Kurt got home around midnight. He opened the door quietly and left the keys carefully on the nearest table. He sighed. He knew Blaine wouldn't be up but seeing the apartment like that, cold and dark, didn't help at all at how bad he felt already.

He removed his coat and the vest and left them in the couch, making his way to the bedroom. He loosened his tie with one hand as he tightened his grip on Blaine's gift with the other. As he stepped in, he was able to distinguish Blaine's silhouette wrapped in the sheets and sleeping peacefully. Kurt stood there, unsure of what to do as he saw the body in front of him slowly breathe in and out. He knew Blaine needed this so he approached him slowly, making almost no sound and kneeling next to the bed.

"Blaine?" he whispered.

The body moved slowly, turning to face him but without waking up. Kurt smiled as he watched Blaine's face be lit by the dim light of the moon coming through the window. He really did enjoy watching the younger boy sleep.

"Blaine?" he tried again, a little louder.

The boy finally stirred, groaning as he opened his eyes, painfully slowly. He sighed and squinted, trying to figure out what or who had woken him.

"Kurt?" he said groggily while rubbing his eyes.

"Hi," Kurt smiled.

"What's wrong? What– what time is it?"

"Shh… Nothing's wrong and it's about 1 o'clock. Sorry I woke you but I have something for you. Something I wanted to give you tonight at dinner but, well, that was ruined."

Blaine lifted himself up and tried to reach for the lamp. After some struggling, he was able to get it on and he groaned at the sudden intensity of the light. Kurt waited as Blaine's eyes adjusted and turned to look at him. He was frowning now.

"Kurt… I told you, you don't have to – I don't need you t-to, um, make up for tonight. I-I… it's okay."

"Yeah, but the thing is, I had this before I went and fucked up. Although, technically it wasn't something I could control, but anyway. I've had it for weeks now and I really wanted to surprise you with it at dinner tonight."

Blaine stared at him, his eyes unreadable. Kurt had absolutely no idea what the kid was thinking at that moment. It unnerved him because Blaine was always like an open book, his eyes screaming what his mouth couldn't say. After a few minutes of silence, Blaine lowered his gaze, sighed and turned to look at him again. This time, his eyes had softened and Kurt smiled, relieved.

"Okay," Blaine chuckled. "What is it?"

Kurt pursed his lips, trying to hold back the smile that was threatening to appear and pulled the gift from behind him, giving it to Blaine. It was wrapped in blue paper, since it was Blaine's favorite color. He seemed to notice that little fact, because he smiled fondly and took it gently out of Kurt's hand. When he opened it and saw the art book, his eyes widened like plates.

"B-but this is – I told you I wanted this months ago and you – I didn't think you heard me. I-I… how? You were on the phone…"

"I did listen," Kurt said simply.

" Y-you… I-I don't know what to say…"

"Say you like it."

"I love it! Kurt, I-I… Thank you. I love it, I really do."

Kurt sat on the bed, reaching out to take the art book out of his hands and leaning in.

"Good," he whispered before locking lips with Blaine, who sighed into the kiss and placed his arms around Kurt, resting them on his shoulders.

Blaine felt happy again. He felt safe. But most of all, he felt loved, without the words ever having to leave Kurt's mouth.

Maybe they would be able to make it.

The halls were crowded as the students stopped by their lockers and got out their books, chattering happily with their friends. Blaine made his way to his own locker and found his blond friend already there, waiting for him with his books on her arm.

"Someone's impatient today," he grinned as he took the books from her.

Ever since they had become friends back when they were freshmen, they knew each other's locker combination and schedule. It had been so easy to trust one another and to fall into a simple, yet beautiful friendship that had only gotten stronger over the years. Some friends are close and share a lot with one another. Blaine and Quinn share everything.

"I'm here to warn you. I may have been with Santana last Friday when I got your text that Kurt cancelled on your dinner."

"Shit!"

As if the mere mention of her name would summon her, Santana came almost running around the corner. She did not seem happy.

"You wait until I get my hands on Pretty Boy. No one stands my schoolboy up. I swear, he's gonna wish he wasn't born with a dick – "

"Whoa, Santana! Stop, okay? Yeah, he – he didn't make it to dinner but he sort of made it up for me later."

"Oh..." she smirked, "wanky."

"Wha – n-no! Jeez! No, it wasn't like that either. Well, not exactly…"

"Blainey is getting some! Mamma Lopez is proud!" Santana patted Blaine's head, just as if one would a dog.

Blaine rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless. Quinn suddenly started walking towards the classroom, Blaine and Santana trying to catch up with her.

"I have no idea why I'm friends with you two perverts."

Blaine laughed.

"Oh, please, like Puck is an angel fallen from heaven," Santana replied sarcastically.

"Well, believe it or not, he is a perfect gentleman when we're together," Quinn looked proud.

"Whatever," Santana turned to look at Blaine, "are you sure you don't need me to kick Hummel's ass? Because I swear to god, he as much as makes you frown, and I will leave him totally unable to use his little friend."

"I'm sure, but thanks for the, um, offer?"

"Anytime," her tone was playful but he could still sense the seriousness underneath it. She would definitely go after Kurt if things between them ended badly.

He just hoped Santana would never have to fulfill that promise.

As March began to draw closer, things at the Hummel-Hudson household got pretty wild. Blaine had finally heard from Parsons, and had been accepted. Another big party was held in his honor. Carole, Kate and Quinn had cried and kissed him over and over again, earning a stern look from Kurt.

"Okay, stop trying to make him straight with all the kissing," he had said before leaning in and kissing Blaine, who blushed a deep crimson red.

Blaine couldn't feel happier at the time. He had his parents with him, a wonderful new family that he wouldn't give up for the world, amazing friends and the most incredible boyfriend(?). It all felt too good to be true but he let himself enjoy it, instead of wondering when the charm would end.

And Blaine's acceptance letter wasn't the only thing making everyone flail with excitement. Finn and Rachel's wedding was almost there and there was still much to do. Reluctantly, Kurt had accepted to be the wedding planner, since he had a business mastermind that allowed them to get everything done with the maximum result and the minimum of expenses.

Rachel had been a bit nostalgic all through the planning process, catching little glimpses of what her best friend used to be like. Even Finn had seen it too.

As they were discussing possible decorations, he had been struck with a flashback to when their parents had gotten married. It was hard on him to remember Kurt's eyes back then, gleaming with happiness and love and innocence, and then see those very same blue eyes now, expressionless and empty. Now and then, that old spark would cross his eyes and it usually came whenever Blaine stopped by to get a glimpse of whatever they were talking about. But even when Blaine was there, the spark would disappear after a few minutes.

Finn had never said it out loud but he blamed himself every day for what had happened to Kurt. When they had first become a family, he wasn't there for Kurt. Not the way he was supposed to be. But he had promised himself to always be there for his brother after that. But then, that had happened.

And Finn had been right there.

He had been there and yet he never noticed when Kurt went upstairs with Karofsky. He never noticed that he was gone longer than necessary. He never noticed anything. And in his mind, he knew he should have.

That was why he was willing to go to gay bars and night clubs every night just to keep Kurt from doing something stupid. Or keep someone from doing something to his brother.

That was until Blaine came along.

He didn't need to look after Kurt as much as before, mainly because, as far as he knew, Kurt hadn't been to any bars in a long time. Which was something Finn was incredibly proud of. His brother was improving, becoming a better person, more like the person he used to be and less like the jerk he had become over the years.

Finn was definitely happy to be slowly getting his brother back.

None of them knew that everything would come crashing down weeks later.

Kurt woke up earlier than Blaine like he usually did. The younger boy was sleeping soundly with his head on Kurt's chest, an arm lazily wrapped around his waist. He smiled and kissed the top of his head before silently trying to untangle himself from him to get out of the bed. He went to the kitchen and started setting up the coffee maker while he turned on the TV on the living room, leaving it at a volume loud enough for him to hear from the kitchen but low enough to keep Blaine sleeping a little while longer.

He opened the fridge to take some things out of the fridge when the reporter started talking about a case happening down in Westerville. He was taking out the cups from the cupboard when he started paying attention to what was being said. As soon as he heard it, he froze on the spot.

"On other news, we have reports that the small rapist band that had been terrorizing the gay community in Westerville has been caught. Its team leader and primary offender, David Karofsky was arrested yesterday after being spotted on a stolen vehicle a few miles from Toledo. The police reports…"

The reporter carried on with the news but Kurt stopped listening. He didn't know how long he stayed there, his stare fixed nowhere in particular. At some point, his hands were shaking so violently, he let one of the cups fall. After a few minutes, Blaine got out of the bedroom.

"Kurt? What's going on? I heard something break –"

When Blaine caught sight of Kurt's face, he flew to his side, careful not to step on any broken pieces of the cup.

"Kurt? Kurt, what's wrong?" He cupped his face in his hands and made Kurt look at him.

Kurt's eyes were numb and expressionless like they had been when Blaine had first met him but his hands were still shaking. That look sent a shiver down Blaine's spine. Their eyes were locked and Blaine tried his best not to flinch at the hollowness he found on the eyes in front of him.

"Kurt?" he ventured once more and this time, he got a response.

Kurt lunched forward and kissed him deeply, desperately. Blaine stumbled backwards from the intensity of it and even though he kissed him back, he could feel something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Kurt had always been eager and blunt whenever they were being intimate but never desperate. And that was exactly what this kiss felt like. It was like Kurt wanted to feel something, remind himself of something through Blaine and he couldn't figure out what it was or how to help him feel it.

Kurt guided them to the living room but they never reached the sofa. They stumbled backwards and Blaine almost fell down, but Kurt caught him and lowered them down to the floor, his lips never leaving Blaine's. When air became absolutely necessary, they broke apart.

As soon as their lips parted, he attached his to Blaine's neck, leaving a trail of kisses and hitting a sensible spot near the younger boy's ear.

"Kurt, what –"

Kurt wasn't listening. He interrupted him by kissing him fiercely again as his hands went up and down his chest. Blaine had to bite back a moan as Kurt returned his attention to his neck again. His hands wandered through Blaine's body until he reached the elastic of his pajama pants and pulled it down. Blaine helped him kick the piece of clothing off and they returned once again to their passionate make out session.

He didn't notice when it happened but soon, Kurt was naked and Blaine only had his boxers on. It was a rather awkward scene, with both lying on the floor in the middle of the living room, while the newscast continued to sound in the background.

Blaine still didn't know what was going on but then, Kurt's hand was inside his boxers and all coherent thoughts left him. He arched back and groaned loudly. Kurt was above him, supporting his weight on only one arm while the other was still inside Blaine's boxers. Blaine's breathing was erratic and he continued to arch against Kurt's hand, looking like a writhing mess.

Suddenly, Kurt lifted himself and removed his hand, making Blaine groan in frustration. Kurt yanked Blaine's boxers down so that they were now completely naked. He lowered his body over Blaine's again and the friction between them made them moan at the same time.

"Kurt… please…"

Usually, Kurt would tease him mercilessly, making him beg, but this time it was different. Because even if Blaine was the one uttering the words, it seemed Kurt was the one doing the begging. He lowered his head to catch Blaine's lips in his once more before setting himself up and grabbing Blaine's legs, lifting them up.

Kurt shot him one look as he let Blaine's legs rest on his shoulder. It was a questioning look. He was asking if this was okay, if Blaine wanted this. Blaine was still unnerved by the small hint of panic he could see on Kurt's eyes but still nodded, letting Kurt know he wanted this.

Without any further notice, Kurt sank inside him. Blaine gasped but Kurt started thrusting and soon Blaine was moaning and groaning, chanting Kurt's name as they picked up a rhythm.

Kurt's forehead was sweaty and he kept whispering things. Things that sounded oddly familiar to Blaine's name. He leaned forward, making Blaine's legs bent and thrusting even deeper, making Blaine want to scream but he was soon silenced by Kurt's lips that kissed him roughly, the desperate edge still present.

They wrapped their arms around each other, groaning and moaning each other's name. As their pace quickened, they felt the familiar twist in their stomachs and finally, both reached their release.

Kurt felt himself go weak and wanted to fall over Blaine but the boy's legs between them made it impossible so he lowered Blaine's legs and pulled apart, letting himself fall over the floor next to Blaine. Both were panting heavily. Blaine turned to look at Kurt, who had his eyes closed and an arm on his face, covering it.

Blaine propped his elbows up and turned to take Kurt's arm away from his face. His forehead was covered in sweat and his eyes were tightly shut, like he didn't want to look at Blaine. But he made him. When their eyes locked, Kurt had almost a guilty expression on his face. Blaine frowned and cupped his face.

"What's wrong? I mean, don't get me wrong, that was pretty incredible but you just seemed… um…"

"It's nothing," Kurt cut him off. "I just really wanted you right now. I-I… I needed you."

As soon as the words left his mouth, his eyes widened, like it had not been his intention to say that. A painful realization hit him like a ton of bricks and he felt something twitch inside him, a horrible feeling taking over him. Blaine didn't get to see that reaction, since he had lowered his gaze, trying to understand what Kurt had just said.

"Well, if you're sure that's it…"

Kurt tried to regain his composure and smiled at the boy. But the nagging feeling was still there.

He had said he needed Blaine. He had admitted something he swore he would never admit to anyone ever again. He had let his guard down. It didn't matter if it was with Blaine. He didn't do that.

Because Kurt Hummel didn't need anyone.

After their little tryst in the living room floor, Kurt had still been a little bit on edge but nothing too worrying. Blaine still wondered if there was more to it than Kurt let him know but he didn't push. That day, they had gotten up, taken a shower together and had breakfast. Since it was a Saturday, they stayed in, watching movies and working on their work or homework. Kurt seemed to return to his usual self after a few hours but Blaine's concern didn't fade away.

And it only got worse.

As days went by, Kurt began distancing himself again but this time Blaine could tell something was really wrong. It wasn't like other times when the only thing Kurt did was come home late. This time he was pulling away from Blaine in all the sense of the matter. He was bitchy some days, snapping at Blaine over simple things, while others he was regretful, treating him nicely and apologizing over and over again.

Blaine didn't know what to think of it.

They had even started fighting. They never fought, not really. But this time, they did. Kurt would get mad at Blaine for something and just explode. And Blaine, even if he was always nice and caring, did have quite a temper as well. They would yell at each other and stay mad for hours before one came looking for the other, making up. Sometimes, their anger could last days. It was exhausting and Blaine didn't understand it at all.

He had tried to talk to Kurt about it but he brushed him off or told him he was tired or stressed because of his work but Blaine could feel there was more to it and Kurt was shutting him out.

He had his suspicions and fears but didn't have them confirmed until the day before Finn and Rachel's wedding.

Blaine had been the entire day with Quinn and Santana, since they hadn't been able to hang out like they used to when they were all still single. Tomorrow was the wedding so they really couldn't stay up too late. Rachel had asked her high school friend Tina, to be her maid of honor and Quinn and Santana to be her bridesmaids. So the three of them had bit roles to play.

So, their plans had been pretty simple. They had organized a movie marathon at Quinn's and were currently watching The Beauty and The Beast when Blaine's phone started ringing. It was his mom.

"Mom!" he greeted happily.

"Hi, sweetie! How are you? Are you still at Quinn's?"

"Yeah, but this is the last movie so I'll be going to Kurt's soon."

"Okay and about that…" she paused. "I've found a place."

"Really?"

Even when Blaine's dad had come around and they were able to salvage their relationship, he couldn't do the same with his mother. They had been having problems long before they knew Blaine was gay and even if they still got along, they decided the best for them was to continue with the divorce process. Blaine had been saddened by that but he understood there was nothing to be done about it. So, his mom's plans to get a place for them were still on, even if Blaine would only be there with her for a short time before moving to New York. He had been hoping he would get out of it somehow so he could stay those last few months with Kurt, since he didn't know where they stood with him going to college and distance taking its toll on their relationship. Especially now with the way things were.

He heard his mom go on about the small apartment she had rented, which was actually pretty close to Burt and Carole's home. He promised he'd go see it after the wedding and talk about moving there with her. After he hung up the phone, he finished watching the movie with his friends and around 8, he decided to go back home.

He had told Kurt he'd be home around 10 but he wanted to talk to him about his mom's new apartment and find out what Kurt thought about him moving out and eventually, leaving for New York.

He hummed to himself as he waited for the elevator to show and take him to the penthouse. He was still amazed that Kurt had managed to make such a fortune for himself at such a young age. It made him proud.

The small tinkling sound informed him that the elevator had arrived and as he hopped and pressed the last button, he continued his humming. He shoved his hands in his pocket and looked down at his clothes as the doors opened, checking for any stains from the junk food he'd been eating with the girls. He knew Kurt would kill him if he ruined the outfit he'd selected for him.

As he stepped inside the apartment and looked up, he stopped. He could've sworn he could hear something crack inside him as he took the scene in front of him.

Kurt was lying with a man on the couch and they were practically eating each other's faces. When the elevator's doors closed, making the tinkling sound again, Kurt shot up and saw Blaine standing there, speechless.

His eyes widened for a second as he stood up clumsily, the man that had been under him peeking to see who had interrupted them.

"Blaine…"

Blaine closed his eyes at the mention of his name. He clutched his hands to his sides, trying to compose himself. He knew this would happen someday.

Kurt took a step forward and Blaine flinched, backing away from him. Kurt stopped dead in his tracks and lowered the hand he had extended.

"Blaine…" he repeated and Blaine lifted a hand to make him shut up, which he did.

"Don't. Justo don't. You warned me about this didn't you? From the very beginning you warned me and I took it," he laughed bitterly. "So, I should have seen this coming, right?"

"Blaine, I…"

"Just… don't talk. I-I…" he ran a hand through his hair. "I need to get out of here. I-I can't be here."

He walked quickly towards the bedroom, took the hanger with his suit for the wedding and stepped out. Somewhere in between that, the unknown man had gone. Kurt was standing alone in the living room, completely silent.

As Blaine passed right next to him, Kurt grabbed his wrist. Blaine yanked it away immediately.

"I'll see you tomorrow at the wedding."

And with that, he left the apartment.