Blaine woke up from another restless night’s sleep. Tonight he’d dreamt that Kurt had left him and he was happy with that tall blonde guy he’d seen him with at the bar last night ... he’d forgotten Blaine completely. Blaine didn’t like the idea of life without Kurt - his life before Kurt was unbearable.

Blaine got up, took a quick shower and got dressed. He slid into a pair of skin tight black jeans, a white shirt and the bow-tie Kurt bought him for his 18th birthday. He’d forgotten about it for a few years, but he’d loved that bow-tie; it was black with little white stars on it. Blaine remembered when Kurt had given it to him. Kurt was always good at romance …

~~~

It was a sunny August day, the day before his birthday. Kurt had taken him for this big romantic picnic in the park and he’d cooked all Blaine’s favourites; Kurt’s speciality tomato couscous and sweet potato wedges ... he'd even made Blaine’s favourite strawberry chocolate candies. It was so lovely, and then Kurt had pulled out two boxes - a large, black one and a small, blue one. He handed Blaine the larger one, and Blaine opened it to find the bow-tie, giving his wonderful boyfriend a huge hug. Blaine loved his bow-ties.

“But what's in that one?” Blaine asked, pointing to the small blue box sat beside his boyfriend.

Kurt wrestled free of Blaine embrace and pulled himself and Blaine to their feet. He knelt down on the floor and opened the box.

“it’s a promise ring,” said Kurt, as Blaine gazed at the beautiful yet simple silver band.

“What are you promising?” he asked.

“To always love you. To defend you even if I know you’re wrong. To surprise you. To always pick up your call no matter what I’m doing. To bake you cookies at least twice a year and to kiss you wherever and whenever you want. Mostly to make sure that you always remember how perfectly imperfect you are. I love you so much, Blaine” Kurt smiled.

Both boys were misty eyed as Blaine held out his hand and choked out ‘I love you too, Kurt’. Kurt slid the ring onto Blaine's finger and they smiled at each other, hoping that in a few years they would be standing in front of their friends, saying vows and starting their life together … as a married couple.

~~~
But Blaine had messed the marriage up - he’d broken the vows they’d made. Kurt had never broken his vows or the promises to Blaine ... he always surprised Blaine at work or with flowers, he always took Blaine's calls and always baked him cookies - he did it all. All Blaine had done was drunkenly jump on the nearest guy when things had gotten a little quiet in the bedroom … if Kurt had taken him out that night, he would have had more fun.

With that memory still fresh in his mind, tears threatening to fall, he picked up his wallet and coat and left to meet Kelsey at Choco Latte. She needed to tell him everything about her date with Darren, something to take Blaine's mind off his broken marriage and his heartache.

~~~
Kelsey was sat at their usual coffee table. She saw Blaine enter and walked over to give him a big hug. They settled at their table and the friendly red-headed barista brought over their coffees - a medium drip for Blaine and a cookie crumble mocha for Kelsey.

“Um, excuse me … for a change, might I be able to have a grande non-fat mocha please?” Blaine asked. Kelsey tossed him a knowing look. “What? I miss him, okay ... he tasted like it when I kissed him.”

“Oh, Blainey,” she said, stroking his arm.

“Anyway, the rules stand as of yesterday. How was your date with Darren last night?” he asked.

Kelsey smiled. “It was wonderful” she said, “Thank you, Blaine.”

“So what happened, did he kiss you? Did you go back to his place? What happened?!” said Blaine enthusiastically.

“Well, after the bar he walked me home, and I was a little chilly so he gave me his coat. He kissed me good night,” she said. “... He’s asked me out for next Friday, too.”

“Awww,” sighed Blaine, as the barista appeared with his new drink. “Thanks,” he said, smiling at her.

“Hey Blaine, there’s something I need to tell you … now, I don’t want to upset you or something but last night Dare and I ... we saw Kurt getting another guy's number. It seemed a little more than just a friendly gesture … I don’t know, they both looked a bit flirty.”

“What?! No! It must have just been friendly. Kurt wouldn’t, not while we’re still married. Oh god, what if he wants to file for divorce …?!” Tears sprang to his eyes.

“Shh, Blaine,” Kelsey cooed, “I just thought you might want to know. Maybe he was taking it out of courtesy, to be nice to the guy. I’m sorry - I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t, but you did.” Blaine whispered, tears gushing down his face.

“I’m so sorry,” She sighed.

Blaine stood up and left, choosing to walk the few blocks to work. As he did so he put on his iPod and Teenage Dream began to play - the first song Kurt heard him sing. His mind wandered back to the day he met Kurt.

~~~
Blaine was rushing down the stairs - he was running late for Warbler rehearsal ... his last Warbler rehearsal. If things went right tonight anyway … it would be his last, and he’d be glad to go. He had nothing ... no-one.

“Excuse me … um – hi! Can I ask you a question? I’m - I’m new ...” A soft, nervous voice behind him spoke.

Blaine turned and stared at one of the prettiest creatures he’d ever seen; his eyes were crystal blue, almost like whirlpools, his skin as white as snow, his hair was chestnut with gold where the light hit. He was an angel, surely … no-one could be that beautiful, that perfect … and people like that just didn’t talk to people like Blaine - no-one talked to Blaine.

“My name’s Blaine.” He replied after a pause, momentarily forgetting his name as he looked into those oh-so-blue eyes.

“Kurt! Um - so what exactly is going on?” He asked, looking around at the sea of blazers rushing down the stairs, all dashing in the same general direction when they reached the bottom..

“The Warblers! Every now and then they throw an impromptu performance in the senior commons. It tends to shut the school for a while.” Blaine answered with a small laugh. This boy seemed to lighten the burden on Blaine’s heart - he made him want to stick around, and through him Blaine found this odd air of confidence.

“So wait - the glee club here is kind of cool?” said Kurt disbelievingly.

“The Warblers are like rock stars! Come on, I know a short cut …” Blaine said, taking Kurt’s hand and dragged him off down a corridor. He felt sparks fly at the other boy's touch - his mind was whizzing, his whole body engulfed with endorphins.

“Oh, I stick out like a sore thumb!” Kurt exclaimed. Blaine found that adorable ... he hadn’t even noticed that Kurt wasn't wearing the correct uniform until just then - he'd been too lost in the other boy's eyes.

“Well, next time don’t forget your jacket, new kid. You’ll fit right in!” said Blaine, winking at Kurt. “Now, if you’ll excuse me …” He stepped backwards as the Warblers began to harmonize. And then it was Blaine's turn to sing, and it was somehow the best he’d ever done.

Blaine took Kurt out for a coffee after; they swapped stories and numbers. Blaine figured if Kurt could stay as strong as he appeared after what bullies had done to him, so could he. That Warbler rehearsal wasn’t his last, as that night he went to sleep with a new found strength and something worth living for - Kurt.

~~~

Blaine got to work and sat in his office, starting work on a new story. His mind was too busy thinking about Kurt to notice a file sat on his desk; the file containing ‘When a Marriage Breaks’ with a little pink post-it on the front.

To go out next week

“Hey, Blaine,” Darren chirped as he brought Blaine his mail.

“Hey Dare.” Blaine said, faking a smile.

“Blaine - you okay, man …?” Darren asked, sounding concerned.

“Yeah ... yes, I'm fine. I’m just really busy, Dare … I kinda need to work.” Blaine lied - he had nothing else to do, having finished all the stories he'd been given.

“If you’re sure … Kelsey and I am worried about you, you know.”

“Well, don’t be!” Blaine snapped. “I am fine! Just leave me the fuck alone, Dare ...”

“Okay, alright ... I’ll go. But If you want to talk, you know where to find me … or Kelsey.” The last comment was met with a hard stare from Blaine, and Darren backed out of his office.

Blaine slumped down in his chair. He quickly checked his e-mail and decided to go get himself a coffee - maybe he’d read over ‘When a Marriage Breaks’ … rewrite it perhaps, what with these new developments.

~~~

“Oh yeah, you should have heard him. He was fucking moaning, and screaming my name,” Sebastian's voice dripped. He was surrounded by guys from all around the office. “He’s such a little whore, my little whore … and speak of the devil.”

“Fuck off, Sebastian!” Blaine snapped as he entered the small lounge and walked to the coffee machine .

“Where was I? Oh yes, his dick - yeah that’s it, it’s just the right length … it hits that sweet spot every time, if you know what I mean. Oooh, he felt so good.” he said, cocking an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah,” Blaine heard one guy say - he guessed it was probably Joe. “I bet he did.”

“He loved riding me - more than he enjoyed riding his husband, anyway. I'd say that, after what he saw, I think Mr. Kurt Anderson is ready to end it … probably already signed the divorce papers.” Sebastian said mockingly.

Tears started rolling down Blaine's face again. Sebastian was right - Kurt probably would want a divorce. It'd be difficult not to after seeing Blaine balls-deep in another man. He’d really hurt him, like really, really broken his heart - Blaine knew that, had seen it all in Kurt's eyes. He'd been such an idiot, and for that he was going to pay with the one thing he loved the most.

“He’s got a mighty fine ass too, so warm and so fucking tight,” Sebastian hissed. “Look at him, he’s so fine. I’d love to have a ride of that ass again.”

Blaine was sobbing now. Sebastian was making him sound cheap; like anyone could have him, could touch him like that, or hold him like that. He hated that feeling, the pit that had formed in his stomach. His hands were shaking so much that he dropped his mug of coffee. It shattered on the floor, just like Blaine had done with Kurt's heart.

“That’s it, you bastard!” Kelsey yelled, “I’ve had enough of trying to stop myself from punching you! Blaine is not a fucking piece of meat, he’s not a prize … he may have been naïve and stupid enough to sleep with you, but you broke his marriage.”

“We broke his marriage” Sebastian corrected. “Him more than me in fact - he's the married one.”

“Fuck off. For god’s sake, if you hadn’t taken him out and gotten him wasted it wouldn’t be broken!” She screamed. Blaine turned around just in time to see Kelsey’s fist slamming into Sebastian’s face.

Kelsey walked over to Blaine, wrapped her arms around him and escorted him to a cab.

“Are you going to be okay, Blaine?” she asked.

“I'm fine.” Blaine replied a little too forcefully, and Kelsey was taken aback by his tone.

“Are you sure? You don’t sound it ...”

“Yes, I'm fine. Just … please just leave me alone, Kelsey. I want to be alone.” said Blaine. ' I deserve at least that' he added in his head.

“Okay, well call me if you need me.” Kelsey said, and Blaine could tell he’d hurt her slightly, but he needed to be alone with his thoughts. “I’ll tell Jordan you weren’t feeling too good.”

~~~

Blaine had been home a good few hours when there was a loud knock at the door.

“Hey Lotti.” Blaine puzzled threw her a puzzled look as he opened it.

“Hi Blaine. I think Kurt left his winter designs portfolio here.” She lied.

“Oh yeah, he'll be needing that for the big meeting, won’t he?” said Blaine, “I’ll go check the bedroom.”

Lotti saw Blaine's phone on the coffee table and quickly copied Sebastian's number into her phone. Part of her did wonder why he still had it, but then she figured he is a work colleague of Blaine’s.

“Did you find it?” she asked when he emerged from the bedroom, quickly composing a text to Sebastian at the same time.

Hey baby, this is Blaine. I don’t want Kurt to catch us again so this is my new number … meet me at the Plaza hotel tonight?- Blaine xx

“Nope.” Blaine shrugged.

Lotti’s phone buzzed.

I thought you were sickened by me … you sounded uninterested earlier xx

“Kurt says check the store cupboard.” Lotti lied.

Yeah, I’m sorry about that. People at work know Kurt, they can’t know we’re together - Blaine xx

Oh? Very clever, my little whore … what time? xx

Lotti quickly texted Kurt.

He took the bait, now let’s see if he falls for the trap xx

5pm ... can't wait to feel you inside me again, baby - Blaine xx

“Nope, not there.”

Lotti’s phone buzzed again, it was Kurt this time.

Good work, Lotti ;) xx

“Oh, Kurt says he's found them. Sorry to bother you, Blaine.” Lotti said breezily, turning to leave.

“Oh it's fine - I know much he stresses over these meetings. Is he - is he doing okay?”

“If I’m honest Blaine, no - he misses you like crazy. But what you did really hurt him … he just doesn’t know what to do.”

“Oh ... okay,” Blaine hung his head. “Any idea when he might be coming back?”

Lotti shook her head with a sigh and left the apartment.

~~~

When Lotti had left Blaine sat down at the piano and began to play a soft melody on the ivory keys. It was the song he’d been working on … he’d never been able to find the right lyrics to finish it, but now he had the perfect ones.

And now, how, we like to say that we're in love,
doesn't it, seem like that should be enough,
but, the world will roll their eyes but I still think,
well I still think that we're in love.
well I still think that we're in love, love, love.
well I still think that we're in love.
Ooh ...

Blaine finished the final chords and rushed to write the lyrics down - they complimented the melodies perfectly; the lyrics mirrored his feelings, his thoughts. Now that he’d put them out there, he felt that he'd opened the gates - he'd let the emotions he’d been trying to hold in out, and there was no stopping them … there was anger, self-hatred, bitterness, sadness, pain, disgust … love. He loved Kurt, and he still clung to hope … he couldn't help but feel that maybe Kurt could still love him, that they could fight through this make and it all better - to be happy again.

Blaine decided to put on his iPod to cheer himself up. He set the tracks to shuffle and Daniel Powter’s ‘Bad Day’ came on. Blaine sat down on the couch, his head in his hands. When the second verse started he found himself singing along.

You had a bad day, you're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know, you tell me don't lie
You work on a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day, the camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
Mmm, on a holiday

Tears tumbled down his cheeks, dripping slowly to the floor. He took a deep breath and exhaled ... this song - it was almost as if it was written for Blaine and his situation. It was helping him see that maybe there was hope - that this was all him just having some bad days, and that everything would get better.

You had a bad day, you see what you're like
And how does it feel a one more time?
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day

Blaine lay down on the couch and closed his eyes ... he’d finally found some peace of mind. He felt the urge to sleep, exhausted from far too many restless nights…

~~~

Blaine awoke with a start; he was having a terrible dream. He dreamt that he’d never met Kurt, that he’d never fallen into those crystal blue eyes, never held him close or kissed him softly. He couldn't recall Kurt's soft beautiful laugh, had never fallen apart at his touch or watched Kurt do the same. They'd never made love, and he had no sense of that smell that was just them, together as one. Blaine didn’t like that life - in fact, he hated the idea of never meeting Kurt. This wonderful man was the love of his life and for all he knew he'd lost that … perhaps forever.

There was a knock at the door. Blaine quickly dabbed away the tears that trickled down his face before rising from the sofa and walking towards it.

“Hi.” said Blaine, staring motionless at the person that stood in the doorway.

“Hi.” They returned.