The next few months passed in a blur of colours, rehearsals, costume fittings, friends, cast mates and songs that swam around Blaine's head in endless loops. Everything was just draining and despite the fact that Blaine was fluent in singing, acting and dancing – it didn't make anything easier.

They'd been rehearsing for three months, and they were still only on the first act.

It was so intricate that they hadn't even touched the second act. Kurt wanted everything in each scene perfect, before they moved on. It was tough and annoying, but it was certainly working.

Nothing had happened in terms of Blaine's affections for Kurt – Blaine was still trying to make up his mind, but found it was hard to figure out what he wanted when he was far too busy and stressed. Rehearsals were so much tougher than working at the strip-club. Every night he went home with sore limbs.

On their meet and greet day with the cast, Kurt had said something that stuck in Blaine's mind every night.

"The next year and a half is going to be tough. You're going to put your all into this production – that is why you're here. If you don't, I am going to fire you. You've all got understudies. You can all be replaced. If you think I'm a bitch, just wait until rehearsals start, because if you don't go home exhausted and wishing you could die, then you're not trying hard enough."

Blaine chuckled just thinking about it – the bitch-face he put on while he was talking – one hip flung out to the side, his hand resting on it. These days he was calmer, and he got along with every single member of the cast.

The casting itself was amazing – each person was perfectly suited to their role, and what they had done of the first act was perfect. Kurt gained their attention of the end of one of the rehearsals.

"Okay guys, I'm sure you know that the Labour Day weekend is coming up."

There were nods, and murmurs of assent - the cast too tired to do much more than that.

"So, because you've been working so hard, and because we're so happy with what you've done, we decided that you can have from the Friday to the Monday off from rehearsals."

There were sad groans, and Kurt grinned triumphantly. Being sad that they couldn't rehearse was a good thing. At least he wouldn't get any dropouts.

"Alright, so you kids have a good holiday – don't just…not rehearse – just go through the motions if you can. Make sure you continue to stretch regardless of if you're doing anything, and I'll see you same time on Monday!"

There was a chorus of goodbyes, and Blaine approached Derek, Ian and Kurt.

"So, now that you've got time off," Kurt grinned at him. "What are you planning on doing?"

Blaine thought for a moment, before grinning. "I might go back to the strip club and have a bit of a chat to them all. I…I miss them."

Kurt nodded, grinning. "Alright. We will be spending most of the time off working on the choreography for Act Two, but we'll be taking Labour Day off."

"And…what will you be up to?" Blaine asked with a small smile.

"Not much, actually. I think I'll watch a movie or something. Relax for once."

Derek and Ian snorted. "Sure."

Blaine just grinned. "Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all." Kurt grinned back.

Derek and Ian gave each other miffed looks, eyebrows raised as they glanced between the boys.

^.^

"So…Blaine."

Kurt glanced up from where he was spinning, trying to figure out the turn for the end of a song. "What about him?"

"You like him?"

Kurt snorted, a little too quickly. "No."

Derek laughed. "Sure…"

Kurt sighed. "I'm serious. I don't."

Ian glanced at Kurt with a serious expression. "Let's clear one thing up…just because you might like him, doesn't mean you have to date him."

Kurt closed his eyes with a sigh. "Yes, okay. I do like him…a lot. He's charming, and funny, and he's the James to my Tomas. But…"

Derek nodded with a sigh. "We know."

Ian glanced over at Derek with raised eyebrows, and Derek nodded.

"We think…" Ian started softly. "That you should let him know that you're not looking for a relationship, before he gets too comfortable with flirting with you."

"He's not-"

"He is." Derek smiled softly.

"I think you owe it to him, because he really likes you." Ian continued. "And if you like him as much as you think you do, then you can't let him put his dating life on hold for someone who isn't going to reciprocate."

Kurt nodded a little. As much as he loved who Blaine was, and as much as he loved flirting with him, he understood their points, and they were absolutely right.

"Yeah. Okay. I'll tell him…during our movie night."