When Kurt got home that evening he lazily left his book bag by the front door and then plopped down on his couch. For how wonderfully hed started the afternoon, getting an invitation to the Broadway Ball, things had certainly taken a turn for the worst. After Blaine had left Aroma Mocha Kurt had gone back into the coffee shop to confront Aaron. Aaron was already on his way out though.

"Sorry, Kurt, I have to run. Well catch up later?"

"Actually I need to talk to you."

Aaron drove in to give Kurt a peck on the cheek, but Kurt took a step backwards. Aaron gave him a look but then continued on. "Sorry, babe, Im going to be late for study group. Whatever we need to talk about can wait, right?"

Kurt had opened his mouth to reply, but Aaron didnt wait. Kurt watched him hurry away and wondered if Aaron could sense what was coming. Kurt hated breaking up with people, but Aarons behavior that afternoon was going to make it easier.

Kurt only stayed seated for a moment before the bag by the front door starting bothering him and he had to get up to put it where it belonged. Kurts apartment was a small studio, one room that served as bedroom, living room and sewing room. A small kitchen, bathroom and a walk-in closet that Kurt was endlessly grateful for.

The small space was almost more than he could afford in the city, but it was cozy and Kurt had added his own flare to decorating the space. He cleaned when he was nervous so he wasnt surprised that he started tidying up, thinking about Blaine hurrying away from him that afternoon and the unanswered text hed sent him. What must Blaine think of Kurt having a boyfriend that he never even told Blaine about? He wouldnt have a boyfriend for long though. Kurt was going to fix this.

He was stacking some sketches on his desk when he heard a slight thumping noise from behind him. He looked up quickly at the door as the thumping paused and then started again. He walked to the peep hole and looked out to see an empty hallway. Maybe it was someone knocking on a neighbors door.

He went back to cleaning off his desk when he heard the noise again, a rhythmic thumping like his next door neighbor was playing music with a heavy bass beat, except it sounded like it was coming from the right side of the room and there was no neighbor on that side. He put his stack of drawings down and walked to that side of his room, listening intently. There was definitely a sound, and it seemed to be coming from the closet.

Kurt opened the door to his walk-in closet and stood inside for a moment just listening, thump, thump, thump. Kurt swallowed his nerves, he did not like that a strange noise was coming from his closet and, oh god if he had mice he was going to scream. Kurt looked up to the shelf above his hanging clothes and saw an old hat box sitting there; he probably hadnt looked in that box since hed moved into his tiny studio apartment a year and a half ago, or maybe longer than that. It was just a box of memorabilia that Kurt had moved from Lima, to his apartment with Rachel, to this apartment without ever really looking in it much.

He stood on his tip-toes and reached up for the box, grabbing it with his fingertips and pulling it forward until he was able to get it down. Baa bump. Baa bump. Kurt let out a shout of surprise and dropped the box, afraid that there actually was a rodent in there. The box landed on its side, knocking the top off and causing its contents to scatter over the floor of Kurts closet. Kurt knelt down and sighed in relief when he saw there was no furry creature making a home in his old hat box. The thumping noise had stopped as well.

Kurt started gathering things up: a few drawings from when he was a kid, a letter from his dad from when he graduated high school, the program from his mothers funeral; Kurt held that one a little longer than the others, not even remembering that hed kept it. He put them all back in the box and then crawled forward to make sure nothing had rolled under his clothes; his hand landed on something warm and smooth. Kurt pulled it out and sat back on his feet to look at it. It was a stone, dazzling red and as smooth as glass, probably the size of Kurts fist and strangely shaped. Kurt remembered this rock, hed found it at the beach on the last vacation he and his parents had gone on before his mom got sick.

Thats why hed kept it all these years; that summer had been nearly perfect, the last perfect summer before it became just him and his dad.

Kurt ran his fingers over the rock and sighed before putting it back in the box with his other things. He stood and took the box out of the closet; he wanted to go through this later, it be interesting to look at these things he hadnt thought about in years.

He sat the box on his desk and the noise started again, thump, thump, thump. Kurt jumped back in surprise as each thump from the box grew louder. It didnt make sense; there was nothing in that box that would make noise. A fuzzy memory from his childhood started to form in his mind but was chased away by the increasing din the box was making. Kurts breath became short and he covered his ears, fear starting a thrum through him. When just like that… it was silent again.

Kurt stood frozen staring at the box, his heart beating too fast in his chest, when there was another thumping noise, this time behind him. Kurt let out a short shocked yelp and turned around.

It was only someone knocking at the door. Kurt licked his dry lips and went to look out the peep hole to see Aaron standing there.

Kurt sighed and leaned his forehead against the door frame. What was Aaron doing here? Kurt straightened up and squared his shoulders. At least this would give him a chance to end things between them, even if his stomach squirmed, breaking up really was the worst.

Kurt opened the door and Aaron immediately greeted him with a kiss to his cheek before Kurt had a chance to stop him. "Hey, Kurt!" He said walking in and Kurt watched him.

"Aaron, what are you doing here? We dont have plans for this evening."

Aaron was looking around the small room, he hadnt really been in Kurts apartment before. "I know, but you said you wanted to talk about something and I just hurried off this afternoon. So I thought Id drop by and see my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend." Kurt repeated and rubbed his forehead, a headache forming. Just do it fast, he told himself, like ripping off a band aid.

Kurt looked at Aaron and he was smiling as he took a step closer to Kurt. "You know I really like you, Kurt, dont you?"

Kurt opened his mouth, "I…"

"I mean, I waited all that time for you to go out with me and then when you finally said yes I was so excited. And since then… its just been perfect."

Kurts heart thudded in his chest. Fast like a band aid! "Do you… want something to drink?" Kurt asked, stalling. "I have wine and…" Kurt walked over to his refrigerator and looked inside. "I have white wine and milk and water." He laughed uneasily. Good job Kurt, offer him alcohol when youre meant to be breaking up with him. "Or maybe not wine."

Aaron smiled easily and started walking around the small apartment. "Actually, wine would be great."

"...Great." Kurt frowned and pulled out the wine and filling two glasses, before joining Aaron where hed stopped by his desk to look at some of the sketches stacked there. The open hat box sat nearby.

"Did you do these, Kurt?" He said, picking up one of the sketches.

"I did." Kurt passed him the glass of wine. "I like to design things on the side."

"Theyre cute."

Kurt opened his mouth to say something and then closed it again. Cute wasnt really what hed been going for, but he didnt feel the need to correct him.

Aaron took a sip of wine and then sat down on the couch. Kurt joined him, trying to think of what to say next and swirling his wine around in his glass. When he looked up, Aaron had set down his glass and was leaning in, and with a sharp intake of breath, Aarons lips were on his own. Aaron took Kurts glass from his hand and set it down on the side table without ever leaving Kurts space and then started pressing him down into the couch.

"Whoa wait!" Kurt said, his voice firm as he pressed against Aarons shoulder to get him off of him. Kurt pulled himself back into a sitting position and scooted away.

"Kurt." Aaron scolded. "You know weve been going out for a few weeks and havent done more than kiss? Im okay with going slow and we dont have to do anything you dont want to tonight, but…" He shrugged and moved forward again.

"Stop!" Kurt cried and jumped off the couch. "Im sorry, Aaron... I am but this… no. This isnt working."

"Im moving too fast arent I?" He asked, looking up at Kurt from the couch.

Kurt squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. "I mean us, Aaron, Im sorry, but we arent working out. Youve been great really… but it isnt fair for us to keep going when I dont feel that… way about you."

Kurt watched Aarons face as it went through shock and hurt and then something angry flashed behind his eyes. He stood up. "Its that guy from the coffee shop isnt it?"

"No, this is because we dont work, Aaron."

Aaron curled his fist as his face hardened and he breathed heavily out of his nose. "Fine. Whatever."

"Aaron-"

"No I get it, I do. You get an invitation for this ball and now youre all high and mighty and think you can do better."

"W-what?" Kurt sputtered.

"Doesnt matter." Aaron went for the front door and Kurt watched him, feeling hurt and confused.

"Im really sorry."

Aaron spun to look at him "Youre not that great, Kurt. All the students at NYADA know it; your lucky streak will end." And with that, he marched out, slamming the door so hard the pictures on Kurts wall shook. He stared at the closed door for a moment and then crumpled down on the couch, holding his head in his hands. That was awful; hed never meant to hurt Aaron, but he couldnt help feeling a little relieved. At least it was over now. And as far as NYADA went, a statement like that would have shaken him years ago when he first got to New York, but he had so much more confidence now, he wasnt going to let snide remarks from an angry guy get to him.

He got up and walked to the window, looking down at the sidewalk as Aaron thrust his hand in the air and tried to wave down a taxi. Kurts cheeks were flushed and he opened the window, letting the cool winter air in as a taxi pulled up and Aaron climbed in; for a moment, Kurt imagined he heard a faint thump, thump from outside before he closed the window and turned away. He pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed Mercedess number, right now he needed to talk to someone who wasnt one of the exasperating men in his life.

Blaines eyes blinked open to gaze up at the white ceiling of his bedroom like they did every morning except… except this time something was different, something was off. He leaned up on his elbows and looked around, he was lying on the floor still in yesterdays clothes. Yeah, that wasnt normal. He looked down to see the copper bowl lying beside him, cold and empty now.

He sat up and reached for the bowl, looking at his distorted reflection in the shiny metal before he threw it across the room in frustration, it crashed against the wall with a satisfying clang.

It hadnt worked. After everything hed been through to get that vial and the ritual hadnt even worked. He had a vision, sure, but it didnt tell him what he needed to know, all it had done was… was show him Kurt.

He groaned and got up from the floor, his muscles stiff and his head pounding. After the heat of the ritual last night, he felt colder than ever. Kurt. Why would the heartstone remains show him a man hes known for such a short time? Why would Kurt be so strong in his mind that the whole ritual was ruined because of it? Blaine clenched his fist and headed out of his room, stumbling a little on his way. He pressed his hand up against his doorframe to steady himself and took a deep breath.
Blaine stopped himself as Felixs mouth parted and his eyes grew round.

He needed to see Felix. He had trusted Felix and now hed traded that dagger and was further from finding the truth than before. He grabbed his jacket by the front door and strode out of his apartment. Not even returning Manuals friendly greeting as he exited his building.

He took the subway, fuming the whole time, as his hands clenched and unclenched. Did Felix not understand what he was dealing with here? This was Blaines life, as miserable and empty as it was, and hed trusted Felix. Hed even enjoyed his company in Blaines own way.

When the train finally pulled up to Blaines stop, he stormed off, and as he came up from the station, cold wind bit at his skin, but for once he didnt even notice it. He walked until he got to the old ruins of the church, ignoring them and hurrying to the secret latch that opened into Felixs den. Blaine glared at the iron knocker, his anger too hot to even flinch at the creatures ruby-like eyes as he pounded on the door.

"Felix!" He yelled and pounded the door again. "Felix open up right now!"

"You have to knock the code." Blaine heard Felixs muffled voice from behind the thick wood.

"Open this door Felix or I swear…"

"Knock. The. Code."

Blaine let out a long controlled breath and then lifted up his fist and knocked the correct tattoo on the door. He heard Felix unlatching locks and then the door swung open.

"Blaine! Son of Ander. Gaelic for-"

"I know what it is Gaelic for." Blaine snapped, pushing in and slamming the door behind him. "Do you know why Im here?"

Felixs room was warm and bight as usual and Felixs cheeks and nose were red, causing Blaine to think that hed probably been drinking. He ignored Blaines question to lock the door again and then walked around him to sit at the low wooden table.

Finally, he met Blaines eyes. "And to what do I owe your lovely company?" He said with a shrewd smile and Blaine clenched his jaw and moved forward, taking the empty glass vial out of his pocket and throwing it on the table.

"You know why Im here."

Felix glanced down at the vial and back up at Blaine. "You used the heartstone remains?"

"Of course I did."

Felixs eyebrows lifted in excitement. "Tell me all about it!" He got up and grabbed a bottle of wine and two mugs from a cupboard. "Ive heard about the ritual of course, but never first-hand. I want to know everything."

Blaine watched Felix as he carefully poured a deep red wine for both of them. If hed known the remains werent real and that Blaine was here for an explanation, why was he so calm? Blaine didnt have the kindest reputation and normally his ire would have more intimidating men than Felix trembling. But here was Felix: short, portly and unafraid, offering him a clay mug of wine.

Blaine reached out for it dubiously and didnt take a sip even as Felix began to enjoy his. "You know what happened," Blaine repeated.

"You keep saying that, but I dont."

Either Felix wasnt aware that hed traded Blaine a faulty item or his acting skills were good enough that he should join Kurt at NYADA.

Kurt.

That vision of Kurt last night, all kind eyes and sweet words and soft touch…

"It didnt work," Blaine said, watching Felix closely. "I did what was required and it… it started… it seemed like it was working but then… nothing."

"No visions?" Felix asked, placing his mug down and lifting a brow.

"I- No there was a vision."

"Then it worked."

"No!" Blaine covered his eyes with his hand and sighed. "The vision I had had nothing to do with what Im searching for."

Felix was quiet until Blaine looked back across the table to him. "All this time and everything Ive done… and those remains they should have… that should have been my chance. It should have given me direction, a path, a way to find…" Blaine trailed off. "But it didnt work."

Felix tilted his head and watched him and Blaine felt the anger draining out of him. Felix hadnt tricked him. Felix didnt know there was something wrong with the vial. Felix was one of Blaines most reliable contacts. "So you think I failed you?" Felix asked.

"Something failed me."

"Maybe, maybe not. Tell me about this vision."

"Why, so you can try to interpret it? Youre no soothsayer, Felix, we both know that."

"Oh no no, youre right. You have more magic in one of your eyelashes than I have in my entire, not unsubstantial, self. But… I know things of the world and Ive lived a long life."

Blaine snorted at that, they both knew a little something about a long life.

"Tell me the vision you had."

Blaine closed his eyes and thought back to the night before, "It was just... a person. A face and a voice. I dont remember what they said though."

Felix nodded. "Someone you know?"

"Yes."

"Your brother?"

Blaine opened his eyes and narrowed them at Felix.

"Alright not your brother. Someone you know now or did know once?"

Blaine was tired. He was so tired. He usually was, but after the ritual last night and having his hopes dashed, he had little left in him. Why not just tell Felix? "A man. Someone I know now – I met him a few weeks ago."

"You saw this mans face and heard his voice?"

"Yes."

"And you dont think that significant?" Felix asked in confusion.

"I think he has nothing to do with my search."

"Is this man a friend or foe?" Felix drained the last of the wine from his mug. "And are you going to drink that?" He gestured to Blaines untouched mug. "Thats a 1964 Biondi Santi-"

"You can have it," Blaine said with a slight smile, nudging his cup towards Felix.

Felix took a sip. "Friend or foe?"

"Friend." Blaine answered.

"Now that is the most surprising information youve told me so far."

"Ha ha." Blaine dead-panned as Felix grinned at him.

"Maybe you should see a soothsayer. I promise you the heartstone remains I traded you were genuine, maybe you just arent grasping the answer they gave."

"He couldnt have anything to do with this, Felix. I dont want him to have anything to do with this he is too… too good and…"

"You have feelings."

Blaine glared at him. "Of course I have feelings, Im still human you know."

"Feeling for this man?"

Blaine ran his fingers through his mess of curly hair and didnt answer.

"I think you need to see him again. Find out what your vision meant."

Kurt didnt have anything to do with this, Blaine was sure of that. And yet... that vision… Blaine reached over and took the mug from Felixs hand taking a gulp of the wine, it was good, warm and smooth as it went down. Felix just chuckled at him as Blaines mind swirled with questions.