mess it up this time. Because then he'll have to answer to me.”

Kurt laughs at Jeremy's protectiveness. But realizes what he just said. “Wait. What do you mean mess it up this time? What is there to mess up? There's nothing between us.”

Jeremy looks at Kurt, and then laughs.

“What is so funny?” Kurt asks, getting irritated.
“Its just that… Kurt, this guy-”

“Blaine.” Kurt interrupts.

“Blaine. He's living with you now. If there is 'nothing' between you two, there will be. Whether it be romantically or just platonic, there will be something. And besides, you guys have history together. A lot of history, as far as I'm concerned. There will always be something there. You just choose not to see it for the sake of your heart.” Jeremy says a bit quieter.

How the hell does he do that?! Kurt thinks.

Kurt chooses not to respond, but instead focusing his attention to the front of the classroom.

◊ ◊ ◊

The rest of Kurt's day goes by rather quickly, but uneventfully. Kurt walks into the apartment and looks around to find it empty.

“Blaine?” Kurt calls out. No answer. He walks around the apartment until he hears that the shower is on. Oh god, Blaine in the shower. I remember our times in the- STOP IT KURT!

Kurt shakes himself, and goes into Blaine's room. He finds that Blaine has laid out a few outfit choices for tonight. Kurt seems to slightly approve of some. With my help, it would be perfect.

Kurt goes into his own closet and searches for what he's looking for. “Aha!” He says triumphantly.

Kurt returns to Blaine's room, and forms the outfit he's made up in his head. He decided to go with the purple v-neck, black vest (to be left opened), and Blaine's dark blue jeans. No flip-flops, but completed with all black Oxfords. Perfect.

Kurt doesn't hear the shower turn off, or the bathroom door open. So when he turns around to leave, there's Blaine. Standing in a towel, still dripping wet. In the doorway. Kurt's mouth is hanging open, rather unattractively. Ohmygod Ohmygod!! He's in a fucking towel! I just want to lick those drops of water going down his chest. Down…down…down- Oh god! Snap out of it Kurt!!

Kurt blinks a few times, before he realizes Blaine is talking.

“Kurt? Earth to Kurt. I lost you for a minute there. You okay?” Blaine asks, with amusement in his voice. This makes Kurt annoyed.

“Yes, I'm okay.” Kurt snaps.

“Okay. Well, can you get out of my room so I can get ready for tonight?” Blaine asks.

“Yeah. I have to head to work anyway. Good luck tonight, I guess.” Kurt says. You guess?

“Thanks. And thanks for picking out the outfit Kurt. Its perfect.” There goes that damn smile again.

“Right. Bye.” Kurt says, and almost stumbles out of the room.

◊ ◊ ◊

Kurt is busy at work at the coffee house, wondering why its so packed. They only get this packed when there is going to be a performer for the night. Wait a second. Blaine said he had a gig tonight.

Sure enough, 20 minutes later Blaine walks in with his guitar in hand. He seems surprised to see Kurt there.

“Kurt? This is where you work?”

“Yup. Just couldn't stay away from my coffee.” Kurt jokes. “I didn't know you were playing tonight, until I noticed how many people were here.”

“Oh. Well I better go get set up. I guess I'll talk to you after?” Blaine sounds hopeful.

“Um, yeah. Good luck again.” Kurt says.

“So is that him?” Jeremy says lowly behind Kurt.

Kurt almost jumps out of his skin, and slaps him playfully on the arm. He looks at where Jeremy is looking and nods.

“Not bad, Hummel.” He says amused.

“Oh shut up. I didn't know he was playing tonight until about a half hour ago.” Kurt sighs.

Kurt walks back behind the counter while Jeremy follows. Blaine was quietly watching Kurt and Jeremy interact. He can't help but feel hurt. Of course Kurt would have a boyfriend. Its not like he's going to jump back into my arms one day after 3 years of nothing. Maybe one day… No Blaine. He's taken! Remember what he said, you're not good enough for him. Not anymore.

Blaine sighs, and continues to finalize his set list for the night. He tries to ignore the sight of Kurt and Jeremy in front of him as best as he can.

“So when is your girlfriend going to be here?” Kurt asks.

Jeremy looks at his watch. “In about five minutes, I believe.”

“Great. I'll get your usual's now.” Kurt skips away happily to get started on the coffee.

◊ ◊ ◊

“Hey guys, I'm Blaine Anderson. I'm all yours for tonight, so I'll just jump straight into this. This first song, I actually wrote last night. I just got out of a really tough situation, and this expresses how I'm feeling now.”

Blaine starts strumming the guitar, and begins to sing.

You shout it out,
But I can't hear a word you say
I'm talking loud not saying much
I'm criticized but all your bullets ricochet
You shoot me down, but I get up

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium

Cut me down
But it's you who have further to fall
Ghost town and haunted love
Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones
I'm talking loud not saying much

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
I am titanium
I am titanium

Stone-hard, machine gun
Firing at the ones who run
Stone-hard as bulletproof glass

You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
I am titanium

The applause is deafening. Blaine feels so good. This is what he was born to do. This is what he was good at. He chances a look at Kurt, and sees a look of pride in his eyes. He feels hope. But their eyes are disconnected once Kurt looks away to speak to Jeremy. Blaine's heart falls. He knows exactly what to sing next, and hopes Kurt actually listens.

“Where is Tasha? I thought you said five minutes. Her coffee is already cold.”

“She says she's running a bit late, but will be here really soon. Get her another please?” Jeremy puts on the “puppy” eyes, and Kurt goes because he can't say no to that face.

The next song I'd like to sing is a song I wrote about three years ago. This would be my first time performing it because I never had the right audience.” Blaine says looking right at Kurt. He sits at the piano of the coffee house and begins to sing.

When will I see you again?
You left with no goodbye,
Not a single word was said,
No final kiss to seal any scene,
I had no idea of the state we were in,

I know I have a fickle heart and a bitterness,
And a wandering eye, and heaviness in my head,

But don't you remember?
Don't you remember?
The reason you loved me before,
Baby, please remember me once more,

When was the last time you thought of me?
Or have you completely erased me from your memory?
I often think about where I went wrong,

The more I do, the less I know,

He chances a look at Kurt. He's frozen. Entranced by Blaine.

But I know I have a fickle heart and a bitterness,
And a wandering eye, and a heaviness in my head,

But don't you remember?
Don't you remember?
The reason you loved me before,
Baby, please remember me once more,

Gave you the space so you could breathe,
I kept my distance so you would be free,
And hoped that you'd find the missing piece,
To bring you back to me,

Why don't you remember?
Don't you remember?
The reason you loved me before,
Baby, please remember you used to love me

When will I see you again?

By the end of the song, Blaine has tear tracks on his face. This song was important to sing tonight. Kurt was here tonight. He was finally able to tell Kurt what he's been wanting to tell him for so long. He chances another look at Kurt and sees Kurt with misty eyes. Kurt quickly blinks away the tears threatening to spill, but one slips out. He brushes it away, as fast as it came down. He tries to get back to work, but is distracted by what Blaine just sang. He doesn't know what to think or feel.

Blaine is getting ready for the last song. He's wondering if its a good decision to sing it or not. Its been a part of his set list since he started performing in the city. He's going to take the chance and sing it anyway. He's slightly caught off guard for a minute when he sees a girl walk in and run up to Kurt's boyfriend and kisses him deeply.

Ohmygod! Kurt's boyfriend is cheating on him! Wait, why is Kurt hugging her now? Oh! Kurt's boyfrie- FRIEND is STRAIGHT. Jeez, Blaine. All that jealousy for nothing. He takes a deep breath and gets ready for the last song of the night.

“Okay guys, its about that time of the show. The last song of the night. You see, this song has been apart of me since I was 16, and its really special to me. I hope you love my take on it. Thanks for coming out tonight and seeing me perform. I hope you enjoyed it all.” He sits at the piano once again. This time looking directly at Kurt, he begins to sing.

I think you're pretty without any makeup on

Kurt's heart stops. He can't stay here. Its too much.

I think you're funny when you tell the punchline wrong
I knew you got me when you let your walls come down, down

Everyone seems to be enjoying the song. Kurt on the other hand is freaking out internally. I need to go. This is too much for me. Oh god.

Kurt runs out before Blaine can get to the chorus.

Blaine on the other hand, doesn't stop singing. Instead, he watches Kurt leave him for the second time in his life.