The morning was cloudy and dark as Kurt made his way back to Blaine's apartment, the collar of his Burberry trench coat turned up against the falling rain. He rounded the corner to Blaine's building at around nine hoping it wasn't too early but he had said anytime and Kurt was eager to get started. Kurt was endlessly enamoured with Blaine, he presented a mystery, handsome and charming when the mood struck but still a mystery none the less.

Kurt was trying to hold back around Blaine. Trying to stop himself from smiling too brightly or blushing too much or staring too intently, because to him it was painfully obvious just how much he cared already. There was only one thing that worried him and it was the glimpse of Blaine he'd seen late the previous night. The sadness in him, the way his tensed body shuddered like he was battling to hold himself together, the way his voice lowered and sharpened like a warning: stay away. The problem was the more Kurt saw the more captivated he became, tangled in a web of glimpses and stolen glances.

Rounding the corner and entering Blaine's building a stifling surge of excitement coursed through Kurt. He raced up the stairs, avoiding the rather shambolic looking elevator hanging in the foyer and scaling the steep steps, two three at a time. A moment of composure and then Kurt knocked briskly on the door to apartment 4c only to have the door crack open slightly. Confused by the open door, Kurt stepped inside tentatively, a sudden compulsion to ensure nothing was wrong propelling him forward. The sight that greeted him as he stepped further into the apartment was unusual to say the least.

Spread eagled on the floor, tangled in a single sheet was a sound asleep Blaine Anderson. Kurt considered leaving, coming back later when Blaine was more awake but he couldn't seem to tear himself away. Blaine was lying on his back, bare muscled chest uncovered by the sheet, his curly hair falling every which way. The light cast him in solemn shadow as dark lashes fluttered intermittently across stubbled cheeks and succulent lips parted with every breath. It was when Blaine groaned, brow furrowing in his sleep that Kurt noticed a small piece of paper flutter to the floor. Curious, he tip toed quietly to Blaine's side, picking up what appeared to be a note.

Don't panic Squirt. Came to collect Belle earlier and didn't want to wake you. You need your sleep Blaine even if you're scared. Things won't get any better if you're dead on your feet. Don't work too hard. And have fun with your ‘friend' today, go get him tiger - love ya, Coop and Arabella

With his suspicions about Blaine's lack of sleep confirmed, Kurt glanced again at Blaine's sleeping form. He was restless, twisting beneath the sheet a little, eyes moving rapidly behind his shut eyelids. Blaine was scared. Scared of what exactly? Deciding to bring up the subject later, Kurt read on, instantly regretting his undignified snort and giggle at the last line when Blaine bolted upright, scrambling away from him slightly, the sheet discarded and pooled at his feet.

"Fuck." Blaine's eyes were instantly alert and wild, roaming the apartment before coming to settle on Kurt. His chest rising and falling rapidly with his ragged breathing, he dragged trembling hands through his equally wild hair.

"I- I'm so sorry," Kurt said frantically "that's twice now I didn't mean t-to wake you."

"It's fine," Blaine tried to reassure, wide eyed at Kurt's look of terror and concern, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have flipped out. I- everything's fine." He still looked terrified but he seemed more present than he had been in his first few waking moments.

"Are you okay?" Kurt asked tentatively.

"Yeah I-" Blaine shakily replies "I'm fine I just-"

"You don't sleep well?"

"No I- I dream a lot. They're pretty vivid. I wake up as tired as when I fell asleep."

"Have you tried sleeping pills at all?"

"No err that would be a pretty bad idea."

"Why would that be a bad-?"

"I'm gonna go and, ya know..." Blaine paused looking for a reason to leave or at least change the subject when he looked down at his attire "Shower; put some clothes on maybe, God I'm a mess sorry." He chuckled smiling softly at Kurt knelt on the floor. "So yeah, make yourself at home, um get what you need, set up and I'll be right back."

Blaine sprinted out the room, running towards the bathroom. Quick, he had to be quick Kurt was waiting. He glanced at himself in the mirror. Shit. Hair wild, eyes comically wide and a creepy looking grin; he looked fucking crazed. He was in and out of the shower in record time.

Kurt looked up from his things when the sound from the bathroom stopped abruptly, and was greeted with the sight of Blaine Anderson frozen halfway down the corridor to his bedroom, still dripping wet and only clad in a towel held firmly around his waist. Kurt flushed hot as he watched a droplet of water travel down Blaine's stubbled jaw and neck, dipping into his collar bone before travelling across the taut muscle of his chest and abs before disappearing into the top of the towel that hung low on his hips.

"Like what you see Hummel?" Blaine smirked, voice low and teasing.

"I thought you said you were going to put some clothes on?" Kurt threw back, bitch glare fixed firmly on Blaine's face as he avoided looking at the rest of him.

"Aww baby," Blaine cooed, eyes darkening at the sight of Kurt's rosy blush "but being semi naked with you could be so much fun."

"Put some clothes on Blaine."

"Aww but babe we could-"

"Clothes. Now, Anderson."

"Ugh fine." Blaine pouted and trudged off down the corridor towards the bedroom.

.oO0Oo.

Once he was appropriately dressed, Blaine sat cross-legged on the floor opposite Kurt. He watched for a little while as Kurt sketched idly, completely unaware of Blaine's scrutiny. He was fucking gorgeous and Blaine had to keep himself from groaning aloud as Kurt bit down on his lip in concentration, releasing it looking plump and slick with moisture. God fucking damn it he needed to get laid. He tried to stifle a growl as Kurt swiped his tongue over his bottom lip but was ridiculously unsuccessful.

Kurt looked up at the sound to see Blaine staring down at his hands, playing with a stick of charcoal. He looked anxious and on edge, slowly covering his fingertips in silvery grey smudges. Seeing Blaine so quiet and withdrawn, like he was holed up in his own mind made something clench painfully inside Kurt's chest.

"So" Kurt started cautiously "how do you wanna do this?"

"I don't mind" Blaine replied quietly.

"We should get to know each other a little, ask some questions."

"Of course" he sighed, resigned. Great, more questions. "Shoot"