.:I'm Not Gonna Teach Him… Chapter 17… All is Fair in Love and War:.

"Blaine?" Kurt walked into the room.

"I'm here. I just got a phone call." Blaine quickly calmed himself.

"It's one in the morning. Is everything okay?" Kurt yawned and sat down on the bed next to his boyfriend.

"Yeah, sweetie. No worries." Blaine smiled through the dark.

The moonlight illuminated Kurt's features so perfectly. He stared into the blue orbs that were enchanting and felt peace.

"Will you stay with me in here?" Kurt asked in a whisper.

"Of course." Blaine agreed.

Kurt snuggled into the bed, under the covers and pulled Blaine with him. Once they were both settled Blaine wrapped Kurt in his arms and pulled his back flush against his chest. Kurt felt so safe in Blaine's arms. He felt so relaxed with his heart beating along to the same rhythm as Blaine's. In an instant everything was forgotten as they fell into a peaceful sleep as if nothing in the world went wrong; as if everything were perfect.

The next morning they were both greeted with a smell of bacon and eggs. Blaine was the first to wake up, excited about food as usual. Kurt turned to face Blaine and smiled.

"Good morning." Kurt greeted.

"Good morning." Blaine replied with a kiss.

Kurt giggled before rolling over Blaine and jumping off the bed.

"Last one there is a rotten egg." Kurt ran out of the room.

"And you call me a five year old. No fair, you're cheating…" Blaine giggled as he left the bed to chase after Kurt.

"All is fair in love and war." Kurt said with a plate full of food headed for the table.

Blaine stole a kiss from the man before he got his own plate.

"You two are awfully chipper in the morning." Emily rolled her eyes as she nursed her coffee.

Kurt giggled at his friend's grumpiness, but went back to eating as soon as she gave him a killer look.

Blaine held his own snicker as he watched the exchange, sitting down across from Kurt.

"So, I guess we have to go to work today, but do you guys want to go out to lunch? My treat?" Blaine asked.

"I can't. I know Cameron is going to want me there extra today since I missed yesterday. Plus with the performance coming up in a week's time I have so much to do." Kurt frowned.

"That's okay. I'll make an extra special dinner for just me and you then." Blaine smiled, "How about you Em?" Blaine turned to Emily.

"I would love to. Just me and you. We can dish on Kurtie over there?" She answered, ruffling Kurt's hair.

Kurt's phone rang loudly from the other room.

"I bet it's Cameron making sure I'm still alive and coming to work." Kurt rolled his eyes before excusing himself from the table.

After the door to the guest room closed Blaine turned to Emily.

"When we have lunch today I need to talk to you about something." Blaine said.

"Okay. What about?" Emily asked.

"It's about Sebastian. It's a long story, but he called early this morning and says he hasn't finished what he's started. I just need to explain a few things and get your help." Blaine whispered.

"Of course. After what that bastard did to Kurt, I'm ready to tear him down." Emily reared.

"I was hoping you would say that." Blaine smiled.

Before anything else was said Kurt came out looking frantic and stressed.

"What up duck?" Emily asked a bit more cheerful.

"I'm glad your coffee has kicked in because it was Cameron with horrible news." Kurt sat down wearily.

"Oh god, what happened?" Emily sunk in her seat.

"Our lead male, Emmet, is out. He quit the show yesterday and no one knows where he is."

"Are you serious?" Emily grew frantic.

"Yeah. So we have to get down to the studio now and start a hunt for another lead since he didn't have an understudy." Kurt banged his head on the table.

"Figures. When it rains it pours…" Emily threw her hands in the air.

"This is a freaking hurricane." Kurt agreed.

"You'll find someone. You just don't worry about it." Blaine got up and massaged Kurt's shoulders.

Kurt sighed before getting up and hugging Blaine who then took a hold of his hand and pulled him to the bedroom to get dressed. Blaine didn't have any extra clothes so he opted to wear his pajamas to work, which Kurt tried to talk him out of doing, unsuccessfully. Thirty minutes later Blaine and Kurt headed for the club, while Emily headed on to the studio. Kurt pulled up in front of the large brick building and parked.

"It'll be okay, Kurt. You'll find someone to do the role. If Cameron gets too harsh just tell him to shut it and take a break." Blaine spoke, not wanting to leave Kurt's side.

"I'll be fine, Blaine. I just wish you could stay with me." Kurt's brow creased.

"If you need me, just call. I'll just be prepping." Blaine grabbed Kurt's hands and kissed them making the brunette smile.

"I love you, Blaine."

"I love you too." Blaine kissed Kurt's mouth this time letting his lips linger a bit longer, "I'll be checking with Emily so you better text or call if you need anything."

"Yes mother." Kurt joked.

Blaine laughed as he kissed Kurt one more time before getting out of the car. Kurt waved as he drove off to the studio. Blaine sighed as he watched him go. He was so worried, but Kurt's a big boy and he knows he can take care of himself, but that still didn't make it any easier. Blaine walked into Cade as he entered.

"Good morning, Blaine!" Cade greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning. Sorry again about yesterday-"

"Don't worry about a thing. I understand; shit happens." Cade clapped his back before ascending to his office.

Blaine sighed again thinking, "If only you knew."

VvV

Back at the theater Cameron was waiting at the front door tapping his foot nervously.

"Where have you been? Oh god, Kurt, everything is going wrong. We have a week and Emmet is gone, we have no lead male, and the vocals are off, placement is off-"

"Cameron. Calm down. We'll figure it out. Just give me a chance to breathe here." Kurt cut him off.

Cameron stared at Kurt like he grew a third head.

"I'm sorry, Cameron. I'm just stressed and you freaking out isn't really helping." Kurt slumped.

"Look, let's just get this figured out so I can redo everything." Cameron huffed.

Kurt rolled his eyes used to Cameron's stuffy ways. Kurt locked his car before entering the building leading the way to his dance room where the cast was gathered.

"Okay guys. Has Cameron caught you up on everything?" Kurt asked.

Everyone shook their head no. Kurt looked at Cameron with a nasty glare.

"Fine. Okay. Our lead male dropped out and since he didn't have an understudy we are stuck-"

The whole room groaned.

"That does not mean we don't have a play, it just means we need cooperation. So I want females to head with Emily to the music room and work on vocal as I audition the males for the new lead." Kurt demanded.

Emily smiled and led the girls out of the room leaving the ten males and the five understudies, and Kurt and Cameron.

"Now, if I call your name you are dismissed." Cameron called, "Dean, Jake, Greg, Sam, Nick and Corey."

The six men retreated to the music room with the girls.

"Okay, I want you guys in a line, scripts in hand. We will begin with a scene, a vocal sample, and a small dance routine. If I or Cameron taps your shoulder you are out and are dismissed to vocals with Emily." Kurt explained.

For the next three hours they went through scenes, songs, and dances to find someone. Cameron was hesitantly sending people out only to have them come back in. Kurt sighed knowing that this decision was all up to him as his director was going mental. He had his eye on one of the understudies and decided to take matters into his own hands.

"Cameron, go take a break and get some coffee. I'll continue this. There are only four guys left." Kurt suggested.

"Fine. I know when I'm not wanted." Cameron smiled lightly before walking out of the room.

Kurt exhaled deeply, "Alright guys. There are only four of you left. Three of you are understudies, and one of you always works hard, but this role is the main role in this performance and I have to find the perfect one; Someone who can belly up to the challenge and take it on full force with no mercy. We've been here for hours and I need that someone now, so this is final call. I'm going to start the song and you join in. Sing and dance like this is your life. Don't hold back and don't regret." Kurt lectured as he went to his stereo and pressed play.

He smiled mischievously as the beginning orchestra played.

"Come on babe why don't we paint the town… And all that Jazz… " Kurt started showing the boys how to start. They followed his moves right down to the jazz hands.

"Slick your hair and wear your buckled shoes… And all that jazz… The Father Dipp is going to blow the blues… And all that jazz… Hold on hon, we're going to bunny hug, I brought some aspirin down at United Drug in case you shake apart and want a brand new start to do… That… Jazz…" The first boy continued as he sang and danced around Kurt.

Kurt wasn't much impressed. His vocals weren't explosive enough and his dancing was lacking. Kurt tapped his shoulder in dismissal.

"Find a glass, we're playing fast and loose… And all that jazz… Right up here is where I store the juice… And all that jazz… Come on babe we're going to brush the sky, I betcha lucky Lindy never flew so high… Cause in the stratosphere how could he lend an ear to all… That… Jazz?..." The next guy picked up the vocals. He was a lot better he still didn't move quite as well so Kurt tapped him out as well.

"Oh, you're gonna see you Sheba shimmy shake, and all that jazz… Oh, she's gonna shimmy til her garter breaks, and all that jazz. Show her where to park her girdle… Oh, her mother's blood'd curdle… If she hear her baby's squeal… For all that jazz…" Before Kurt could even make a decision the understudy he'd been watching jumped in with the last verse so Kurt continued to watch, "Come on babe we're gonna paint the town, and all that jazz… I'm going to rouge my knees and pull my stockings down, and all that jazz… Start the car I know a whoopee spot where the gin is cold and the piano's hot… It's just a noisy hall where there's a nightly brawl, and all… That… Jazz. No, I'm no one's wife, but I love my life, and all… That. Jazz… That jazz!" The two final boys actually fought it out and were panting by the end of it, but Kurt was sold on the last man's performance.

"That was amazing guys, but only one of you can get the role and I must say that you took it. Congratulations." He shook the man's hand, "Better luck next time, Jules. I'll keep you in mind for our next show though." Kurt winked at the other contender.

"Oh, I'm so excited. Thank you so much!" The winner jumped up and down excitedly.

"What's your name?" Kurt asked.

"Mitchell." He replied.

"Wonderful. Well, Mitchell we have a lot of work to do. Get ready for the worst week of your life." Kurt warned.

"Bring it on!" Mitchell growled enthusiastically.

Kurt knew he made the perfect choice. Now to find time to work with him…

VvV

Over at the club Blaine looked at his watch and then his phone impatiently.

"Someone's anxious." Sarah looked up from her mixer.

"Just a little. I'm just worried about Kurt right now." Blaine sighed.

"You are so cute. Don't worry though. Kurt's a big boy and I'm sure if he needs you he'll call." Sarah reassured him.

"Obviously you don't know how stubborn he can be." Blaine laughed and looked down at his hands.

"He may be stubborn, but knowing how much you adore him, I know he must love you too much to not come to you when he needs to." Sarah pointed out.

"I can only hope, but that still doesn't help me be any less anxious." Blaine raised an eyebrow.

"Well, call him then. " Sarah rolled her eyes and walked out of the booth to give him some privacy.

Blaine laughed. He felt absolutely ridiculous being so worried. Kurt was probably fine. A little stressed, but fine. He still reached in his pocket and retrieved his phone, quickly dialing Kurt's cell. After three rings Kurt answered a little out of breath.

"Hey, sweetie!" He answered happily.

"Hey Kurt. I'm just checking up on you." Blaine smiled.

"You worry too much. I'm fine. We found a replacement and I'm just working with him before rehearsal tonight." Kurt explained.

"I'm glad. One less thing. So, I guess you'll be working all night?" Blaine asked a little disappointed.

"Well, not all night. I was thinking you could bring some dinner to the studio tonight, stay for rehearsal? Then you and I can go to the club so I can finally see you perform and then who knows what'll happen later." Kurt's voice dripped with mystery and promise.

Blaine swallowed hard as all these thoughts ran through his head. Dirty, bad thoughts that made his blood boil oh so nicely.

"Have a nice lunch with Emily. Stay out of trouble. Love you." Kurt giggled at the labored breathing over the phone and hung up.

Blaine held the phone to his hear even after the click still thinking about all the things he wants to do to Kurt. A knock shook him from his reverie. He shut his phone and pocketed it, composing himself before he signaled for Sarah to come in.

"Nice chat?" Sarah giggled.

Blaine blushed as he followed her eyes down to his tented pants.

"Very nice. Yeah." Blaine got up quickly and left, Sarah laughing loudly behind him.

Blaine laughed a little himself as he sat at the bar. He took out his phone again and shot a text to Emily asking her where she wanted to go to lunch. They ended up deciding to meet at the pizza place across the street from the club. Blaine got up from his seat completely calmed down now, and went to Cade's office to let him know he was going to lunch.

"Hey Cade?" He knocked on the door.

"Yeah, Blaine, come in, come in." Cade called from behind his desk.

"I'm meeting someone for lunch across the street. Do you want me to bring you anything back?" Blaine asked.

"Nah, but thanks. Take about an hour for lunch. Sebastian is coming over to go over a few things. I hope you don't mind, but Emmet told me what had happened." Cade got up from the desk.

"Where is Emmet anyway? Kurt had said he dropped out from the show?" Blaine stepped into the room and closed the door.

"He's taking a break. He just needs to get his head straight. I've never been more disappointed… Anyway, if there is anything I can do, you just let me know." Cade offered.

"Thanks, Cade. That means a lot to me." Blaine smiled.

There are many things Cade could do for Blaine in this moment, but he kept them to himself.

"Have a good lunch. I'll text you if he ends up staying here longer than an hour. And I'm serious Blaine, if there is anything I can do you just let me know." Cade offered once more.

"I will. Thanks." Blaine patted the man's shoulder before heading across the street where Emily stood outside waiting.

"Hello there handsome. Ready to plan a war?" Emily smirked.

"Let's kick some ass!" Blaine laughed and linked arms with her.

They chose a little booth in the back and ordered a pepperoni, pineapple pizza. As they ate Blaine sat in an agonizing silence as he contemplated how to tell Emily what he did. Emily could feel the tension, and let it go for a few waiting on Blaine to make his move. About half way through lunch Blaine finally took a deep breath and began.

"Emily? I need to confess something to you. It was never intentional and I never thought it would be used against me, but I need to get it out on the table to let you know I never meant it." Blaine began.

Emily looked at him worried, but nodded for him to continue. She braced herself.

"After Kurt and I parted ways I moved out to California because I knew if I moved to New York there would be a chance of seeing Kurt again. I was angry with myself for leaving and letting him go, but I hid my feeling under resentment towards him for leaving and letting go. After I moved out to California I started UCLA and met an old friend from Dalton… Sebastian… He was always interested in me since high school and, being the idiot that I am, I decided to date him. The whole relationship was numb. I was still holding on to Kurt, but Sebastian was there and I thought it was what I needed. He got me to talk, to open up. I realize now that he planted seeds along the way to turn my good memories into bad ones. He fed me so much crap about Kurt and I just agreed and fed the fire. He knew Kurt was in New York and after graduation he was so adamant on moving there. I was so far gone, out of myself, lost in the nothingness that I was growing into and just followed. It wasn't until I saw Kurt at the club that I realized how soulless I had become. Then, I caught Sebastian cheating and I was left with nothing in this strange place. It was mortifying. Kurt took me in and reminded me of who I am…" Blaine was crying the whole time, rambling on, but never getting to the point. He was afraid of the point.

"You were hurt Blaine, of course you're going to do things or say things you regret, but that's the past. It's over and you can move on-"

"But it's not that simple." Blaine growled with frustration, "Sebastian called me last night… He's planning on using everything I have said in the past to hurt Kurt. That kiss was just the beginning. I told him about Karofsky and he's mimicking that. I don't know what he's planning, but everything I've ever said about Kurt is going to come back to hurt him, and it's my fault!" Blaine collapsed on the table, holding his face as he cried.

"You didn't know! Blaine, you didn't know. You were hurt and confused. Even though it's not an excuse, it happened. You need to tell Kurt. Just get it out on the table. I know he won't get mad if you just tell him." Emily patted his back.

"How do you know, Emily? How do you know he won't be mad? Send me out the door with a final goodbye?" Blaine tried to control his sobs from being too loud.

"Because Kurt was just as hurt. He's said things about you that has made me hate you, but after seeing how happy you make him I know it was just his pain talking, just like you did with Sebastian. The only difference is that I am so happy to see you two together, whereas Sebastian is just a vindictive piece of shit." Emily whispered.

Blaine laughed. He felt as if a weight had lifted off his shoulders. He still felt awful for hurting Kurt, but knew all he had to do was talk to him because Kurt would sympathize. He couldn't wait to get home and just talk to him, apologize, and become stronger. For the first time he felt as if Sebastian had nothing of them.

"So, about our plan." Emily sipped her drink.

"First thing is first. I'm going to go home tonight and lay everything out between Kurt and me." Blaine said.

"That's good. You both will get a lot out of it. Secondly, I'm going to talk to Cameron and get the studio one night because I think we all need to get together and confront Sebastian head on." Emily suggested.

"I do too. Trying to figure him out is like trying to do math backwards standing on your head. None of us can take him alone if we don't have a clue what to expect." Blaine added.

"Exactly. If we all ambush him at once then he'll be outnumbered and without a plan of attack." They both smiled.

"So, it's settled… Talk to Kurt, get Sebastian in one room, and take his ass down." Blaine counted off.

"Let's see what this meerkat has got…"

After they talked and planned some more, the mood definitely turned from one of dread to one of laughs. Blaine and Emily have become fast friends. They were so alike. Blaine looked at his watch and saw they had been there for an hour and a half. He never heard his phone go off so he figured all was safe to return to the club. He paid for the meal and walked Emily to her car.

"Thanks Emily. You're amazing." Blaine kissed her cheek.

"All the good ones are either gay or taken, and you my good sir are both. I just can't win." Emily joked.

"Well, you know if I were straight I'd be on you in a New York minute." Blaine winked.

"Oh you melt my heart handsome. Thank you for lunch. See you later tonight in the studio?"

"Of course my dear. Tell Kurt I'm going to grab his favorite tai and I'll be over there around five."

"Will do, Blainey boy. See ya." Emily smiled.

Blaine waved her off before heading back to work. He still had a lot of planning to do- especially since he just had a spectacular idea for tonight's show.