Blaine hated crying. It felt silly, childish, and pathetic. He hadnt felt as hopeless or insecure since he was nine years old and still mourning the loss of his parents. He was curled up on the bed in the luxurious home they had been provided by the royal court and was sobbing into the silk beneath his cheeks. He knew that someone like Kurt would find his soul mate eventually; hed just hoped hed choose him. Blaine had been hoping for someone like Kurt his whole life. He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his clan but there was always an empty feeling that settled deep in his chest, when hed sang the twins to sleep and curled up in his own bed, alone. He shouldve known that it wouldnt be him but as he spent each day by Kurts side, watching him, learning about him, it became more and more difficult to force it from his mind, to convince himself he was just doing his duty. Blaine couldnt bring himself to regret the kiss though, it felt right, hed never felt so safe and adored but then again that was Kurt. He got caught up in the moment and Kurt obliged him. At least it was better than outright rejection, which wouldve likely killed him.

Soon the tears just stopped and Blaine resolved to let go. He would be happy. Happy for Kurt. He had lived and thrived without a soul mate, he could do it again. He had children to think about, a promise to keep. He doubted he would ever find another like Kurt though, his mind and heart had already chosen him but it didnt work like that for Kurts kind. Physically he could let him go but as far as ever having feelings like that for another, Blaine knew it was impossible. He reached beneath his shirt and pulled out the sapphire pendant Kurt had placed on the alter in his home in the Milaukan caves. He felt guilty for taking the offering but he felt compelled to keep a part of Kurt close to him as if sensing that their time together was going to be short. He clutched the stone in his hand, warmed by his skin, and closed his eyes.

.oO0Oo.

He had no idea how long he had slept for but when he awoke to the sound of knocking and glanced out of the window the sky was a clear, midnight blue. He made his way shakily down the stairs, wiping away the stray tears as he tugged the door open. His eyes immediately fell to the twins, ignoring the grim faces of both Gaël and Kurt. He bent down and hugged them tight, trying his utmost to smile. "Hello darlings." He said kneeling so he was at their level. "Did you have a good afternoon?" The twins nodded hesitantly, both with concerned expressions Blaine felt guilty for being the cause of. "Well thats wonderful. Lets get you two ready for bed now shall we?" When he stood they each grabbed one of his hands and they were about to walk into the house when Kurts voice stopped him. "Blaine please," Kurt whispered "we need to talk."

"My children come first and its time for bed." Blaine said firmly, but this time he was interrupted by Gaël, uncharacteristically serious, almost angry. "Blaine, I bought the twins back to get your permission for them to go to Adelines sleepover tonight, my little sister. You need to talk with Kurt, I know whats going through your head and youre wrong." He looked down at the twins and they looked back at him hopefully. He didnt want to speak with Kurt but he wasnt cruel. He didnt want to punish the twins by not allowing them to go to the sleepover just because he was lonely and trying to avoid another painful conversation. He sighed, his shoulders hunching.

"Fine" He said simply kissing the twins on the forehead as they hugged him in thanks. "Go have fun. But dont stay up too late okay?" The twins nodded and Blaine smiled weakly as Gaël lead them away again with a wave. Kurt stepped through the door and closed it quietly behind him. He watched as Blaine sat on the staircase that lead to the next floor, his arms wrapped tightly around his knees, his colossal wings folding until he seemed half his usual size. Kurt had never really seen Blaine like this, hed seen him angry or nervous or scared but never heartbroken.

"We need to talk." Kurt interrupted the silence. Blaine just nodded and waited, as if preparing himself for the next blow. "What happened at the lagoon, i-it was just a simple misunderstanding." Blaine flinched, eyes screwing tight shut.

"Sorry." He muttered quietly "I got carried away, I-" He trailed off, his voice cracking on every other word. "No no no Blaine I didnt mean that. I mean - Why is it so hard to find words with you?" Kurt said exasperated. He was hoping their talk would clear the air and theyd just fall into each other. Instead he was ruining everything, all because Blaine took his breath away but he just didnt know how tell him. "I meant the other thing about being soul mates." He breathed out and Blaines head shot up, he didnt look hopeful just curious. "I wasnt really aware of the concept, obviously Ive dreamt of someone who would sweep me off my feet and who Id spend the rest of my life with but where I come from things are never as concrete as that. People fall in and out of love so many times that the idea of having a soul mate, someone you feel youre meant to be with and will always be with seemed so strange, so unrealistic." Blaines sorrow showed on his face, unable to hide his true emotions any longer.

"Just because something seems unrealistic, doesnt mean it cant be real." Blaine said finally, voice strong but quaking. "You know of so much now that you never wouldve thought real before I found you in the forest." He pulled the pendant out again and held it in his shaking hands "I know its real because Ive seen it, my parents, Cooper and Branwen, Ailidh and Selma. I know who has my heart, I didnt realise it but hes had it since I was eight. I know not everyone wants nor needs a soul mate; there are many beings in this world, all with different cultures and customs. A soul mate is a custom of mine. If you dont feel the same then thats fine, but this is it for me."

Blaine stood and walked slowly toward a Kurt who had been stunned into silence. He smiled weakly, his wide golden eyes wet with tears. Very gently he took Kurts hand and unfurled it digit by digit, placing the pendant in his palm before closing it again. "I gave you this sapphire for a reason." He said softly. He went to step back but Kurt grabbed his hand, interlacing their fingers and pulling him even closer. Finally the tears spilled over and Kurt brushed them away with his fingertips, lingering on the soft, warm skin of Blaines cheek. "Its you." He said simply and Blaine looked up at him in confusion. "The potential candidate, for a mate." A ringing sounded in his ears as he stared at Kurts lips and tried to register what he was saying. "Its you. I was just teasing but then you and-"

"Oh."

"Blaine are you-? Okay breathe."

"I am- what? I-"

"You heard what I said."

"Yes. Um wow now Im embarrassed. Heavens, Im so sorry." Blaine rushed out as Kurt wrapped his arms around his waist. There was nothing as magnificent as seeing a shy smile slowly creep onto Blaines face, his wings shuffling anxiously behind him. "Dont be sorry I wasnt very clear." Blaine nodded, both of them absolved. His smile grew as Kurt leant in and kissed him, soft and sweet. "Wait until we tell Gaël and the twins." Kurt said smiling, their faces so close that their lips brushed when he spoke. "Yeah" Blaine said with a breathy laugh "but for now we have the house to ourselves."

"Blaine, are you suggesting what I think youre suggesting?" Kurt replied seriously. Blaine stepped out of his arms, holding his hand and leading them toward the stairs. With his foot on the first step he turned and threw Kurt a coquettish smile over his shoulder. "Lets go finish what we started."