The cab rolled to a stop in front of a large building on the opposite side of the city. Kurt paid the cabbie and the two men made with way into the building. A perky red head greeted them at the front desk and directed them to where the show was taking place. Kurt lead the way to a huge room with rows and rows of chairs on either side of a long, white carpeted runway. Kurt and Blaine took their seats on one side of the runway in the back. Kurt began conversing politely to the woman next to him but Blaine had no idea who she was. Instead of joining in the conversation, he looked around at all the other people waiting in their seats. He couldn't recognize any of them and there were so many unfamiliar faces. This was going to be an awkward evening.

Blaine admired the simplicity of the room, the walls were plain and the runway was lit with bright lights. Photographers situated themselves at the end of the runway, jostling for a spot close to the front so they could get the best pictures. There was an awfully large amount of people here for it to be considered a "small show" as Kurt had put it. Blaine's brow furrowed, damn this is going to be a long night. Kurt chuckled lightly next to Blaine.

"Laugh it up," Blaine muttered under his breath to Kurt.

Kurt attempted to stifle his giggles with his hand, "you look positively murderous, Blaine. What's wrong?"

Blaine turned in his seat to glare directly at Kurt. "I thought this was a little fashion show and only a few people were going to be here."

"Blaine, this is a small show," Kurt replied tilting his head to the side and arching an eyebrow.

Blaine looked all around him in mock exasperation, "this is small?" he hissed.

"Compared to the shows during fashion week, yes," Kurt said. He slid his hand over to cover Blaine's which were folded together in his lap. Blaine's heart fluttered in his chest, "just relax and enjoy the show," Kurt pleaded giving Blaine's fingers a reassuring squeeze. Blaine responded by flipping his hand so their palms were touching and squeezed Kurt's hand in return. Just then, the lights dimmed and Kurt's fingers involuntarily flexed in Blaine's hand. Kurt entwined his fingers in Blaine's in anticipation for the show.

"Are you alright?" Blaine asked trying to make sense of the other man's fingers entwined in his own.

"I'm nervous," Kurt responded as the lights on either side of the runway lit up. "This designer is one of the biggest competitors against the label I design for and if this collection is good we're screwed."

"Kurt you're brilliant, this guy can't hold a candle to you," Blaine replied squeezing Kurt's hand. Kurt gave Blaine a grateful smile.

The booming music started and one of the models came out from behind the partition. She strutted down the runway, her heels clacking in time to the music. I must be really behind on fashion, Blaine thought, because that outfit is hideous. Neon yellow and leopard print evening gown? Who does that?

Kurt's response mirrored Blaine's thoughts, "distasteful," he muttered, "not a good way to open the show."

Much of the fashion show continued like this, a male or female model would come around the partition and Blaine would wrinkle his nose, whilst Kurt commented on the horrible color palate or an uneven hem. The entire time Kurt's hand was entwined with Blaine's in the darkness of the room. The only light came from the bulbs that were lighting the runway and the flashes emanating from the photographers cameras. Blaine's hand was clammy and the familiar contact unsettled him. He was hyper aware of every move Kurt made, but he was even more aware of how Kurt's hand never left his . Occasionally, Kurt would squeeze his fingers, but he never removed them from Blaine's hand. It was half way through the show when Blaine realized he was subconsciously tracing patterns on Kurt's palm with his thumb and he abruptly stopped. He used to do that all the time whenever Kurt had his hand in his. The pressure was warm and welcome and felt like it was meant to be there. Stop it, Blaine berated to himself. Blaine mentally slapped himself, snapping him out of his reverie and he focused all of his concentration on the fashion show.

After what felt like hours of endless bodies walking back and forth before the audience, the final model finished his walk and all of the models from the show walked up and down the runway in one long line. The designer of the collection brought up the rear of the line of models clad in a designer suit and wearing a painted on mole. Everyone in their seats clapped for the designer as he went back behind the partition. Kurt removed his hand from Blaine's and clapped respectfully as well.

"I don't think you have much to worry about," Blaine said over the applause with a smile.

Kurt grinned in return, "it would appear that way. I'm sorry it was bad, this was supposed to be a learning experience for you."

"I learned that there should never be that much animal print in one collection," Blaine laughed. They got to their feet and followed the crowd to another part of the building. This room was much more elaborate, people dressed in matching black vests walked around the room carrying trays of champagne and finger foods. The only way onto the main floor was to go through a long line of photographers and interviewers. The two men got in line and waited to get through.

"This is why we're here," Kurt sighed, an elated smile dawning across his face as he took in the room.

"Free food and drinks?" Blaine teased.

Kurt rolled his eyes at Blaine, "you would say that," he smirked. "We're here to schmooze fashion buyers."

"We?" Blaine asked arching an eyebrow.

"Well mostly me. You just stand around and look good and when people ask who dressed you, say it was me," Kurt replied with a wink.

They made their way down the line and were stopped by a group of interviewers and photographers. They began snapping Kurt's picture and shoving their microphones in his face. Blaine slowly backed up so he would not be in any of Kurt's shots. Kurt looked over his shoulder at Blaine and snatched him by the elbow. He dragged Blaine over and wrapped an arm around Blaine's waist. He smiled as the cameras furiously clicked, the flashes leaving dark spots in Blaine's vision. Blaine placed his hand on the small of Kurt's back and smiled his charming smile.

"Mr. Hummel! Kurt!" the interviewers shouted shoving each other out of the way. "What piece was your favorite? How did you like the collection? What is your next project?" they all demanded, peppering Kurt with dozens of questions. Kurt took it all in stride, soaking up the limelight. He answered all the questions diplomatically, praising the collection and the designer. He responded calmly despite all the cameras and microphones crowding, he even cracked a few jokes and the press laughed. His face glowed with the flash of the cameras. "Who is he? You're fiancé? When is the wedding?"

"This is an old friend of mine, Blaine Anderson," he replied looking over at Blaine. "My fiancé, Glen Ayers, couldn't make it today," Kurt continued to talk about his fiancé and the wedding but Blaine didn't hear any of it. A few of the photographers peeled away from Kurt and were now shoving their microphones in Blaine's face. It was really overwhelming.

"What do you do? Who dressed you? What did you think of the collection?" they all asked at once.

Blaine hesitated not sure to start, "I'm not in the fashion business, Kurt brought me here to educate me," Blaine gave a charming chuckle, "the collection was executed very well, I was very impressed with the designer's work."

"Is this your first show?" one woman asked.

"Yes it is. I had to go shopping this afternoon because I had nothing to wear!" Blaine joked and a handful of interviewers politely laughed along.

"You look great! Why did you choose this style?"

"I didn't Kurt Hummel did, he's simply brilliant," Blaine beamed glancing at Kurt out of the corner of his eye. Kurt gave Blaine's arm a reassuring squeeze. The interviewers moved onto the next group of people and Kurt and Blaine made their way down a long line of photographers until they were on the main floor.
"See that wasn't too bad," Kurt exclaimed wrapping his arm all the way around Blaine's side and giving him a half hug. Blaine laughed nervously in agreement and patted Kurt's shoulder. "Relax Blaine, if no one bit you back there no one will now!" Kurt released Blaine and looked at the sea of people around the room, scoping it out. "Okay Blaine, follow my lead."

Kurt plowed through groups of people and made a bee-line for the designer of the fashion show. Photographers were snapping his picture and the cameras went wild when Kurt joined him. Kurt showered him in compliments, remarking on the fine craftsmanship of the collection and the cohesiveness of all the designs. The man thanked Kurt and told him he was glad Kurt had found time in his busy schedule to attend. This banter continued for a good five long minutes as Blaine just stood off to the side. He was definitely out of his realm now. In high school he would have been able to mingle and talk about fashion and what not, but he hasn't picked up a fashion magazine for five years. Kurt took a few more photos with the designer and led him to another group of people. Blaine picked up two glasses of champagne and handed one to Kurt who smiled and sipped it.

Blaine stood at Kurt's side all night, following him from group to group as Kurt mingled with big name fashion folk Blaine did not know. Occasionally Blaine would get the opportunity to introduce himself and talk about his recent move to New York and his renewed interest in fashion. He liked talking to people about stuff he knew about. He was talking about guitars with one gentleman when a woman cut in, "you play guitar?" she asked.

"Yes. I've been playing piano and guitar for years. Blaine Anderson," he introduced himself, shaking the woman's hand.

"Meredith Scott. Have you ever done anything professionally?" she asked sipping her champagne.

"I've preformed at a few bars since coming to New York but nothing too big," he shrugged swirling the contents of his glass.

"Would you be interested in preforming at a small amateur night I'm sponsoring at the bar I co-own? It's something I do annually to drum up business and the performer who does the best gets $1,000."

"R-Really? That would be fantastic! I'd love to, thank you!" Blaine exclaimed, grinning ear to ear.

"No need to thank me, Kurt tells me you are a shoe-in to win," she trilled. She took out a pen and snatched a napkin from one of the finger food trays. "It's tomorrow night at this address," she scribbled on the napkin, "the show starts at eight o'clock and you're last on the set list behind nine other musicians," she handed the napkin to Blaine. "I'll see you tomorrow night," she smiled and shook Blaine's hand again.

"Thanks again, Ms. Scott," Blaine said still beaming. Meredith smiled and walked toward another group of people. Blaine stared down at the napkin in his hands, still amazed at the turn of events. He had been paid a small amount at the other gigs he had done, but nothing near $1,000.

"What are you so smiley about?" Kurt asked coming up behind Blaine and peeking at the napkin over his shoulder.

"Don't pretend like you're totally innocent here, Mr. Hummel," Blaine remarked lightly elbowing Kurt in the ribs. "Ms. Meredith Scott told me you put in a good word for me."

Blaine turned to face Kurt directly who admitted, "I may have briefly mentioned your musical talents."

"Who is she? She isn't some hugely famous designer is she? Because I totally just freaked out a little when she asked me to perform…"

"A designer?" Kurt laughed, "Meredith is married someone in the business."

"Her husband's a designer?"

"Her wife, actually," Kurt replied with a smile and Blaine grinned in return. "Told you this night wouldn't be so bad."

"It appears you are right again Kurt," Blaine said looking around the room. Most of the people were leaving, posing for their final pictures before heading out. Kurt and Blaine made their way out of the room, getting inundated by a few photographers at the door. They left the building and entered into the early night of New York.

"Do you want to walk for a while?" Kurt asked.

"Sure."

The pair started strolling down the street. At first it was silent, neither man willing to be the first to break the silence. Eventually Kurt caved in. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Blaine replied with a shrug.

"This has been on my mind for a while and if you don't want to answer it I completely understand…" Blaine glanced at Kurt, waiting for the question. "What was your reaction when I came to the coffee shop last week?"

Blaine paused, not really sure where to begin. He thrust his hands into his pockets, "shock I guess you could call it. I hadn't expected to see you ever again and there you were."

Kurt nodded, his blue eyes staring off into the distance. "You didn't ever want to see me again?" he asked quietly.

Blaine thought a moment, "it's not that I didn't want to see you, I was just caught off guard."

Kurt nodded again, "I'm sorry."

Blaine looked over at him, "for what?"

Kurt looked away, focusing on the pavement at his feet, "for ending things like I did."

Blaine looked away, not sure how to respond to that. He should be sorry, he thought.

"The distance was just too much and I felt like we weren't really together any more. We hardly ever talked and we were busy all the time with school and friends. Then Glen came along and it made me realize that I couldn't do it any more—"

"Can I ask you a question?" Blaine cut in.

"Yeah…"

"Did you and Glen do anything while we were still together?" Blaine asked. Kurt hesitated, his shifting gaze trailing along the sidewalk below his feet, refusing to meet Blaine's eyes. "I just want to know the truth Kurt, it won't change anything."

Kurt crossed his arms and refused to look away from the sidewalk, "yeah," he croaked. "We went on a few dates and w-we kissed the night before I called you. I didn't want to lead either of you on," Kurt whispered looking over at Blaine with tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry if I hurt you Blaine, I never meant to. If I was in your position, I wouldn't even be talking to me right now."

Blaine looked at Kurt who had tears silently falling down his face. Blaine wrapped his arm around Kurt's shoulders as they walked and pulled him into his side, "Kurt," Blaine said after a while, "you've always been my friend, I could never just cut you out of my life for good if you wanted to be in it."

"You're too gracious," Kurt sniffed, "I am so sorry."

"I'll always forgive you Kurt, I'm just glad you're back in my life. Even if you take me to crappy fashion shows," Kurt laughed and wiped the tears from his face.

"Me too," Kurt said wrapping his arm around Blaine's waist, "but next time I'll take you to one of the enormous shows where the clothes don't look like they were made by kindergarteners during craft hour."

Blaine chuckled, "deal."

The pair walked a little while longer, Blaine with his arm around Kurt's shoulders and Kurt with his arm around Blaine's waist, chatting happily about how much of a flop the fashion show was as a whole. Eventually, the night got chilly and they hailed separate cabs. They hugged goodbye and went back to their apartments.

Blaine was beside himself at how the evening had turned out. Kurt apologized which is something he hadn't expected. He reminisced as he went into his apartment and undressed, carefully hanging up his suit in his closet. It wasn't too late when he got in, but the day's activities had worn him out and he felt exhausted when he crawled into bed. Maybe that talk with Kurt was the closure he needed. Maybe now he could move on with Nate. Blaine was hopeful as he fell asleep but as he drifted into unconsciousness, he thought about how smooth and comforting Kurt's hand was when it was entwined with his and butterflies drifted with him to sleep.