~ Chapter 26 ~
Mooning

Ever since we came back—and after that horrible meeting—I have been isolated in my room. I can't very well go outside in the day time anymore, and my return is supposed to be kept secret. So I stayed in Dalton House at all times.

Thankfully, though, I still had visitors. Finn occasionally drops by, Lily and Carole came to see me after dinner. And at night, when his duties are done, Blaine came to me. He had all but started staying with me; his own room still empty. But he doesn't mind from the looks of it. Neither do I. After our adventure outside the town, I have started to like waking up next to him, or just having him beside me during sleep. I am already quite used to him.

The only thing that eats at me is my Dad.

After the meeting, Blaine stayed with me till I fell asleep crying. Crying isn't the word I'd use, more like dry heaving. I was later woken up by voices outside in the hallway. Lily and Burt were talking, and I tried my best to ignore. But my damned super-hearing made it rather difficult.

"...Is worried sick, Burt! How can you even do that?"

"Please, just leave me alone. I'd rather just not talk—or THINK about it."

"Then why are you here? We both know this is the way to Kurt's room. Why are you here if you'd rather treat this matter like it doesn't exist?"

Dad was silent. Then... "I don't know."

"Which brings me back to my original question?" Lily sounded angry. "Why are you being this way?"

"MAYBE BECAUSE I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THESE MONSTERS!"

I flinched and tried not to cry aloud. But I came very close.

Ever since, I had been here. When Lily came to me again, I didn't open the door or asked her to come in. After a moment, she left. She didn't come back again. Finn stayed away too, maybe because Lily asked him to give me time. But I'm only waiting for Blaine.

A few days have passed this way. Blaine is my only visitor.

XXXXX

I am practicing with my swords when my door knocks. I still haven't grasped how to identify scents. Now that I'm a Vampire, the potency of scents has become sharper. I can tell who is where in the entire Dalton House by inhaling. But the distance between each scent and underlying dissimilarity was still not something I was fully aware of. The only people I did recognize were Blaine and Sebastian; having stayed close to them ever since my transition. So it isn't surprising I recognized who was outside my door.

"Kurt?"

Hearing Sebastian's voice is a relief. Maybe it's something to do with the fact that he created me, or because I now trusted him just like I trusted Finn. Whatever it is, I feel glad that he's trying to help me get through this. It's been three weeks since I transformed in that warehouse in Albuquerque, and I am nowhere near stable. I remember how hard it was after Dave's bite and my half-transition. Now, it was a hundredfold difficult and without Sebastian's guidance, I'd be a floating leaf.

I could now understand exactly what made the Rogues go mad if their sire died. It was this sense of floating away and never returning to the sane world.

I let him in. He's holding a bulging satchel and a tray of sandwiches, cheese omelet and juice.

"Blaine fixed everyone's breakfast today." Sebastian places the tray on my bed and we sit down. "But you need something else."

I take the satchel he's holding to me. In it I find plastic bottles filled with fresh blood. A sigh escapes me. No wonder I was feeling so hollow—I wasn't hungry. I was thirsty! "It's still weird," I mumbled, taking a few sips. "I still can't differentiate between thirst and hunger."

"Easy, you only feel thirst," he explains. "Hunger isn't suited to you. Now you are an immortal being, stuck as a seventeen-year old. Growing isn't required, which omits the hunger-system of your body. What you'll always feel is thirst."

I frown. "Then what about this food?"

"Well, I am training you, so I have to get you hooked on human food. To keep up appearances."

"Ah," I finally get it. "So the hollow feeling is actually thirst. I thought it'd be more like a burn in my throat or something."

"That only happens when you go Rogue. For sane Vampires, or Sired Vampires as the term goes, thirst is just an empty feeling in their bodies. It's bearable but the more you ignore it, the more lethargic you get. Till you are empty and then you just shut down like an un-oiled machine."

"The powers also shut down then?"

"Yes. The more you feed the more power you have. But that's not what I should be teaching you yet. You're too young for it."

I drink two bottles slowly, pondering on his words. Sebastian is quite a teacher when he wants to be. I've learned more about Vampires from him than I'd learned during my entire stay in Hilltown. Then again, a Vampire knows best what the Vampires are all about.

"How come I don't feel thirsty when I'm around people?"

"You really need an answer to that, Kurt?"

I think back on his teachings. "Oh, right. I only want Blaine. Yeah—so that's how you meant. It's almost as if others scents are just that, scents. And Blaine's scent is..."

"Nourishing? Delicious?"

"Pretty much."

"You'll get used to it slowly. But, you have to be cautious. Hunter or not, he's a human. And I wasn't kidding about sex-addiction and the unbearable need for his blood at irrational times."

"That's what I've been worried about too..." I confess. "Also about my powers. I can feel it, right here in my head. But how do I use it? Last time I just..."

"There are many things that channel power. Emotions and Ambitions are the top most things. Anger, happiness, sadness and raw determination to do a task, such emotions will channel your power at once." He took one bottle and started drinking. "Remember when Jessie went out of control? Well, if you recall he was pissed off. Beyond angry. That was what made his attack so lethal and powerful. Therefore all you need to figure out is how to, or what, channels your power. What did you feel last time?"

"How do you—wait, what is your power?"

"I can break minds," he says, thinking a bit. "Or you can say that I can enter others mind and render them useless. Taking over their brain and totally making them incapable."

"So I should be able to do that alone? I remember Brittany said that the powers transferred through sires."

"Yes, but your power is centered on what your mother left you. Your transition made that power strong and prominent. My power is in you but not that much. I guess, you can say that you could use your own power, by using your mind's efficiency which you inherited from me. Something like that. From what I remember, that's how you worked last time. I just still don't know what power is more potent yet."

"Is physical contact or effect important to make power flow? I mean, Brittany uses her spells by touching the elements around her. Santana caused the earthquake by touching earth. So I don't get to Turn Vampires back by touching them?"

"You've touched me several times. Did I become human?"

"No. Damn, it's all so confusing!"

Sebastian smiles. "It'll work out. For now, let's get you started on this food."

I took the omelet and ate a spoonful. Then I spat it back out. "Ew! What happened to Blaine's cooking?!"

He is laughing. "Let's just say your taste buds are now hardwired to just savor the blood. Now, eat again."

"No way. I'm not touching it."

He is giving me THE LOOK. I can only describe it as I'm-your-older-brother-listen-to-me kind of look. I've seen this look quite many times already and I am beginning to hate it. I took another spoonful and somehow swallowed the omelet.

"Where does it go?"

"In your stomach. Why?"

"Just asking..." I was so grateful that I can no longer blush, perks of being a Vampire, I suppose. But Sebastian seems to have caught on my meaning and was now looking at me weirdly.

"Look, Kurt. Your body is working just fine. Normally. You don't need to breathe, but your lungs are working. Your heart may have stopped but you're still alive—sort of. Don't feel embarrassed about asking me such things. I'm your sire now, you are my responsibility. OK?"

"Yeah, you are right. I just—" But I don't need to say it. He knows, just like everyone else.

Sebastian places a hand on my shoulder in reassurance. "Burt will come around. Just give it time. Now finish up. I need to run a few errands."

XXXXX

When Blaine comes in the night, he looks extra tired.

"Hey, what's up?"

He throws himself on the bed and blindly grabs for me. I lay by his side, observing the dark circles under his eyes. It's been this way since we came back. He's too busy all the time.

"Nothing, Kurt. I just—I just spent an entire day making plans for what's next. Burt was being a pain, sorry. I guess he's under a lot more pressure being Mayor and all. Although finally, we've come up with a plan. Now all we need is a meeting."

"When?"

"Don't know." He yawns. "We'll find out by tomorrow, I guess. I need to be at the Library for another council early after breakfast."

"And what about Edward? Any news?"

He blinks himself to awareness. "No, actually. That's puzzling us a bit. He's been in his mansion all this time. Which is why we came up with the new plan. Also, nobody has been to the Old Forest either, or so Starchild told us."

I hug him close, inhaling his scent. Even though I am full, I feel a stab of desire to taste Blaine's blood again. I push the unreasonable urge down. Instead I just hold him close. "Sleep, love. I'll be right here."

"Mmmh...Love you..."

I kiss his cheek as he snuggles closer to me. "I love you, too."

When an hour later I find my self sleepy too, I feel a presence outside the door. Remembering Lily's words, I figure it's my Dad again. If he came here, he must be waiting to talk to me. Maybe...I was at the door in a flash, without really realizing I had intended to move or not (This part was also confusing, it's like my body doesn't burden me anymore, like I can fly.) I open the door and there he is. Standing there, looking uncertain. But at seeing me, he stiffens.

"D-Dad...?"

He turns around and starts walking away. I feel another swoop of craving within me, to stalk him like a hunter after his prey. But I keep it down.

"Dad, I understand," I say instead. He stops, still not turning to face me. "I understand if you don't...if I repulse you now. But, I just, I love you. Just remember that."

I close the door and fight against my tears. Funny thing is, I feel my eyes prick, but there's no wetness in them. I've been puzzling over it for a while now. I know what Sebastian would say. 'You don't have tears but you still feel emotions.'

I'm a Vampire but I still feel all things a human would feel. The torture of it all is that I feel it tenfold. This is going to be hard life, I can see already. I crawl next to Blaine and try to remove the prickliness from my eyes. But I'm still sad, so I just try to sleep instead.

XXXXX

*I fell on my knees, feeling a strange, crackling pain whiz through my body.

Sebastian stood over me, holding out his hand. "And this is how you use hand strikes," he said, pulling me on my feet. "Did you feel it?"

"Yes, asshole. And if I wasn't dead already it'll be a fatal strike."

"That's what it's supposed to be," he said with a shrug.

Day five of me being a Vampire. I still can't believe that Sebastian is my sire. At first I had my qualms about it, but in the light of all the events of these past months, I think I'd rather have Sebastian as my sire instead of Brittany.

I still wasn't what you'd call stable, which is why, Sebastian, Elliot and I was now living in a forest. The closest one we could find near the warehouse, where everybody else was.

Five days of me being trained in Vampiric ways by Sebastian. Five days away from Blaine—of missing him too much.

I knew this was just natural, what with him being my mate and all. But seriously, I hated Sebastian after every single sparring session with him. He says it's my training, but all he does is beat me down and then make me drink a bottle of some kind of animal blood. One bottle a day. Imagine, drinking one bottle of water for an entire day after working tirelessly...yeah, not enough.

What could really be satisfying, well—if Blaine was here, I'd just hug him to me and then just take a bite of that pretty neck—

I stomp down on this thought hard, staring at nothingness. WHAT THE HELL?! How can I even imagine hurting Blaine!?

Looking at Sebastian, I realized he knew what I was thinking of. But it shouldn't be surprising. Blood was all I thought about ever since waking up. Especially, Blaine's blood.

I still remember my awakening. My friends clustered around me. At first I just heard a loud noise, and it took me a while to understand that it was the air, the breeze, the heartbeats and the talking voices of everyone as they saw me open my eyes. To me, it was a deafening noise. Noise that never ceased.

"Kurt," a voice, calm and commanding called me. "It's me, Sebastian. I'm your sire, you are my prot�g�. Can you repeat what I just said?"

I found my voice hoarsely. "You are my sire and I'm your prot�g�."

"You will now train under me and you will not harm anyone innocent."

"I will now train under you and I will not harm anyone innocent."

"Good. Now wake up..."

And I did. The noise went away and I started hearing words, started seeing clearly. Sebastian face was the first thing I saw. The next thing was a scent...a delicious, mouthwatering scent nearby.

It was a boy, sitting on his knees by my cot, looking at me in wonder. He had beautiful hazel eyes, shining in tears; beautiful hair that had droplets in it, as if he'd been in an ice-storm. The minute I saw him—memories started rushing in my head.

I was in a field, shaking hands with this beautiful boy who jerked like I had burned him, but there was an unreadable, intense emotion on his face. I was walking alone in the night, the boy came behind me, I kicked him in groin. He laughed and looked at me with same, intense eyes. He walked me home, he didn't say goodbye, but promised to meet again. I was with my family; the boy came through the door, looking bruised and bleeding. I remember running towards him, like he was my life line, I held his hand till he woke up. I was on the stairs, glaring at the boy, feeling angry yet fascinated at the strange emotions swirling in his eyes as he forbade me to fight. I was in the forest, the boy was saying something, but all I could do was stare at him, figuring out why I suffered these strange feelings for him. I was outside my house; the boy was close to tears. His father had died, and I wanted to hold him, to love him. I was in my room, the boy came through the window, I held him because he wanted me to. I was on the bed, the boy in my arms, he looked more beautiful than ever, and I realized what I was feeling. I was in love. I kissed the boy on that same bed, and I never wanted it to end. But it ended. I was running after the boy, I kissed him again and told him to be stronger. I called the boy again, after I heard something about my life, something important. I was in his arms again; I told him a truth about me. He never judge. I was in the forest again, the boy was with his brothers, he didn't look at me. I felt sad, and just when I thought everything had ended, he looked at me and smiled; I truly went insane with the love I felt in that moment. I was in a room full of people, discussing things, and every time the boy caught my eyes, I felt myself shiver.

I was at the hill, he came for me. He took my hand and we climbed up. He showed me the entire world on display under that hill, but I only saw him, only felt him. I was in a large room, the boy showed me weapons. He told me things, and we did some things. I remembered how much I felt attracted to him. I was in his arms and he told me how he was going to loose control. I went to him for many days then; every day feeling loved as he lost control and held me, kissed me. But one day I lost control and hurt him. I ran. I was again in that room, sad at hurting him. But he wasn't sad; he told me that I wasn't a monster. He told me he loved me. I loved him too, and I was happy. So happy. I walked hand in hand with him down the hill, but then I was fading. Something happened to me, it was excruciating. I was on a hospital bed; the boy was standing at the door, looking uncertain. My family was near me, but I called him closer, I told him I loved him again. He smiled so brightly then. I was in my room, he told me about a song he wrote. I was in his arms, teasing him, kissing him. I was in a restaurant, I was looking at the boy as he sat on the table, I smiled. There was a fire in his eyes that excited me in weird ways, but I wasn't scared. Then I saw my sire and I was frightened. But the boy was there, holding me reassuring me.

I was outside my house, it was on fire. My hands were dirtied with ash and my body was writhing with furious energy. The boy was running toward me. But I was angry, my mother was in danger. The boy held me back, held me close. I slowly felt normal and huddled to him with all my might. With him close by, I couldn't fear the monster inside me. I was walking alone, a woman came for me. I knew her. I was in the large room on the hill house; the boy was running toward me, kissing me, worried out of his mind. The woman was telling her story, the boy held my hand through it all. I was in a new room with the boy; he was holding me close, kissing me again. I hurt him and pushed him away, but he wasn't mad. He still refused to believe that I was a monster. I let him believe that. I was on a couch, the boy was plaint in my arms, I drank from him, his delicious, sweet blood...

My sire was saying something again, and I couldn't hear him. I was still looking at the boy. He was still looking at me in wonder. He was Blaine.

"Blaine..." I whispered hoarsely. And again, the image of his plaint form as I drank from him came rushing to my mind.

I didn't remember much then. All I know is that I slashed Blaine's throat open with my claws and I tried drinking from him. All I remember is his horrified face, his shattered joy.

"What have I done..." he whimpered horrified. "Why did I do this to him..."

All I remember is that Sebastian pinned me down as the boy was removed from my sight. All I remembered was thinking that at least now, the boy—Blaine—will see for sure that I was indeed a monster.

But today was a special day. Today I had been good and Sebastian was rewarding me by bringing Blaine here. After the fiasco of the RV, this is first time I'll see him following my transformation. And I was scared because I didn't know what he will do; will he even love me anymore? But I was excited because seeing him, the though of it, did something strange but thrilling to my new, strong body. And it wasn't just thirst, but a sense of completion, the wholeness I could almost taste. It's all fine with Sebastian close by, but with my mate too, I will be complete.

XX

*When I first see him, his scent hits me with a force of a freight train. I almost stumble, but Sebastian's standing between us, a little protective of Blaine and me at the same time.

Blaine was looking at me with wide eyes, almost scared that if he blinked, I'll attack him. The thought made my throat clench. Then I noticed how pale and thin he looked. There were dark circles under his eyes. So—I have given him nightmares too. At once my feelings of thrill and excitement fled. I was feeling wretched. I'd, almost, destroyed Blaine Anderson. I truly was a monster.

"Kurt...?"

His voice, hesitant and hoarse, made me tremble. Was he still scared? Is that why his voice was trembling? Did he want to get his sword out and behead me? Did he hate me now? All these questions popped up in my mind. Sebastian looked at me sideways. Obviously hearing these thoughts. He didn't say anything.

"Blaine." I finally took a step forward. He didn't flinch away and I took it as a good sign. "How have you been?" His face crumpled further. Did he hate me for being so casual? Couldn't he tell that I'm trying to not terrify him?

"I've been fine. How about you? Are you—adjusting to your new self?" His voice held genuine concern.

I smiled slightly, reassuring. "It's been difficult. What I used to feel before, as half-Vampire....it's all combined into one big situation now. So, yes, it's been...not easy. But I'm improving."

"He is," Sebastian said now. There's a slight note of pride in his voice. Damn, teacher. "I think I trust him to behave well. So I'll be leaving now."

I stared. You can't leave us! What if I attack Blaine? He still smelt good. Damn Sebastian, stay! I order in my head. But he just shook his head and left.

It was just Blaine and me now.

He was fidgeting with something in his pocket. A knife? A cross? Stake? I don't know. But he was also sneaking glances at me, looking away as I caught his eyes.

"It's ok, if you're scared and want to leave," I told him truthfully. He should have his say in meeting me or not. He deserved this distinction after I almost killed him.

But his eyes popped wide. "I—I'm NOT scared, Kurt. I just...I don't know..." Then without hesitation, with a determined glint in his eyes, he walked straight toward me.

I had a moment in which to stiffen as his arms embraced me, his nose burying itself in my collar and I felt a warm tear trickle on my neck. His scent was overpowering—and newly turned as I am—it takes my breath way just to have him close. With my whole body like a statue, I closed my arms around his waist, restraining myself from sniffing his neck too. Except the desire was too much.

"B-Blaine...step away, please..."

His arms tightened. "No," he retorted stubbornly. "I stayed away all right! But I can't anymore. They keep telling me you're unstable and would hurt me but they're just bullshitting. I want to be here, Kurt. I—I missed you too much." His tears started trickling down my neck with renewed force.

That was the first time I felt prickliness in my eyes. I held him tightly too. "So—when you said you want to be here you meant..."

"That I intend to stay close even if it means you need my blood. I remember that talk Kurt. You told me about this. I'm the only one who can satisfy your thirst so I will do just that..."

"Even if I end up killing you...?" My voice trembled; the prickliness was too much now. It hurt, just as much as looking at the sunshine.

"Yes," he breathed. Then he peered up in my eyes. How many months it has been? And here I am, still unable to breathe properly at how beautiful his eyes are, how beautiful HE is. "Dying in your arms, Kurt...Dying FOR you, I can't think of any better way to go."

That's when I felt the control within me. That control that I lacked ever since waking up. My Vampire-side demanded that my feelings could only be reciprocated if I took from him, his blood and his essence. But now, after what he was willingly giving me, his feelings—I knew now. What I wanted was his love and not just his blood. THAT'S what it meant to be soul mates. And that's what I lacked after reliving my memories with him on my awakening...the feeling of giving him my love.

There's a new kind of desire in me as our lips met in a heated kiss. Blaine whimpered, his eyes closing as new tears spilled out of the corners of his long, magnificent lashes.

"But to live in a world without you, Blaine," I murmured against his lips. "I can't think of a worst torture."

"I love you..."

"I love you, too," I said. Then amended. "Fearlessly and forever."

And deep down I knew, I meant it. From my connection to Sebastian I felt his approval and pride at my newfound resolve. And I just knew. I was on the right track.*

XXXXX

Making love to Blaine was still new to me. New and breathtaking. But I could never imagine anything better between two persons who loved each other as much as we do. I hold him in my arms and he smiles blearily at me. He always gets sleepy after sex.

"What time is it?" he mumbles.

"Early morning. I can't even hear if anyone is up yet."

"Mhmm maybe I can sleep then...just for a while..."

"Sure. I'll just go down and have a walk." His face scrunched up in his near-sleep state. Like he was trying to tell me no. "And no, I won't go outside. I'm just too bored being here all the time."

Reassured, he falls asleep peacefully. I kiss him on the cheek one last time and slip inside the bathroom for shower. After getting dressed, I make my way downstairs, looking up at the skylight. Dawn was probably another hour late. I could pass some quality time down at the weaponry, practice with some weapons. So I do. By the time I start hearing the sounds of people waking, I sneak up the stairs, careful under the skylight that the sun didn't hit me directly.

Blaine was fast asleep, so I wake him up with a morning kiss. As it always threatened to be, my kiss turns into a make-out session as he responds with a smile, waking up rather suddenly. And before we needed another shower, I disengage myself from his hold.

"Na-ah! You said you needed to be at that whatever meeting early. Go and get showered!"

He grumbles and makes a pouting face, I avert my eyes. I can't resist his puppy-dog expression and the last thing we needed was getting caught in bed in case somebody decided to wake us up. Also, my sexual appetite was too much to handle. Whereas I can go on and on for hours, Blaine was already too tired with everything on his plate. I have to consider his health as well.

And also... "Here, have a go while I'm still here. This council looks like it will take the better part of the morning..." He says, walking out of the shower with a towel around his waist. He kneels on the bed and leans close, presenting his neck.

And also...this. Blaine offers me his blood every morning. Like he's my personal food supply, like it's his 'duty.' No matter how much I turn him down, tell him that he doesn't need to do this every day, he still offers me.

"Not today. Sebastian brought me fresh blood yesterday. You needn't worry."

"But...you hate that stuff."

"I do. And I can manage. You're pretty tired as it is. You need to stay alert Blaine. I'm fine." And if I really need fresh blood, I can ask Sebastian, I think in my head...feeling my sire's disapproval from our connection.

I don't say it aloud, but Blaine hears it nonetheless. A sour expression crosses his face. "I don't like it when you take blood from Sebastian—and yes, I hate it even if he's your sire."

I laugh. "I don't like his blood either. But since I'm new at this, a sire's blood can bring me in control. You know that."

He yanks on his clothes, still grumpy about it. As he leaves, he says, "But you're taking from me tonight when I get back. No exceptions."

"Fine." I kiss him and close the door. Ready to start another uneventful day in my room.

God, I hate this room. It's starting to feel like a prison. But the only hope I have is what Blaine told me. They had a plan, finally. And soon, I'll be out of here and doing something about Edward.

XXXXX

Finn was quiet during the entire meeting. He'd spent the night at Rachel's place, and had had a talk with her about their future together. He knew this plan was necessary, and that it'll be dangerous. But he also wanted it to be over with.

Rachel wanted to get married soon. He did too. But he'd rather wait till all was well. And so, they'd decided. Once this mess was cleared up, they'd get married. And if—for whatever reason—Edward still wasn't defeated at the end of this plan, they'd decided to leave Hilltown.

Now, he wasn't stupid. He knew that Vampires were everywhere. But still, the life outside of Hilltown had to be better. He'd talked with Kurt about his time outside, and though, Edward's guards had harassed him, Kurt had been happy outside. He'd had experienced so many things. Finn, too, wanted that experience, the freedom. And if Edward wasn't dead soon Finn intended to start a family with Rachel—outside Hilltown.

The difficult part was telling Burt. He knew his father wouldn't mind. He had confidence that Burt was open-minded enough about this. But...Kurt, he was worried about Kurt.

He had seen his father's attitude about Kurt's news. So what if Kurt was Turned? Finn still loved him; he still knew Kurt was just as sweet as before. Kurt was his brother; there was nothing wrong with him. He was just different is all. His personality hadn't changed, and neither had his goals. He was still trying to help.

Then why was Burt being this way? And what was the guarantee that Burt wouldn't reject Finn's decision about leaving if worst came to be.

"...noticed us," Starchild's voice brought him back. He focused on the meeting. Starchild was still talking, looking at Burt. "I can sense them close by. All the time, but it's just a few guards. If I had to make a guess, I'd say, Edward doesn't have his army anymore. But I'll take a chance and conclude that he's aware on some level that Kurt is back, and that this town had visitors...us."

"All the more reason to get started," Blaine emphasized. Finn narrowed his eyes. Blaine looked like he was ill. He was subdued and there were dark circles under his eyes. "Kurt is also getting antsy. He wants to do something and fast. I think by waiting, we are just giving Edward a chance to get stronger."

Burt nodded. Finn noticed how Burt's face twitched when Blaine mentioned Kurt. But nobody questioned about it. Finally, he said, "We're moving tonight. Gather everyone, and get ready."

As everybody was about to get up, Finn interjected, "WAIT! We still haven't told Kurt." He saw Blaine's half smile and appreciative nod. "I know that we plan on using him and his talents, but sending him in blindly is rather rude of us. I for one, will not have my brother go about it without knowing everything."

Starchild also smiled widely, while Sebastian looked torn between slapping Burt and hugging Finn.

"Don't tell me you were never even going to let him know," Lily asked at last, looking at But in disapproval.

"I was," Burt said. "I just didn't realize I had to do that in front of a council."

"So you're going to meet him at last?" Carole asked, hopefully. Finn smiled softly at her mother. She'd been worried about Burt's behavior to Kurt as well. "Are you finally going to man up?"

"That's for me to worry about, Care," Burt said shortly. "Dismissed."

And everyone got up and started leaving. Finn remained seated. Blaine, Sebastian and Lily looked at him questioningly, but he shook his head. Urged them to leave.

When they were alone, he started speaking without looking at his father.

"Do you remember the first night we got the call about Uncle Paul?" Finn didn't wait for Burt's answer or acknowledgement. "You cried. When I asked if you missed Paul, do you remember what you said?" He looked up now. Burt was slumped in his seat, looking at the table top, not speaking. "You said you were crying of shame. Because for a moment, you'd felt happy that Paul was dead at last. For, finally, now you could meet your son. You could finally hold him in your arms. And you were ashamed because you were thankful that Paul died. You were ashamed for feeling that bit of happiness." Burt raised a hand to his face, clamping it against his eyes and he slumped further. He still didn't look at his son. "And that first ever meeting we had, when he was sleeping upstairs and Puck and I waited in the kitchen with Mom. Mr Anderson asked us for an alliance, and you refused. As they were walking away, you said that I had to keep Kurt safe. No matter what he did, or what he became, Kurt was my brother and my reasonability. I promised you I would."

Finn got up, his chair sliding back, creating a loud echo in the silent library. He walked around the table and sat on his knees, beside his father. He took Burt's hand away, exposing his face. But Burt still didn't look at him, he was staring at the table top, baseball cap hiding half his face in shadows. "I kept my word. I am keeping it still. But what have you got to say about YOUR conduct, Dad?" Burt drew in a trembling breath. Even now he didn't say anything. "You were all about loving him. You loved Elizabeth, even as she Turned, even in her death. You didn't care he was half a monster. You said he was your son and nothing more. You said he was human in everything that counted. You told him you'd be there for him. And now—answer me, dad. Where is your word? Are you really a man of your word? Are you really the brave Mayor everybody adores out there? Or are you just a shameful bastard who suddenly and hypocritically hates his son just because he is different now? Who are you? Burt Hummel a cold-hearted Mayor who'd kill everyone who is different? Or are you Burt Hummel, a good man, a good neighbor, a husband, a good comrade, a father to two sons Finn and Kurt?" Finn bent forward and asked forcefully. "Who are you?"

Burt was unmoving. Finn felt fury seethe inside of him. Slapping his hands down on the table top hard, he yelled. "ANSWER ME! WHO ARE YOU?"

Finally Burt met his gaze, and Finn wasn't surprised to see the tears. "I'm a coward, a hypocrite."

"I know. But I also know you are my, OUR father deep down." Finn stood up and started to leave. "If you really are what I think you are, you'll go to Kurt and tell him the reason why you're a coward. Because he's been hating himself all this time, thinking he'd disappointed you somehow. He thinks that he's worthy of your hatred."

Finn walked out, feeling honestly tired. He'd known the real reason why Burt was so distant and cruel. But he needed to push Burt as well. If Kurt had to realize the truth too, this had to be done. In his mind, this was the first and last time he spoke that impersonally to Burt. Or he hoped it was.

XXXXX

*"Kick him!" Blaine's voice urged me on.

I was on my usual hatchet with Sebastian, but for once, winning. Then again, my previous training with Blaine had made me tougher too. As I applied those techniques to this new powered-up body, they were highly efficient. Enough to take on Sebastian who was beyond experienced when it came to hand-to-hand fighting between Vampires.

Sebastian suddenly aimed for my left leg, that had sustained an injury just minute ago and was still in process of healing. Yes, he fought dirty. But then again, it was my training and another useful trick for me to learn. I avoided in the last microsecond. Enough to just get my bearings and used his famous, finishing technique. He called it a 'hand slash.' Normally, for humans, it's like a back-handed slap. Nothing more. But if you're as strong as I am right now...it might as well be a way to decapitate an enemy.

I hashed at his arm, and was satisfied to hear a crunch of his bone breaking. Then I used a roundhouse kick to hit him on the head...and won.

"Sebastian!" Starchild yelled and was there in seconds, helping him up.

"YES!" Blaine jumped up to hug me. I laughed into his neck. "YES! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!"

And as he always is, Sebastian healed and stood up, smiling at me in that same proud sort of way. "Well done," he said. He always said it like he meant it, without adoration or false praise. He said it like he KNEW I would do well. And that made me a proud student.

"Can we go and have lunch now?" Starchild asked. "Unlike some people, we need solid food, you know."

"Fine, let's go," Sebastian agreed, rolling his eyes fondly for Starchild. "Eli, you have to cut down on the meat, though. Your tummy is showing. You're getting fat."

"AM NOT!"

"Are too."

They bickered as they made their way out of the clearing. Blaine grinned at their childish way of fighting. Then he looked at me with oh-so familiar eyes.

"I'm not thirsty," I said at once.

"But you fought so hard. I know you're not showing it but you had to work extra hard to beat him down."

I smiled and squeezed his hand into mine. "As much as I like it how well you know me, I'm really not thirsty. I drank from you last night and Sebastian and I went hunting before dawn. Really, I'm fine. If anything, I'm a little tired."

"Let's go and get you some rest, then," he said, pulling me along. But I wanted to stay under the stars for a little longer.

"You go ahead. I'll catch up."

"Are you still not healed?" He was concerned at once.

"Nope. I'm almost healed. But I need to just sit alone for a while."

Blaine kissed my cheek. "I'll be waiting."

I stayed until he was out of sight before running fast to a lake nearby. At day time, this place is a hotspot for picnic goers. At night, it was fairly deserted apart from a few RV's sitting there, and camps along the shoreline. It was just 8 o' clock, but the campers were already asleep.

Hilltown also went to sleep after 8. But since I've been here, I was getting used to the same, normal routine of turning in for bed late. I missed sleeping. It's not like I can't. I sleep all right—but it's more for necessity, to escape the lethargy that sunlight brings than just the simple, relaxing effect of sleeping. Sleeping for the sake of just the sleep. But the night was when I was alive, awake. And slowly, I was starting to appreciate the beauty of it.

Watching the world around you at its quietest, knowing that only you were aware of how things moved under the darkness...was fascinating.

As I stood watching across the lake, the sleeping sounds of humans in the tents, lulled me into calmness. I slid against a tree and sat down, just watching the tufts of clouds hiding the moon, the peeking stars as they reflected on the still surface of the lake.

Suddenly, the clouds parted. The full moon reveled itself and I stared and stared. Making names and shaped in the craters of the moon, longing to just fly toward it. Moon was the only thing closest to a sun I had left now. If there was a way, any way I could see sunrise again...I'd give anything for it. But I knew. I was denied sunlight, the sunrise. I could never enjoy the day break again. And it made me miss it, it made me regret about how many sunrises I'd taken for granted. How many sunny days I'd just spent skulking because Paul wasn't home, or that I got bullied in school or had to toil in fields. Now, I wished I'd enjoyed every minute of it.

As I thought this, I felt the familiar guilt. No matter how small, a part of me still hoped that Blaine had just let me die. I was curious about finding out the mysteries of afterlife. I was longing to travel around the world as a spirit. I wondered if people really did become angels after death...or did they really end up as one of those twinkling things on the sky?

"It's amazing, isn't it?" a voice said to my left. It was a voice of a stranger. A man, I had never met before. "How your thoughts just wander and think of the most ridiculous yet fascinating things once you're alone?"

"It is," I said. Because it was true. Right now, I was alone in my world.*

XX

*"Where were you?" Blaine and Sebastian asked at the same time.

"It's been hours!" Sebastian was trying, and failing, to hide his concern.

"Did you really not heal?" Blaine's concern was always a little gentler. "Were you in pain? Or did you..." Then again, he knew me too well. "You wanted to be just alone, didn't you?"

I smiled. "Yeah. And it was nice. For a while. But then I met this man and started talking."

"Who?"

"I don't know, just someone who was also not sleepy."

Sebastian frowned. "Did you eat him?"

At that, I had to laugh. "No, he didn't smell that good. We just talked." I didn't want to tell them what we talked about. I wanted to keep it a secret for a while. Then again, I was stunned. For a stranger to find me that way and teach me about life's most needed lessons...just like that. "Let's just put this on the list of interesting things that had happened to me on this trip and forget about it?" I countered.

Blaine shook his head, knowing that I wasn't yet ready to share. "You know, if it had been anyone but you, I'd be persistent. But since you are right about many things, I'll humor you."

"What do you mean?" I was suddenly curious. It was the way he'd worded it, or looked at me, with a raised eyebrow and small smirk. "What was I right about?"

"Werewolves."

"Um..." Wait. He really didn't mean it. Did he? But looking around at the warehouse, I could only see the children, my companions from Hilltown. And no one else. Starchild and his 'friends' were nowhere to be found.*

XXXXX

Lily looks dangerous when she glares. I am reminded of my childhood, whenever I used to do something bad without telling her, I received that same glare. So, obviously, I was feeling a bit sorry for Blaine who is on the receiving end of it right now.

"I can't." I'm really turned on by how calmly and coolly he replies. "I have my Warblers to prepare, plans to draw up. Sleeping can wait until after we're done."

"So you'd rather risk that your weariness let's Kurt in harm's way instead? Is your male ego more important than keeping him safe?"

He freezes. She's hit right on the nerve, a low blow. "How dare you even suggest that?! I'd never put him in danger."

"Then rest and make sure that when time comes, you have your wits about you. That you're able to protect him when he needs it without failing." Having made her point, Lily storms right out.

Sebastian follows her. It's between you two, he suggests through our mental link. But I personally believe he should sleep as well. Everyone's been noticing how exhausted he looks.

"I have to suck it up and do it, haven't I?"

I shake my head. "Not sure if you have any other choice. Besides, it's my fault how anemic you've been of late. You should rest."

"But what about plans—?"

I push him on the bed. "I'm sure that your brothers can do without your involvement. They'd been all right all this time we've been away. I for one trust their judgment. Do you?"

"Yeah," he mumbles, nuzzling the soft, inviting pillow. Already sounding sleepy.

"Then I don't see what the problem is."

He pouts and closes his eyes. I settle behind him, spooning him and he sighs happily. To help him drift off, I stroke his hair and start to hum softly.

He'd complained once about how he still hasn't heard me sing. I vow, silently in my heart that once Edward is gone...once we're free. I will sing to him everyday for the rest of my life.

XXXXX

"Dad will talk to you...I think," Finn admits to me later that day. Even though I can't be outside, the entire Dalton House had been in upheaval ever since the morning meeting broke off. I could hear activity in the Smithy, in weaponry. And I instinctively knew we were ready to go. But, I still had no idea about the plan. "I kinda forced him, actually. Very rude of me, I know. But I just wanted you to be prepared before we started."

The same worry gnaws in the pit of my stomach. Not that I'm scared of Edward anymore. But I am sacred of weather or not I'll even be able to use my special talents. Before today, I'd only ever used them was once, on accident...without even thinking. The odds weren't exactly stacked on my side of line.

"Its fine," Sebastian says at once. "Just as you knew before, you'll know what to do now."

"But—what if I fail?" And cause everyone's death. And never be able to do anything as Edward claims my blood?

"Do you really think that Blaine and I will let you be taken without a fight? If I felt like it's not working out, I'll pull everyone out. We could try again after you're sure."

"Yeah, Kurt," Finn also adds, taking my hand comfortingly. "Everyone here is ready for this. Even if it doesn't work out, we'll never blame you. Setbacks are bound to occur. Nothing we can do about it."

Blaine makes his way to us then, sparing me to reply to Finn's hopefulness. He was wielding his preferred sword, and holding out my Sais. "I got them sharpened again and got you another spare set, just in case."

I take my swords and buckle them, sheaths and all, with my belt loop. I'm wearing, what one could call, a Warbler's standard battle outfit. It was nothing but closefitting, soft garment in black. It was easy to move in, easy to camouflage in the darkness. Blaine was similarly dressed, but Sebastian was wearing his standard jeans, shirt and sweater on top of it in black color. He'd refused to wear anything else. Saying that 'he didn't want to play ninja.' The bag with the spare Sais, I put inside an extra jacket that I hold in my arm.

It's just about sun down. All I know for now was that we were going to the Old Graveyard. Smyth mansion was rumored to be located beyond that right inside the edge of the forest. Why were we going there in darkness when Edward could easily hunt us down was beyond me? All I know is that I was feeling the same amount of terror and excitement. Terror because I still had no idea what to do, excitement because I was finally getting out of here. I'd missed the moonlight, the night breeze. And catching it from the window isn't as ideal as it looks.

Blaine is looking at me in concern. Maybe, reading the longing and terror there. Sebastian is avoiding me, usual. Some sire he is.

"Hey," Blaine rakes my hand. "Remember how you felt, back then? Just focus on that, and you'd be all right."

I take a deep breath and close my eyes...remembering.

XXXXX

*"We have decided to leave," Santana broke it none too gently.

We were at the warehouse again. I was finally deemed stable enough by my sire to return and live normally with them. Currently, we were in a circle on the warehouse floor, now equipped with cushions and a soft, new carpet. We were eating—at least, humans were. Vampires were sipping from the daily bottle of animal blood, much to the disgust of Zack and Clay. But they took it in stride and pretended that it was cool.

"And nobody thought about consulting me?" I glanced around in accusation. "Did you even think whether or not I was ready yet? I don't even—!"

"Kurt," Sebastian intoned firmly, silencing me. It had happened before. My mood would skyrocket without much warning unless he stopped me on time. For some weird reason, the kids had started to attach themselves to Sebastian at random. They invaded his space, clung to him and whined to him. I could feel his annoyance through our connection, but I also felt something warm and caring. It seemed as if ever since taking charge of me, Sebastian's paternal nature had reared its head. I could tell by the way Starchild looked at him with those gooey dog eyes (pun intended) that everyone had noticed this soft, fake-harsh side of Sebastian when it came to the children—or me. Currently, as he spoke, Julie and Tom were sitting on each of his lap, staring avidly at his fangs as he took small sips from his own bottle, and giggling under their hands when they caught sight of the sharp, white protrudes. Sebastian looked unfazed...entirely at home. "I was training with you earlier when they decided. They had my permission. As to whether or not you're ready, we'll decide that after sundown."

I looked at him suspiciously, but Blaine nudged my shoulder, smiling. "I'll come too," he whispered. "It's the first time we'll hunt Vampires together."

I smiled too. "Nope. We hunted them once before." I didn't mention that Mr Jones died the same night, or that Sebastian had been an enemy back then. He'd proven himself and his regrets were clear in his every action.

But I was also exited. This really would be the first hunt with Blaine. And I was not letting it get out of hand, not on my account at least.

Two hours later, the sun went down and we put the kids in safe hands of Dani and April. Most of Starchild's 'pack' was also staying behind, but Cole, Santana and Perry came with us. As I understood it, Cole was Starchild's second in command after Harry's death. Perry was Cole's little brother, a newly matured wolf at the ripe age of seventeen. He was nervous most of the time and stuck close to Cole at all cost. I understood it only too well. The minute Sebastian and Blaine are out of my sight—no matter if I can easily feel them nearby—I start panicking. It's just too much, this bond I have with them both. Like an itch under my skin that I can't scratch at.

It wasn't surprising that I got curious. I had yet to see them transform. Did they really just turn completely into wolves or...did they stayed upright, but changed faces and became too hairy?

"It's a few days past the full moon," I said as we ran at a normal pace to God knows where. I was just following Starchild and Blaine's lead. "How can you transform without the moon?"

Cole chose to answer. "When we've lived as wolves for at least ten years of our lives, the moon doesn't matter. We can change our face and skin at will. But for the pups, it's not easy. They easily get out of hand and transform at random bursts of anger or emotion. However a full moon is a siren call for us. It doesn't matter how we resist, we must run on all fours during the full moon. Or we'd go insane."

This was fascinating. "And do you have also the system of sire?"

"No, we follow the alpha. He is the only one that can control us and make us do something. If he says stop, we stop. If he says to kill, we kill."

"So Starchild's your alpha?" I looked on Starchild's back, who ran ahead of us side by side with Blaine. "That's awesome."

Starchild chuckled. "I wasn't always. I've been an alpha little over twenty years more or less."

"Wait—you look like you're twenty six. Did you become an alpha at the age of six?"

At this, everyone laughed. Even Blaine looked back at me and shook his head. Then I realized my mistake. "Ah, right. You guys are all immortal."

"What do you mean you guys?" Perry chimes in now, pacing himself to run alongside me. "You're one of the immortals too. Besides, it isn't an accurate term. We can still die."

"How?" I asked interestedly. "I mean I know a stake or fire could kill Vampires. What about Wolves? Silver bullets?"

"Nah, that's just a myth," Starchild said from ahead. "But we can die if we're also injured in the heart. Or our head is cut off. Same as Vampires. Kill the body's major functioning systems. And we are just corpses."

I now looked at Sebastian who was several paces behind us, running silently. "But the wooden bullets work for Vampires, don't they? I've seen Blaine use them."

"They do. Wood is a non-conductor. Meaning once it's embedded into us, we can't regenerate our skin. It hinders." Sebastian also ran up next to me. "Other things, like metal and silver, we can easily regenerate past. Wood is, well not desirable. I really don't know why."

"Really?" Blaine asked now. "Is that why the metal bullets push out of your skin when we shoot?"

"Yeah. Pretty much."

I frowned, taking in all the information. "Maybe because it is part of a living thing," I say at length. It caused everyone to stop and stare at me. I shift on my feet, feeling self-conscious. If I could anymore, I would've blushed. "Well, wood comes from trees. Trees are living things. Vampires are dead. Maybe, that's why they are so against each other, in nature, I think."

Blaine looks stunned. "That's an interesting theory. Come to think of it, Coffins are made with wood as well. And Vampires were rumored to sleep inside those to avoid sunlight in old times."

"And I bet that the whole getting invited thing also came from this," Perry added excitedly. "Doors and threshold are often wooden too, right?"

Sebastian smirked. "No, that's just a myth as well. We can go anywhere we want just fine. As long as the place isn't tampered with any spells by witches."

"Oh," Perry looks snubbed. "Then holy water is also not usable, huh?"

"That depends on your own beliefs," Sebastian said. "If you truly believe in God and use anything godly against us, chances are we'll be harmed. Faith can be a powerful thing some times." We start running again. "But I've never been affected by it. And I've lived more than 90 years by now."

"I so want to hear all the 'I got drenched in holy water' stories some day," Cole mumbled and it made Sebastian laugh.

"Some day I will tell you."

We ran in silence then. I noticed it's been more than a few minutes since we started. "Where are we going exactly?"

"A few cities away," Sebastian said. "There's a nest there and more than twenty people have gone missing within a month. We should check it out and try out how strong you've gotten."

"Nest?" Perry asked. "A Vampire Nest?"


"What else?"

"So does that make Hilltown a nest of Edward's clan too?" I asked.

"No, a nest is something else. Vampires mostly do territories," Blaine explained. "Everyone knows whose territory is where in order to maintain discipline. That's why we can't harm anyone within their laws of the territory. That's why we couldn't harm Edward. He'd made Hilltown his territory and laid laws. It's when he himself broke the laws that we fought back."

We broke through the forest and into a busy street.

"We'll take the bus here," Cole said, as we ran toward the nearest bus stand we found.

When we got into a bus, I sat beside Blaine. Sebastian and Starchild in the row across the isle, Cole and Perry are behind us.

"So, a nest is...?" Perry urged, leaning over and looking at Blaine expectantly.

Blaine smiled. "An illegal hideout of illegally made Vampires. Against a rule of a territory. But mostly, Rogues dwell in the nests."

"Shouldn't those who are in this territory mind this one then?" Perry asked.

"This territory isn't claimed yet," Starchild said. "We waited this long because we thought the Vampires here must look into it. But so far nothing. Meaning its either no territory here or the Vampires themselves have gone Rogue and started killing mindlessly."

"Either way we're going hunting," Blaine added. "It doesn't matter if I'm no longer at Hilltown. I'm still a Warbler."

XX

*We meet a few hunters at our destination. They looked rather beat up. I could sense the Vampires—Rogues, even before we entered the abandoned industrial structure.

"Are you guys hunters?" One of the hunters asked us. He was busy providing first aid to his injured girl companion.

"I'm Blaine Anderson, a Warbler," Blaine said, sticking his hand to the man.

There was a sudden burst of recognition in the man's eyes. "You're an Anderson? That's great. Maybe you could sweep that nest clean then. There are newly made Rogues. Someone killed their sire a few weeks back and nobody else had taken them in. Worst mess imaginable."

I stood a little behind them. Sebastian with me. We knew without asking that if these hunters knew we were also Vampires—and working with a Warbler, no less—there will be rumors. And it was obvious that Blaine's family name was known well in hunter circles. The last thing I wanted was to create trouble for him. So I tried appearing as human as I could. A hard task since both Sebastian and I shone through in the night. Our pallid skins and extra prominent eyes were a dead giveaway to someone who was an experienced Vampire hunter. It was a piece of cake for Starchild's friends though. They stood beside Blaine like it was nothing. I felt a stab of jealousy. I wanted to stand with him that way. Fearlessly and with power in my hands. I was still too weak, unstable and unlearned in how to control my own strength. Not to mention, my talents were non-existent.

That's why we're here; Sebastian hushed me without taking his eyes off the injured hunters.

"We'll go inside then," Blaine finished asking the about the locations they encountered the Rogues. "You guys should get to the nearest clinic. Those wounds look bad."

"Yeah, we've called our ride. We'll be gone by the time you guys are done. Just, good luck, Anderson."

Blaine inclined his head and started towards the building. We followed, looking as hunter-like as possible.

Once out of ear-shot, I exhaled. The open wounds and blood in the air had been really distracting. Not that I thirsted for anyone's blood other than Blaine's. But your mouth would water if you smelt hot and spicy food, wouldn't it?

"What now?" Perry asked.

"Now we get in there and sweep it clean," Blaine said without showing any emotions. He was in his Warbler mode already. "Kurt, you have to fight without holding back. I want you to trigger whatever talents you can mange."

"I'll try."

It didn't go as planned. Obviously. When had my life ever gone according to plan? Never, that's when.

Turns out much like a newly Turned Vampire, Rogues tend to be also extremely out of control, and thus, powerful. Those hunters hadn't misjudged. These were recently crazed Vampires. I could tell because of the obvious presence of clothes on their bodies. They could've been teenagers, hipsters on the night streets judging by their clothes. But only their black eyes, snarling faces and fangs distinguished them as the crazy monsters they'd become.

Instead of fighting, I froze. Don't blame me, but I was seeing the wrong side of the picture right in front of my eyes. As a Vampire now, I had to know what lied in store for me in future. And those snarling, screeching creatures who were fighting with Blaine, Starchild and Cole could easily be me...if Sebastian died.

"I won't," Sebastian said. "Unless you don't start fighting and help everyone."

And just like that, a little push from my sire and I was charging in the mess of bodies. Perry had also been hesitant, hovering around the back. But he came with me, while Sebastian helped Starchild with one of the most furious Rogues I'd seen.

It was natural reaction really. I felt my gaze sharpen intensely...knowing that to the world, my glasz eyes were nothing but blackness without any end. My hearing also intensified, more than normally it is, and I felt just a tiny amount of discomfort in my mouth as my fangs extended, ready to bite if needed.

But thanks to Sebastian's training, and his infamous Hand Slash, I only had to use my claws.

The ash blew everywhere as Rogues fell one by one. Every time I heard a dying scream my stationary heart clenched painfully. I could be one of these unfortunate creatures. I could be the one going crazy. There was no telling how or when. But the mere fact that it was possible left me pained and worried.

Which is how Perry got injured.

It all happened in flash. One second he's beside me, fighting or finishing off the Rogues I'd injured...the next he screamed and collapsed in an unmoving pile.

"Pere!" Starchild screamed, looking aghast. "Kurt, take him away!"

And I didn't blink twice as I did just that. My muscles moved—that's all I remembered, and I'd transferred Perry out of sight, out of the building, and returned within a minute. By then the battleground had turned tables.

Cole was injured, Sebastian was trying to help Blaine up on his feet. There was large gash on Blaine's blue t-shirt, the red stain of blood expanding even as I smelt him.

And then I blacked out completely after a furious yell of anger.

When I came to—we were outside the building. Sebastian was hacking and coughing in a bush. Blaine was propped beside me, looking dazed but concerned. As my eyes focused around me, he sighed in what was unmistakably relief.

"Per-ry..." I whispered in question. He didn't have to ask me clearly what I meant.

"He's fine," Blaine mumbled, sounding rather pained. "Cole's with him. Starchild is getting help."

I straightened a bit, unconsciously curling an arm around Blaine because he looked like he was about to slump. He hissed as I moved him closer against my chest. With a sigh, he relaxed, pushing his weight on my chest and mumbled, "Sebastian's feeling the after effects of your hocus-pocus."

At that, I stiffened. I had no recollection whatsoever of what happened while I was blacked out. Blaine must have realized my confusion because he looked up at me. He placed a shaking hand on my cheek (I was at once relived to feel the warmth of his skin, meaning he was going to be fine) till I looked down and met his eyes.

"Kurt, don't you remember anything?"

I didn't even have to answer. His widening eyes told me that he was stunned.

"What happened? Tell me, please, Blaine..." The desperation in my voice must have forced him into telling me simply...

"You killed all the remaining Rouges, Kurt."

With that his strength gave out and he fainted, head falling softly into my chest, I tightened my arm around him, thinking on what he'd told me. I didn't kill anyone...I just blacked out after I saw Blaine injured that way, his precious blood having spilled so brazenly...

By then Sebastian straightened up and walked toward me, wiping his mouth on the back of his sleeve. Did Vampires usually vomit? He looked paler than usual...like he needed blood urgently.

"Let's leave," he said. "Eli can catch up. He wasn't that hurt."

Cole stood up and helped Perry walk. Perry's right side was split open, revealing angry bruises, and claw marks. But he was healing too, blood flow staunching on its own.

"You need my blood," I told Sebastian as he kneeled in front of me. He ignored me completely, not even looking at my face. That's when I felt the first trembles of dread.

He simply pulled Blaine up and carried him bridal style, without looking at me, he started walking. And that's how I knew I was in trouble. Sure enough, Sebastian said, After we're patched up, I need to speak with you alone.*

XX

*That night, after Sebastian told me my behavior in a few short sentences, I went back to the lake. We were leaving for Hilltown in a few hours before sunrise. And until then, I needed to stay away and sort through the mess my life had become.

As Sebastian requested, nobody told of the night's event to anyone at the warehouse and Blaine was resting through the night. His scar had healed after April worked some spell on him, but he was exhausted. And now I knew why.

As I sat and watched the lake, the moon and stars, my stranger friend came again. This time, I heard him walking toward me.

"You look rather more worried than last time. Is everything all right?"

I tried to tell him, but nothing came out at first. "I fucked up," was all I said.

"You'll get a hang of things soon enough. I have faith in you, Kurt." And with that he left. As he walked away, I wondered if I'd ever see him again.

"Goodbye, Leon," I said after him softly. He only raised a hand in a wave, without looking back as he walked away from my sight.

Looking back at the lake, I heard a small baby crying in one of the camper's tents. The mother fussed about, sounding really familiar for some reason. And at once I knew what tone that was. A tone full of worry and apprehension for sake of the baby.

It was the same tone in which Sebastian had addressed me awhile ago. "You killed them, Kurt," he'd said. "Not just Turn them human—killed them. All I know is that you came back in and saw me helping Blaine. Then you just kneeled and one by one, those Rouges screamed and fell. They trembled the same way I'd seen Nick's sister doing when she Turned human. All you were doing was sitting there with no emotion on your face. And then I felt your mind touch mine. At first I believed you were trying to connect to me as usual—but I'd gone still. You were using my power as well, Kurt. Not only did you Turn them back, you also immobilized those Vampires like i can do. And after that, you just walked to them one by one, and drank their blood. Their human blood because by then that's who they'd become. You would've drunk me whole as well—turned me as well if not for Blaine. For some reason, he was the only one who could move. He got me out of your sight and did the same with others. Then he knocked you on the head and dragged you out."

He'd never explained why I could use both these powers. He'd just left me with my thoughts. Regardless, I knew now that I could Turn Vampires human. But I also can use Sebastian power. How does it work together...? I had no answers and neither does Sebastian.

Before day break, I came back to the warehouse. Santana's BMW was repaired now with new glass in the windscreen. The RV was loaded and ready to go. And standing on threshold, waiting for me were the two men with whom I was inexpiably bonded.

"Are you all right?" I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head. It's amazing how Blaine and Sebastian sounded just like that mother for a minute.

I nodded. "Yeah. Just...I'm ready to leave for home is all. Until now I hadn't realized how much I missed everyone."

"We will figure this out, Kurt," Sebastian assured me. "But all you need to remember is that you have us, and you can accomplish Edward's demise. You've proven it already."

"I have to agree. I don't care If you drink him dry afterwards, or if you still have no idea how to yet take control of it. As long as Edward dies, we're with you. And in case you're unsure, we can always wait until you're ready for real..." Blaine said, taking my hand. "For now, let's just get home and deal with what is waiting for us."

Sebastian flinched inwardly. "I suddenly feel like just staying here. I really don't want to face Burt and Lily...ever."

Blaine and I laughed. Sebastian looked offended. But I knew they meant well. I could do it...all I have to do is believe in my self.*