Over the next two weeks, Blaine and Kurt had been seeing each other at every available opportunity. Be it going out for lunch, getting coffee or, even once after a long bout of convincing on Kurt's part, jogging, they were spending almost every possible moment together. They were swiftly becoming great friends and, seeing as he lived with Blaine, Jason had caught wind of his boyfriend's newfound acquaintanceship. After a long day of root canals, cavity filling and being bitten by unruly children, Jason found himself at home in a particularly foul mood. He was waiting for Blaine to come home from (yet another) outing with Kurt that week. He didn't want to let himself be jealous. He didn't even know who Kurt was exactly. Jason had heard the two talk on the phone and obviously knew they went out a lot, but he didn't know what he looked like, what he did for a living or why his boyfriend had taken such a liking to him.

Jason took another sip of his rapidly depleting bottle of beer before setting it back down on the kitchen counter he was leaning against. It was 5:37 on a cool August evening and Jason would've liked to be spending it with Blaine but found himself unable due to the fact he was still unaccounted for. Just as he was picking up his phone to text Blaine, however, he heard a key fumble in the lock of the apartment door and his spirits automatically lifted. Blaine walked through the door with a grin lingering on his face and smiled even brighter when he saw Jason. The bruise had faded from his cheek days prior and Blaine felt like he was finally beginning to be able to put the whole event behind him. He still hadn't told Kurt how he'd truly gotten the bruise but didn't think it would matter now that the situation was just a bitter memory to Blaine.

Jason walked over to him and wrapped his arms securely around Blaine waist and leaned down for a kiss. Blaine stretched onto his toes and kissed back, happy to fulfill Jason's desire to kiss him. They kissed for a long time and Blaine could taste the alcohol on his boyfriend's tongue. He pulled back and rocked back on to flat feet. Jason pulled his arms back to his sides and just stared at Blaine for a moment.

"How was your day?" Blaine asked. "Long. Far from enjoyable. 5 year olds don't seem to like having their teeth cleaned, considering the fact I was bitten enough times to merit a vaccination for rabies." Blaine smiled and chuckled and Jason pecked him on the cheek. They walked back in to the kitchen and Blaine poured himself a glass of wine while Jason finished his third beer that night.

"What would you like for dinner?" Jason asked. "Oh, I'm not really hungry. Kurt and I had a late lunch." Something stirred in Jason's stomach at Blaine's response but he tried to ignore the feeling. He wouldn't get mad about this. There was no reason to. So what if Blaine made a friend? Who cares? It wasn't Jason's problem as long as Kurt wouldn't turn it into one.

"What's going on between you two anyway?" Jason asked, hoping he didn't sound as cold as he thought he did. "What do you mean?" Blaine asked in return, sipping his wine. Jason looked Blaine up and down, somehow expecting to see something different about his outward appearance. The only thing Jason could’ve put money on being different about his boyfriend was that he seemed happy. He seemed happy, which was something Jason felt Blaine hadn’t been for a long time.

“All I meant was that you two have been hanging out a lot lately. I’ve never even met him. I just wanted to know what he’s like.” Jason said, walking past Blaine and out of their kitchen. Blaine followed him with his eyes and watched him sit down on the couch and take another sip of beer. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, leaving his wine glass on the kitchen counter and walked over to where Jason was.

“Jason…” Blaine began, sitting down beside his boyfriend. Jason turned to him with expectance in his eyes and Blaine bit his lip trying to think of the best way to phrase his relationship with Kurt. “Listen. He’s just my friend, alright? There’s nothing… going on between us, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Blaine said slowly and Jason shook his head. “I know that wasn’t how you meant it,” Blaine added and Jason smiled slightly.

“I’d just… I’d like to meet him.” Jason said and Blaine raised an eyebrow at him. “I’d like to know who my boyfriend is spending all this time with.” Blaine rolled his eyes. “Okay, I’m going to stop you there, because you sound like my dad.” Blaine quipped and Jason smiled. “But, I agree. I think you should meet him. We can invite him over for dinner or something on the weekend.” Blaine decided and Jason nodded.

“Good idea,” he said with a smile and pecked Blaine on the cheek. He stood up to go to the kitchen and Blaine took out his phone to call Kurt and invite him over for dinner on Saturday. Kurt agreed, saying it was about time he’d met Jason anyway and said he would bring a bottle of wine for the occasion. They talked for a while, not really discussing much and Jason tried his best not to listen to the way his boyfriend laughed or pay any mind to the smile he seemed to always have on his face when he talked to or talked about Kurt. He was trying his hardest not to jump to any conclusions about their relationship but he couldn’t help his mind from wondering. He trusted Blaine more than anything and he certainly didn’t think he would cheat on him. Or at least he hoped Blaine wouldn’t cheat on him. Who was Kurt anyway? Was he gay? Straight? Straight with repressed homosexual tendencies? Single? Married? What? All Jason could hope was that his questions would be answered when he came over for dinner.

--

“Jason can you get the door please?” Blaine called to him when he heard a knock on their apartment door. Kurt had showed up right at seven thirty which was the exact time Blaine had asked him to be at his apartment. Jason opened the door and Kurt smiled at him. “Hello!” He said happily and handed Jason the bottle of wine he brought. “Come in,” Jason said and pulled the door open wider so Kurt could get inside. Blaine said hello and continued to make dinner as the three talked and got know each other better. Jason learned that Kurt was an interior designer and that he was still with his boyfriend though he didn’t mention that he wasn’t here. Jason told him about his life and talked about his relationship with Blaine and then they all sat down to eat.

Blaine placed the dishes of food on their table which consisted of pork roast, salad and roasted vegetables. “This looks incredible, thank you Blaine.” Kurt commented with a smile and Blaine placed a hand on his shoulder before sitting down. “Thanks,” he said with a smile. He was seated in the middle of Jason and Kurt since their table was round and he tried to ignore the fact that Jason was staring and Kurt. Jason’s hand was suddenly warm and wide and very much inappropriate for their situation as he placed it dangerously close to Blaine’s crotch underneath the table. He didn’t think Kurt saw it but if he did, he wasn’t paying any mind to the groping going on right next to him. Blaine shot Jason a look but he didn’t retract his hand.

“So, Kurt,” Jason began, breaking the silence and Kurt looked up at him. “How did you and Blaine meet?” Blaine raised his eyebrow at Jason and looked at Kurt. Kurt smiled slightly and explained. “Once upon a time,” he began facetiously “I went jogging at this park and went to change the song on my iPod because Mumford & Sons isn’t exactly the peppiest thing to run to. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and I tripped.” Blaine smiled in spite of himself at the memory. “Then, out of nowhere, bless his little heart, your darling boyfriend appears and helps me to my feet. And who said chivalry is dead?” Kurt finished smiling and Blaine rolled his eyes at him. Jason’s hand tightened its grip on Blaine’s thigh and Blaine turned to look at him. Jason’s eyes were dark and his gaze was heavy. There were a few beats of silence before Jason whispered in Blaine’s ear just loud enough so Kurt could hear as well. “Kiss me…” he said slowly and Kurt narrowed his eyes just a little at Jason’s actions. He didn’t really understand their relationship. Blaine turned to Jason and pecked him once on the lips.

“No,” Jason said and Blaine just looked at him in confusion. “Kiss me.” Blaine pecked him on the lips again but before he could pull away Jason was pushing his tongue through Blaine’s lips. Kurt looked up from his plate and stared for a few seconds. He put his elbows up on the table and rested his chin in his hands just sat watching them. Their kiss started to get dirty and Kurt could tell Blaine was trying to pull away, whether it was for Kurt’s sake or his own. Jason’s fingers were digging into the denim on Blaine’s leg and he was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Jason only kissed like this when they were alone. Kurt cleared his throat and Jason pulled away slowly.

Blaine hung his head and looked at his lap, feeling his cheeks burn. “Easy tiger, you just ate dinner, no need to eat Blaine too.” Kurt said snidely and Jason shot him a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Sorry,” he said but both Blaine and Kurt knew he didn’t mean it. Blaine sighed deeply and looked up from his lap. He didn’t want to meet the gaze of either men but chanced a look at Kurt. His expression was unimpressed and Blaine knew he would have to explain later but he didn’t seem outwardly perturbed by the PDA that had just occurred.

After the initial awkwardness had worn off, they finished eating dinner and Kurt helped Jason and Blaine wash the dishes. They talked and laughed and drank and just got to know each other a little better but throughout the evening Jason was keeping a watchful eye on Kurt and always finding reasons to put his hands on Blaine. Kurt left their apartment around 10:30 and as they were saying goodbye, Kurt pulled Blaine to the hallway to speak in private.

“What is it?” Blaine asked as he stepped into the hallway and shut the apartment door. Kurt gave him a what-do-you-think-it-is-jackass look and said, “What’s up with him?” Blaine gave him a puzzled look. “What’s up with whom?” Blaine asked and Kurt rolled his eyes.

“Our dear friend Jason.” Kurt clarified and Blaine just shook his head slightly. “There’s nothing ‘up’ with him. He just… He gets jealous. Easily.” Blaine explained. “Clearly…” Kurt mumbled. “He just didn’t seem anything like how you described him. Whenever you talked about him he seemed… I don’t know. Different.” Kurt shrugged his shoulders.

“I promise everything is fine.” Blaine said, hoping to reassure Kurt about their relationship. There was nothing wrong with them. Blaine was fully aware of the fact that Jason got jealous and possessive every now and then but it didn’t bother him. He realised Jason only got like that because he cared about Blaine. Kurt sighed and nodded. He shouldn’t get involved in someone else’s relationship whether it seemed strange to him or not.

“Okay…” Kurt shifted from weight from his left foot to his right and sighed. “I believe you.” Blaine smiled and Kurt tentatively wrapped his arms around Blaine’s neck. It took Blaine a moment to realise he should hug back and secured his arms around the other man’s waist. It was a short hug and it was over just as quickly as it began, but it was almost like a reassurance of their friendship. That even though they’d just met a few weeks prior, they were there for each other, whether the concern was valid or not and it made Blaine’s heart feel light. “Goodnight, Kurt.”

Blaine went back inside and saw Jason sitting on their couch watching the Food Network absentmindedly. Blaine sat down beside him and Jason muted the tv. “So…” Blaine began, hoping Jason would catch on. “So…?” Jason asked, clearly not getting the point. “So, now you’ve met him. What do you…? Do you like him? Or—“

“Are you cheating on me?” Jason suddenly accused and Blaine actually laughed until he looked at Jason’s eyes and realised he was serious. “Wh—Jason, no, of course not. Kurt’s just my friend, I would never… I would never do that to you.” Blaine was truly offended by his accusation. He loved Jason with everything he had and while, yes, he certainly found Kurt attractive, he would never cheat on him.

Jason ran his palm across his forehead heavily before standing and stalking off to the kitchen. Blaine didn’t know what to do but felt like he should find some way to reassure Jason that no he wasn’t cheating on him. Blaine walked tentatively to Jason’s side and looked at the floor. Jason was leaning against the wall beside the fridge and Blaine was standing stalk-straight in anxiousness in front of him.

“W-why do you think I would do that to you?” Blaine asked slowly and Jason let out a deep sigh through his nose and closed his eyes. He wished they still had beer in their fridge, wished he hadn’t asked the question in the first place but now it was out there and Blaine was probably coming up with a million reasons as to why he’d asked. Jason tried not to let his anger get the best of him and tried to keep himself calm as he answered.

“I don’t know… Because you’re constantly with him and he’s all you talk about half of the time. You’re my boyfriend and I shouldn’t feel like I have to compete with someone that I don’t even know for you to even give me the time of day.” He didn’t mean to but by the end of his sentence his voice had raised and he was visibly tensing. Blaine didn’t exactly know how to respond. “Jason, if you feel like we’re not spending e-enough time together you could just say th—“

“Listen to me, Blaine,” Jason suddenly vociferated. Blaine was taken aback by the sudden change in atmosphere of their conversation. He was trying to keep this civil like mature people would but Jason suddenly became angry and the entire dynamic seemed to change. Jason placed a firm hand against Blaine’s chest and stroked his fingers over Blaine’s polo shirt slowly. He stood still with bated breath and wished Jason would back off. Flashbacks of the memory of Jason hitting him streamed across Blaine’s mind and he became suddenly terrified of their situation. He knew Jason would never hurt him again, knew that they promised to put the situation behind them but he couldn’t help but feel afraid of the onslaught of memories. “I’ve probably had too much to drink tonight and that could be hindering my judgment about the things I’m about to say but regardless of that fact...” Blaine suddenly found himself pressed against the fridge with Jason looming over him.

“... I love you. And you know that,” Blaine closed his eyes and swallowed thickly though his mouth felt dry and papery. He felt trapped and unsafe and just wished he could be anywhere else. “But if you keep going behind my back and screwing some gay interior designer and then denying it, we’re definitely going to have a problem here.” Blaine’s mind was racing and he was angry and afraid and tired and didn’t realise what he was saying until he was screaming at Jason. “I thought you trusted me?” He shouted and Jason skimmed his tongue across his front teeth. They were too close for Blaine to be shouting at him but he couldn’t help himself. “Why don’t you just believe me when I tell you that Kurt and I are just friends? There’s nothing between us, Jason! I...” he couldn’t say what he wanted to because saying ‘I love you’ felt insincere. Blaine laid his hands flat against Jason’s chest and pushed against him but he had at least 20 pounds on him and Blaine knew it was a horrible idea the second his hands met Jason’s t-shirt.

He could feel tears welling in his eyes and out of nowhere Jason was grabbing Blaine’s shirt instead and pulling him away from the fridge he was leaning against so heavily. Jason’s eyes were dark and Blaine was pushed into the middle of the kitchen. He realised what a terrible room of the house it was to be trapped in considering all of the things that could be used as a weapon. Blaine backed away from Jason as he slowly stepped closer and he turned his gaze to the floor. Jason placed his hands on Blaine’s hips and Blaine squeezed his eyes closed as tightly as possible, feeling his heart pounding and refused to let more tears form. Jason’s fingers were digging in hard enough to bruise and Blaine knew his eyes were dark, could almost feel his gaze boring into him. Jason curled his fingers around Blaine’s chin and forced his head up so he could see his face.

In spite of himself Blaine opened his eyes. Jason’s lips were pursed and his jaw was clenched. He leaned in very closely and brought his lips to Blaine’s left ear. His breath was hot and sickening and Blaine felt unclean. “If I ever find out you’re lying to me...” Jason whispered so softy that Blaine almost couldn’t hear his words even though he was speaking right to him. “You’re going to be in Hell. I love you, Blaine. Don’t forget that.” Blaine’s chest was heaving and he was breathing quick, short pants in through his nose. He knew he was crying now and understood there was no point in trying to resist it. He expected it when Jason cracked his palm against his cheek but it didn’t make the situation any better. He felt his skin tingle and sting from the shock of being slapped again. Blaine’s head was turned sharply due to the hit and he was almost positive he felt his neck crack. He stared at their door and wished he could just walk out of it.

After a few long seconds of silence, the pain was replaced with anger and betrayal. He swallowed thickly and shot his eyes open, turning to his boyfriend whom he loved more than anyone or anything else. Jason had stepped back and he hung his head to the floor. Blaine knew he regretted it or at least truly hoped he did. Still, tears welled in his eyes.

“You said you would never do that again...” He mumbled feebly and he knew his voice cracked and that he sounded weak and terrified but also knew that Jason had sworn never to hurt him again. Jason looked up at Blaine and to his surprise; tears were streaking down his face. “I’m so sorry...” he whispered almost inaudibly. Blaine cradled his face in his hands and Jason just stared at him. “Blaine, I’m so sorry...”

What hurt the most, he realised, was that he knew Jason was sorry. He inhaled a shaking breath and chanced another look at Jason. “You can’t keep doing this, Jason!” Blaine shouted and Jason flinched. “Jesus, do you have any idea what this is like for me? Ever since the first time you did this, I’ve been checking everything I’ve done twice to make sure it’s the best I can do, and changing things just to hope I don’t disappoint you! I don’t know what you want from me anymore...”

“Blaine, please,” Jason began quietly, fresh tears replacing the ones that were rolling down his cheeks. “I can fix this, I can make it up to you, we—“

“No, Jason.” Blaine cut in. “You can’t fix this, alright? I don’t know what you’re expecting right now. I can’t just hit you back and pretend that makes it even. This isn’t grade school.” He scolded sternly and Jason clenched his teeth tighter. They didn’t say anything else. There was a long silence before Jason took one more look at his boyfriend before taking his coat and leaving the apartment.

When Blaine heard the door close he sunk to the floor against the counter and brought his knees to his chest. He let himself cry for a long time and though about what his mother told him once.

”If anyone ever hurts you or does you wrong, you leave them without a second thought.”

He wondered if Jason was having problems at work or if they should talk to someone about their situation. He considered calling Kurt for a long time but thought he would somehow be betraying Jason if he did that. Blaine almost considered lighting the apartment on fire but thought better of it because he wasn’t at a point of desperation quite that dire at that moment.

Instead, he grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels, took his seat back on the floor and drank until he forgot about why his cheek hurt, forgot about why he was alone drinking at 11:45 at night and just tried to forget about anything he didn't feel was worth remembering.