It'd been three weeks since the incident at Epsilon and Kurt had spent a good amount of that time thinking about the words exchanged during his fight with Blaine. He hated to admit it, but Blaine's words had stung and also, he wasn't too proud of the way he had handled Blaine's love confession. He knew he had hurt the kid.

But what bothered him the most was that he actually cared that he had hurt him. This was bad. Kurt could not allow himself to feel that way about anyone.

His mind was a mess and whenever that happened, he knew there was only one person to call. He reached for his phone and dialed the number on speed dial.

"Kurt? Hi! What's up?" answered the cheerful voice of Rachel Berry.

"Hi, Rach. Nothing much. Just wondering what you've been up to. And uh, I wanted to ask you… You think we could meet up today?"

Rachel raised her eyebrows in surprise. It wasn't often that Kurt asked Rachel to meet. It was usually her that initiated and scheduled their meetings.

"Sure. Uh… want me to come to your office?" she said as she waved frantically at Finn, trying to get his attention without giving herself away on the phone. He looked at her and mouthed "what?" as he neared her.

She covered the phone and whispered, "Kurt wants me to see him today." Finn's eyes widened as she heard Kurt respond.

"Yeah, come over. My lunch break is at 2 so we can go get something to eat," he checked his watch. He needed to hurry if he wanted to be done by then.

"Great! See you then."

They hanged up and Kurt got back to work. Miles from where he was, Finn and Rachel stared at each other, wondering what could possibly be bothering Kurt that he needed to discuss with his best friend.

Finn's little thread of hope reappeared. He trusted that whatever it was, it involved a certain teenager. He didn't say anything, though. He was tired of everyone telling him he was crazy for believing a kid could change his brother.

Rachel was having similar thoughts as she got ready to visit her best friend.

She arrived just in time to Kurt's office. She entered the building and greeted the secretary who told her that Kurt was already waiting for her and would come down quickly. She thanked her and waited for her best friend to arrive.

Not five minutes had passed when the elevator's doors opened revealing her best friend. They hugged and got out to look for a nice place to eat.

They settled for a small restaurant near Kurt's office, since he didn't have much time to spare. Once their drinks were served, Rachel couldn't take it anymore and decided to go straight to the point.

"So, what's bothering you so much that you needed to see me for some much needed 'girls talk'?"

Kurt sipped his drink and stared at her. He was struggling to bring the subject up because it'd been years since their last conversation of these sorts. He placed his drink on the table, cleared his throat and started to talk.

"I want to talk to you about… a guy. About Blaine."

Rachel almost choked on her drink at those words and started coughing loudly. Kurt had mentioned Blaine in a conversation back when the two boys had just met. He had called her to complain about waking up alone after he had slept with Blaine. Of course, Finn had filled her in better than her best friend and she quite liked the boy. She still didn't want to believe that he could be the solution to Kurt's problems because she could not deal with the disappointment. But she could tell the kid was worth it.

When she had regained control of herself, she answered and tried to use a casual tone.

"Blaine? Whoa. Okay, uh, I…" She laughed nervously, "I'm sorry, Kurt. It's been ages since we've talked boys, I just… I don't know what to say."

Kurt noticed the hopeful spark on her eyes and immediately said, "It's not like that."

Rachel sighed in defeat and said a bit harshly, "Then what's this about?"

"I said some mean things to him, things I shouldn't have and I feel sorry for that."

It took all of Rachel's strength not to let her jaw drop to the floor. She raised her eyebrow gently as if urging him to continue, but Kurt took another sip from his drink with his eyes focused on the table in front of him.

Rachel kept her poker face as she waited for him to proceed, but her mind was working at super speed trying to understand Kurt's words.

'He felt bad for some things he said? He regrets hurting him? Does he care if the kid gets hurt? Oh my god, Finn may be right. We could have old Kurt back.'

Her internal flailing was cut short as Kurt started talking again, "Yes, well… I was out of line and I don't like it. So, what should I do?"

"Uh… An apology seems like a nice way to start." He gave her his best 'bitch, please' face and rolled his eyes.

"I know that. What I meant is that I haven't seen him in over three weeks."

"Oh… well then go find him."

"You make it sound so easy bu-"

"It is easy," said Rachel, interrupting him, "Kurt, don't run away from this. If you felt bad about hurting his feelings, find him. Apologize. He seems to be worthy of it, especially since you seem to care for him."

Kurt's eyes darkened. "I do not care for him, Rachel."

Rachel rolled her eyes and answered him in an angry tone, "Right. You don't care, I forgot. Cause you don't care about anyone. You know what? Fine, you've told me what your problem was and I've advised you. Now, let's change the subject, since this conversation is now pointless."

The uncomfortable silence settled between them. The waiter arrived with their plates and they started eating. At last, Rachel sighed and started telling him some tour anecdotes. He was serious at first, but then gave in and they started having an amiable conversation again. But Kurt's mind was still focused on Rachel's words.

He knew she was right and the only thing to do was finding Blaine and apologizing to him.

It was a lovely Sunday morning, the birds were chirping and the sunlight came through the Anderson house, bringing it to life. Blaine sat alone in his room, working on some sketches. He'd been rather busy the past couple of weeks, juggling his schoolwork and his drawing classes outside school. He had even refrained from going out so he could spend his weekends —like this one— drawing.

Blaine's lifelong dream had been to attend a prestigious art school. He had made up his mind and wanted to be accepted at Parsons. With him being a senior now, he needed to start his admission process and practice as much as he could to put together his portfolio.

He suddenly stopped when he realized what he'd been sketching. He grunted and ripped the paper off his sketchbook, crumpling it and throwing it across the room. He was getting frustrated. Lately, everything he drew ended up reminding him of Kurt in some way. He had several sketches of the boy's face hidden among his other drawings. He hated not being able to get him out of his head.

Even if Kurt had been horrible to him the last time they had seen each other, Blaine was still in love with him. But he knew that wasn't important anymore, Kurt would never want him as anything more than a potential sex toy. And that was something Blaine would not settle for.

He focused his attention on his sketchbook again and pushed every thought about Kurt aside. His dream came first.

And not even Kurt Hummel would make him lose sight of it.

He opened up the curtains and stared outside the window. The leaves were falling down and he could see two boys playing in the street. He smiled. Autumn was coming to an end and the weather was chilly. He loved this time of the year, when winter was just around the corner. He took his pencil and began to draw the scenery outside his window.

After a few hours of intense sketching, he turned to look at the time. It was 4 o'clock and he was getting hungry. He got up and went to the kitchen to make himself a sandwich. His mother was passing through when she saw that Blaine had not even bothered to clean up his room before setting to work. She sighed but smiled proudly as she noticed the drawing on his desk. He was currently working on a new landscape. Next to it, was the drawing he had done previously, the one of the kids playing outside and the leaves falling down.

She made his bed and picked his dirty clothes from the floor. As she got down to pick one of his shirts, she noticed the crumpled paper that seemed to have a drawing in it. She frowned in confusion. It was extremely rare for Blaine to toss aside a sketch. Even if he didn't like it, he'd keep it to work on his errors.

She picked it up and her eyes widened. It was a drawing of a handsome boy sleeping. He was naked; his limbs tangled in the sheets, and seemed to be having a pleasant dream. She stared at it, unsure of how to react. She heard Blaine coming up the stairs and she quickly hid the drawing in the clothes she was carrying. When he entered his room he stopped at the sight of his mom.

"Mom, are you okay?" he asked when he saw her expression. She seemed like a deer caught in the headlights.

"I… Yes. I just thought I'd help you clean up a bit. Don't mind me, continue with your work," she smiled at him and got out of his room.

He shrugged and went back to his desk. His mom stood outside, clutching the clothes in her hands. Then, she slowly got the paper out and looked at it one more time. She knew perfectly well what this meant and she didn't know what to do.

She closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath.

The following morning, Blaine got early to school as he usually did and sat near the entrance to wait for his best friends. Quinn arrived first and sneaked up behind him, covering his eyes. Her laugh gave her away as Blaine pulled her hands away and turned to look at her. She seemed happier these days, Blaine noticed as she took a seat next to him.

"What are you drawing today?" she asked him as she scooted closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Nothing, I just got here," he said as they stared at the people arriving.

Some jocks waved at Blaine and he waved back. One of them winked at him as he turned his head to point at Quinn. He rolled his eyes. Since he hadn't come out to anyone but Quinn and Santana, many people at school thought he was dating Quinn.

Blaine didn't fall into the "gay stereotype". He wasn't really into fashion, although he liked to dress nicely. He loved football and was invited on several occasions to join the team. He had refused the offer but remained on friendly terms with the team. He wasn't too popular either, but he was really nice and kind so many people liked him. He just wasn't so sure if they'd still like him if he ever came out to them.

A few minutes later, Santana showed up.

"I'm sorry, guys. I have to go, Cheerios practice." The other two nodded understandingly.

Santana was the captain of the cheerleading squad and now that the season was starting, she had less time to hang out. Neither of them minded it since they were both busy as well with their respective college plans.

"But, hey! We should grab a bite after school! I'll meet you guys here and we'll find a nice place to eat, okay?"

She was already walking towards the entrance as she said it and didn't even bother to wait for their responses. Blaine just laughed and turned to look at Quinn who only shrugged and smiled at him.

"I think we'll have to accept the offer," she said as they made their way inside the building.

Later that day, the three friends were walking around town, trying to decide where they would eat.

"We should have just gone to Breadsticks," said Santana, sounding like an annoyed five year old.

"That's what I suggested but you said we should try something new," Quinn responded.

"Hey, guys. That place looks nice." Blaine was pointing at a small diner at the corner of the street.

The girls shrugged and they made their way to the door. When they entered, Blaine smiled as he realized the entire place was covered with LGBT flags.

"Interesting decoration," said Quinn, smiling as well as they looked for an empty table.

They found a booth and sat down. As soon as they were settled, a woman came near them. She had short brownish hair and a gentle smile.

"Hello," she said as she handed them the menu, "I've never seen you guys here before."

"Uh, yeah. We just found this place," Blaine said as he started eyeing the menu. She smiled kindly and said.

"Well, welcome. When you're ready to order, call me." They thanked her and she made her way to the other tables.

"This place is cozy," said Quinn as she looked around. Everyone seemed to know one another, making the place look like a home rather than a restaurant.

Santana also examine the place with her eyes and said, "Yeah, I like it. Nice call, Blaine."

Blaine smiled. "Are you ready to order?"

Both of them nodded and he waved at the waitress. She scribbled down their orders and once she was gone, they started talking.

"Okay, first things first. Quinn, how are things going with Mr. Mohawk?" Santana asked as she turned to look at Quinn.

She blushed but tried to use a casual tone. "There's nothing going on."

"Oh, come on! He texts you, like, everyday."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I always text back." Santana gaped at her.

"You have this super hot dude after you and you're playing hard to get? Have I taught you nothing?"

Blaine laughed and Quinn gave Santana an annoyed look.

"Actually, I think you've taught me enough," she said as their plates arrived. Santana rolled her eyes and pretended to look offended. They started eating and it was Blaine's turn to ask.

"But don't you like him?"

"He's not… that bad. It's just… I have a feeling he just wants to sleep with me, you know? Like I'm the missing piece on his trophy collection."

"Oh, Quinn… I'm sure that's not it. I bet he's madly in love with you," Blaine said as he grabbed her hand across the table. She met his eyes and smiled slightly. Santana nudged her in the ribs and winked at her, making her laugh.

Blaine stared at the two girls sitting in front of him and smiled fondly. They turned to look at him and Santana said, "And what about you?"

Blaine shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He had tried to hide his disappointment and heartbreak over what had happened in the bar but he knew they had noticed. He shrugged and took a sip of his drink.

"I haven't seen him and doubt I ever will again, so I'm good."

But it seemed as if the universe hated him, for just as he was finishing that sentence, the door opened and in came none other than Kurt Hummel. Quinn and Santana noticed him first and visibly stiffened. Quinn grew pale and Santana seemed like ready to murder someone.

"Guys… wha-"

"Kurt, honey!" they heard the owner of the diner say cheerfully. Blaine tensed up and closed his eyes.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," he breathed as he slowly turned around. Sure enough, Kurt Hummel was hugging the lady across the counter.

Blaine's heart started thumping quickly and his hands were shaking. He whirled around and took a deep breath. Quinn grabbed his hand and whispered to him, "Act like you haven't seen him. I don't think he's seen us."

He nodded and grabbed his fork again, eating slowly and trying to calm himself.

Kurt sat down at the counter as his step-mom continued to tend to her customers. He glanced around and his eyes came to a sudden stop when he noticed the booth where the three friends were eating. He frowned, debating on whether to approach them or leave them be. He hadn't forgotten Rachel's words. It really was just a simple apology.

He mustered enough courage and made his way to the table. Santana was the first one to notice and immediately picked her fork as a form of threat.

"Come any closer and I'll insert this on your pretty face," she said, making Kurt stop and raise his eyebrows in a mixture of confusion and surprise. Quinn's eyes widened and she grabbed her hand, taking the fork away from her.

"Santana!" she hissed, embarrassed.

Blaine just raised a hand and both turned to look at him. "It's okay."

He whirled around so he could face Kurt. When their eyes met, a shock went through Kurt's body. Those hazel eyes had an effect on him. He noticed Blaine was waiting for him to talk, so he cleared his throat and asked.

"Can we talk?" Blaine took a deep breath and nodded as he got out of his seat. Blaine lead the way and Kurt just kept staring at him from behind, trying to figure out what the younger boy was thinking.

When they got outside, Blaine turned around and crossed his arms.

"What do you want to talk about? And I swear, you say you want to fuck me one more time and it'll be me who stabs you with a fork."

Kurt laughed humorlessly and shook his head. "You really are an interesting one, Blaine Anderson."

He sighed and continued, "No, I'm not going to say that. I… I want to apologize."

Blaine's eyes widened and he opened his mouth, inhaling sharply.

"You what?"

"What you heard."

Blaine was pleasantly surprised. Of course, he hadn't expected Kurt to admit to having feelings for him but he also hadn't expected an apology.

"Does that mean that you… like me?"

"Don't get ahead of yourself."

Blaine sighed in defeat. This was obviously too good to be true.

"So you still think I'm a stupid brat. Gee… thanks."

"Hey, I still believe in every word I said. I'm just sorry for the way I said it. I shouldn't have called you stupid. I'm sorry. You have every right to believe whatever you want, even if I don't agree."

Blaine thought about it for a moment. He knew it was the best he would be able to get from Kurt so he decided to accept the apology.

"Okay. Uh, I forgive you, I guess." Blaine shrugged and turned to return to the diner. Kurt grabbed his arm.

"Wait."

Blaine stared at the hand holding him and met Kurt's eyes.

Kurt cleared his throat and said, "Look, you seem like a nice kid. You're interesting and I'd like to get to know you better."

"I'm still not sleeping with you."

Kurt laughed loudly.

"I don't expect you to."

"So, what now?" Blaine asked.

Kurt smiled and took his hand out his pocket stretching it out to Blaine.

"Friends?" he said. Blaine stared at him, trying to figure out what Kurt was thinking. He knew it was a bad idea. But he also wanted to get to know Kurt. He was obsessed with knowing what had happened in the past to make him like that. And, even if it was a conceited idea, he wanted to prove Kurt wrong. Love was not stupid.

He looked down and stared at his hand for a few seconds as all these thoughts rushed through his head. At last, he also stretched his hand and took Kurt's.

"Friends," he finally answered.

They got back inside and Blaine asked him, "So, you know the owner?"

"Yeah, she's my step-mom," he said and Blaine raised her eyebrows.

Quinn and Santana approached them, giving Kurt a wary look. Blaine smiled at them reassuringly and whispered to Quinn, "It's okay."

Quinn gave him a curious look but didn't say anything. Blaine turned to look at Kurt.

"So… I guess I should introduce you guys properly. These are Quinn and Santana, my best friends. And well, this is Kurt." Quinn attempted to smile and Blaine appreciated the effort. Santana, on the other hand, was scowling at him.

The tension was palpable and no one knew exactly what to say. To everyone's relief, Kurt's step mom approached them.

"Kurt, you know these kids?" She smiled her warm smile at them once more as she grabbed Kurt's arm.

"Yes. Carole, this is Blaine, a… well a sort of friend of mine. And these are his friends, Quinn and Santana. This is my mom, Carole."

"Nice to meet you all! I hope you now come here more often." Blaine smiled at her and nodded.

Quinn whispered in his ear that it was time to go. They said their goodbyes and made their way to the door. Before stepping out, Blaine turned to smile at Kurt who smiled back.

Once outside, Blaine was attacked by his friends' questions.

"What the hell was that?" said Santana loudly.

"He apologized to me and we're now friends."

"Friends my ass! He wants you on his bed again."

"Even if he does, I won't oblige. I'm not that stupid, San." Quinn nodded approvingly and Santana just rolled her eyes.

When Blaine got home, he noticed his mom wasn't in the kitchen or the living room.

'She must be taking a nap,' he thought to himself as he walked up the stairs.

When he arrived at his room, he found his mother sitting on the edge of the bed. She had something in her hands and when Blaine saw what it was, his blood turned cold. His mom looked up, holding every drawing he'd ever made of Kurt and asked quietly.

"Blaine, what are these?"

His eyes started to fill with tears and he knew his voice would crack if he attempted to speak. So he didn't say anything.

"Blaine, are you gay?"