The sun started to shine through the windows as dawn crept in. Blaine and Kayleigh had barely spoken all night, just moved places for a change of scenery and positions to stretch their aching muscles. They took turns pacing and slumping in various chairs. At one point, Blaine explained exactly what the deal was that he and Kurt made, and why he had decided that they needed to end it. The remainder of the night was silent. Blaine had too much on his mind; Kayleigh was being patient for Blaine, knowing that he needed a little bit of time. Finally, when Kayleigh saw the light peeking through the curtains, she sighed.

"Blaine. Talk to me."

"What do you want me to say?" Blaine looked up at her through his swollen, red, tired eyes from his slumped over position on the arm of the couch. "I messed up, Kay. Badly. And I cant do anything about it." She knelt down next to the end of the couch so she was about eye level with him.

"Why cant you?"

"Because hes done with me. I hurt him and I cant take that back." Kayleigh could see the pain in his eyes, right behind the denial that was forced through.

"No, you cant take it back. But why does that mean you cant be forgiven?" She took one of his hands in both of hers and massaged his palm, rubbing over his wrists, knowing it would comfort him and calm him like when Casey used to do it after hed spent all day playing music.

"Its not that simple." He said as he let his eyes close, his eyebrows still drawn together.

"Why not?" She asked calmly. "Look, maybe he never said as much, but he loves you. I know he does; I can see it. And you love him just as much, even if you wont admit it. This stupid deal youre so hung up on is getting in the way of you admitting how you feel, even though the whole thing already fell to shit." Kayleigh paused in her massaging to watch him as he cracked one eye open to look at her. "You need to stop thinking about how this started and instead think about how you want it to end."

"Kay." He grumbled into the fabric on the arm of the couch.

"I know you havent done this in a while, but honestly, B, you need to think about it. If you just forget the fact that you were trying to play pretend you would see how real it is. Youre not a good enough actor to fool me that well." She smiled slightly as he let out a small laugh and rolled his eyes. He leaned back up and pulled Kayleigh with him so she could sit next to him. He was sitting properly against the back of the couch, but with his head resting back against the top of the cushions as he stared at the ceiling.

"I just dont know what to do." He said at last.

"Youll think of something." Kayleigh rested her head against his shoulder as she yawned. "You always do. And maybe right now youre right. Maybe you two need a little time to yourselves, but maybe you should also just let him know that youre still here and you dont want to lose him completely." She kissed his cheek and grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch, covering them both and then resting her cheek against his shoulder once more.

"Just think about it, okay, B? I dont want you to lose this; you deserve to be happy."

Been&Done: Kurt Hummel Tells All! Life, Love, and Far From the End! Get the exclusive here!

Kayleigh sent him the article. Though in truth, he had seen the video that went along with it yesterday when it went up. Lately hed been following Kurts life through gossip a lot more than hed like to admit.

He hadnt watched all the way through, though. He was afraid of what he might hear.

With a sigh he clicked the link and waited for the page to load. His fingers drummed nervously on the keyboard as he only half-listened to the video as Kurt and the interviewer talked about Far From the End. Blaine didnt really care about what was to come on the show; he probably already knew more about it than what Kurt was giving in the interview anyway (not that he was supposed to know). He stopped as he heard the first question that pertained to him.

Been&Done: So I heard some rumors about your love life lately.

Kurt Hummel: Oh, Im sure there are all sorts of colorful rumors going around.

B&D: Care to clear some of those up for us?

KH: Sure.

B&D: So you were dating a musician named Blaine Anderson, right?

KH: I was.

B&D: Can we get a little more on the story there?

KH: We met last spring at the restaurant where he played. I went to compliment him after one of his shows and we made plans to see each other and things just kind of fell into place.

B&D: Was he booking a lot of shows prior to when he met you?

KH: Mostly just odd jobs at restaurants and coffee shops, but I tried to encourage him to get out more. Blaines really shy, so it took a lot for him to even consider that. Im really proud of him though.

Blaine let out a choked sob as he watched Kurt speak. Kurt really was the best person he knew. He could tell Kurt was putting on a brave face, that behind his smile his eyes were heartbroken. Why would he try to build Blaine up when he deserved to be shot down?

B&D: Do you think Blaine took advantage of your fame?

KH: No, definitely not. I think the fact that we were dating helped him build his confidence and get his name out there a bit quicker than it would have on his own, but with his talent he would have gotten there eventually. Im certain of that.

B&D: So you dont think he used you at all?

KH: Absolutely not. Blaine isnt like that. I dont think Ive ever met anyone who is kinder or more honest than Blaine. I know he would never do that to me. To anyone.

B&D: You sound like you still care about him.

KH: Of course I do. Just because were not dating doesnt mean I dont care. Were good friends and we became really close. That doesnt go away easily.

B&D: So, if you dont mind me asking, what happened between you two?

KH: We both have a lot going on right now that we need to work out, so we decided to give it a break. If, in the end, we can get past those issues and we come back to each other, then so be it, but if not... Well, I wish him all the best.

B&D: So youre not mad or upset with him?

KH: No, Im not. Blaine and I became really close and I understand why we needed to take a break from our relationship. Hes an incredibly talented person, and I really hope he continues to do well with his career. He deserves it more than anyone.

B&D: Thats very sweet of you.

KH: Thats the truth.

Blaine had to pause the video as he wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his hoodie. He cried silently and sniffled a little bit as he grabbed a tissue to blow his running nose. God, why was Kurt being so nice? He should be tearing Blaine apart. Blaine was terrible to him. He did use him, but Kurt still defended him. The video continued on with more talk about Kurts future projects and Blaine took the opportunity to scroll down to the comments, barely able to see through the blur of his tears.

Aww, guys look at his eyes when he talks about Blaine. He totally still loves him <3

Fuck that! Hes lying about Blaine. He definitely used Kurt. Why else would they have broken up right when Blaines getting famous?

Forget about Blaine and date me, Kurt!

You guys are wrong. Blaines too sweet to use someone to get famous.

Whether or not Blaine used him, you cant deny he still loves Blaine. Hes heartbroken.

Blaine stopped reading and closed out the tab before he shut his laptop and curled up in the corner of his couch with a pillow hugged to his chest. Kurt shouldnt have done that for him. He was far from deserving of anything Kurt said in that video.

With a deep breath, he reached over and felt around for his cell phone on the coffee table. He sniffed and wiped at his eyes again, and then scrolled through his contacts and selected Kurts name.

He listened.

And waited.

And listened.

He waited for what seemed like forever for the ringing to stop and instead pick up on the high voice that signaled Kurts voicemail recording. Again, he waited until the recording ended and the tone sounded.

"...Hi, Kurt." God, he sounded so stupid. He cleared his throat to try to get rid of the raspy sound before continuing. "I... I saw the interview and—thank you. You had every single right to just tear me down for everything Ive done to you. You shouldnt be so nice to me; I dont deserve it. But thank you. Thank you for everything youve done for me. You continue to amaze me with your kindness and I just want you to know how much I appreciate it all. Just—thanks, again."

He ended lamely and hung up, tossing his phone on the couch by his feet. He felt even guiltier now, but Kayleigh was right. Cutting Kurt off completely wouldnt help either of them. He had to do something to make sure Kurt knew that he wasnt completely done with him, despite his original thought that it would be best. No matter the nature of the relationship they had, he selfishly still wanted Kurt in his life.

Kurt saw that his phone was ringing, but he didnt want to answer it. He wasnt sure he could handle it right now. With any luck, Blaine would leave a message, and Kurt could decide if he had it in him to talk to Blaine, depending on what Blaine had to say.

He left his phone on silent until he got home, which made it seem like a longer route than usual. He took his time once he got inside, properly hanging his jacket in the coat closet, placing his shoes neatly in line in his bedroom closet, and settling on a barstool in the kitchen with a glass of water before he finally looked at his phone.

A missed call and new voicemail from Blaine awaited his response.

He took a deep breath and listened to the voicemail, holding it in until the recording ended.

He didnt know what he was expecting, but he wasnt really expecting a thank you. Did Blaine really think he didnt deserve success? Did he really believe that Kurt would have pretended to be the victim just to shut Blaine down? Was he really that unsure of himself, of Kurt, to think that thats what he would have seen in the interview?

Kurt sighed and picked his phone back up from where he placed it gingerly on the counter. He hesitated over the number he wanted to call, but he needed to talk to someone who wouldnt spare an opinion for Kurts feelings. He waited for two rings before the telltale click of the ring cutting off indicated the phone being answered.

"Well, hello there, Lady lips. What can I do for you?" A rich voice came smoothly through the line.

"Santana, I really think you can stop calling me that." Kurt said despite the small laugh of relief that fell past his lips. Yes, Santana was definitely the one he needed to talk to right now.

"Please, you love that nickname and you know it. Now seriously, whats up? Missing your man to keep you nice and cozy between the sheets?" She drawled out. Some things never changed.

"Santana."

"Sorry, sorry. For real now," Kurt could almost see her shaking her head to morph her expression into one of sympathy. "Whats wrong? You always call me when you need a real opinion."

"Its sad that you know me that well." Kurt sighed as he moved to the couch and placed his glass of water on the coffee table. Why he hadnt decided on wine was beyond him, but he supposed it was good to be responsible. Santana waited quietly on the line until Kurt spoke again.

"Its about Blaine, but I need to tell you something. And you cant tell anyone, you have to promise."

"Have I not proven my integrity since high school? Come on, Kurt, you know I have your back no matter what." She nearly whined.

"I know, I know. This can never get out though. It could destroy Blaine, and thats the last thing I want to happen."

"Geez, this has gotta be big. Or maybe small? Is he lacking between his legs, or something?"

"Santana."

"I couldnt resist. You love my lack of filter." She said in lieu of an apology. "Now tell me whats so big that it could ruin Blaine?"

"We... Blaine and I were never dating. We made this deal that I would help him get his name out there by pretending to date him. We werent ever in a relationship; we faked it all." Kurt admitted. It felt good to tell Santana all of this.

"Well thats bullshit." She responded nearly immediately.

"Im not trying to protect him or anyth—"

"No, Im sure you guys made that deal and thought it would be a magnificent idea. Whats bullshit is the fact that you think it was all pretend." Santana stated it as a fact, not a matter of opinion. Kurt imagined her sitting on her faded couch with a nail file and a bored look.

"Santana, if people hear that we faked the relationship theyll think Im just protecting him or trying to make it seem like I wasnt fooled by his using me. Either way, people will lose respect for Blaine. I cant let that happen; he deserves everything thats coming for him. He deserves to be able to make his music." Kurt pleaded with her.

"You done?" She asked patiently.

"I—yes?"

"Good. Now listen to me this time when I speak because thats what you called me for. Ive never even met the damn guy, but I know you guys werent just faking it. I saw the video from New Years."

"Rachel took—"

"Hush, Im not done. You dont kiss people like that, Kurt. Trust me, Ive spied on you more times than I can count. I mean, you thought Luca was it for you and even then you werent that into it. And what, now youre going to tell me that you were with Blaine all that time and you didnt sleep with him? Wasted opportunity, darling."

"We couldnt—"

"Im still not done, Lady lips. So let me guess. Your dilemma right now is that you guys had to break up because all the ‘fake shit got in the way and one of you wanted to make it real and the other one wanted to go along and pretend nothing had changed, am I right? You may speak."

"Yes." Kurt replied with an eye roll even though she couldnt see it.

"Im going to go ahead and assume youre the one with your head screwed on right and say you wanted to make your relationship real while Blaine wanted to flit around with his happy-go-lucky boyish charm and keep on pretending because hes too afraid of his feelings. Tell me Im right again."

"Youre right." Kurt mumbled. He knew his rhetorical answers were just an ego boost for her, but at this point he was desperate enough to feed into her fishing for praise.

"So, just to further prove my flawless lesbian intuition, Im guessing the problem here is that you guys called it quits so you didnt have to deal with the whole feelings thing and now you dont know what to do because you want him and he wants you but hes still being a douchedick and wont admit it and you dont want to push it. You may speak freely now." Santana finished with a sassy tone and all Kurt could do was groan in frustration.

"I hate it when youre right." He sighed in defeat as he sank further into the cushions.

"Its a gift."

"So what do I do?" Kurt pleaded.

"Nothing." She replied as if it were obvious.

"Santana, that doesnt help me."

"He knows how you feel, right? You told him?"

"Yes, I did. Thats the reason we had that fight in the first place. I was the one who brought it up." Kurt shuddered at the memory.

"Okay, just forget about that for a second. He knows how you feel about him, and right now he probably feels like a prick because of it. So, let him wallow for a bit."

"I cant just let him fall apart, Santana." Kurt sighed.

"He might fall apart a little bit, but he needs to. He needs to realize that what he feels for you isnt just because of the front you guys had to put up for the cameras. Trust me; I know these things."

"Why would you know these things?" Kurt questioned skeptically.

"Because I know everything." Her tone dripped with sarcasm and she paused before she continued. "Seriously, though, you just had an interview where you were practically worshipping Blaine and he probably saw it. Did he say anything to you?"

"Yeah, he... He left me a message and thanked me for not telling everyone he used me. I dont know why he thought I would, though, because he didnt—"

"Kurt. Stop. I believe you." There was a shuffling sound and Kurt thought she was settling down on her couch much like he was on his own. "Right now Blaines probably confused out of his mind because he hurt you but he didnt realize he was doing it. So now he wants to fix it but he doesnt want to get close to you because hes afraid hell hurt you again."

"How is it that you are able to understand people so well?" Kurt marveled at how much sense she was making.

"When you hide who you are long enough, you start to understand what other people are trying to hide, too." She muttered nonchalantly; though Kurt knew if she were with him in that moment, she would have shrugged uncomfortably and brushed it off. He still knew her insecurities as well as his own.

"Keep yourself open to him when he comes to you, because he will." She continued. "He just needs a little time to trust himself first. Dont give up on him, though. He wants to suck your cock as much as you want to suck his."

"SANTANA."

"Just helping you out; no need to thank me." She offered.

"Yeah, yeah. I miss you too much sometimes. I hope you know that." Kurt smiled as he said it.

"I do, Lady lips. Let me know when you make some progress with the hobbit, all right?"

"Hobbit?"

"Ive seen pictures. Hes shorter than I am, isnt he." It wasnt a question.

"Do not call him that. Hes already insecure enough." Kurt tried to defend, but he knew he wouldnt get far with Santana.

"Ill try my best. Get some sleep tonight, okay?"

"I will. Santana... Thanks. I really dont know what Id do without you." He meant it sincerely.

"Youre welcome. Love you, Lady lips." He could hear the smile in her voice.

"Love you too, Satan."