"Who does she think she is?  Honestly, who does she think she is??"

I'm mumbling to myself as I pace the hallway just outside of the Warbler room.  I can still hear the music radiating out of the room.  But most importantly the raised voices of my friends.  Or people who I though were my friends.

"I can't believe they actually bet on that?!  Sebastian, I thought Thad was supposed to be your best friend?!"

I spin on my heel to face him. Sebastian is leaning against the wall, very close to the spot where he and I had out first, and well second, kisses all those months ago. His arms are crossed in front of his chest. His sea green eyes meet mine, deep in thought.

Deep sigh.

"Trust me, I know this Love. He hasn't exactly proved to be a very good friend to either of us since Spring Break honestly, but that is to be expected. I plan on having a rather extensive conversation with him. But that may have to wait until New York in the fall."

I cock my head to the side, one hand on my hip. Paused momentarily in my pacing as I hear him out. "And why would you have to wait that long Seb? Why not now?"

He pushes off the wall, uncrossing his arms and drops them to his sides. "Shann, unlike them, I don't wish to cause a scene today. And as far as I know he is leaving in a few days for home until at least late August." The look I'm giving him must seem confused because Sebastian just gives me a small smile. "He's a Virginia boy. Sort of like you're a Pittsburgh girl, I'm Parisian and Clarington over there is still all Colorado military all the time."

Hey! I'm not a Colorado military boy!

Sebastian rolls his eyes as I nod. It does all kind of make sense when he says it like that.

Seb, be nice...

He sighs mumbling a soft sorry as someone clearing their throat catches my attention.  Sebastian and I turn towards the door as I catch Hunter leaning against the railing at the foot of the stairs out of the corner of my eye.

Standing just outside the doorway of the Warbler room is Blaine.  I can see his eyes taking in the three of us standing before him.

Sebastian still near the wall.

Hunter at the foot of the grand staircase.

And me, in the middle of the hallway, almost equidistant between them both.

"Belle, are you guys okay out here?"

I shrug my shoulders and answer before either of the boys can chime in.  "I suppose.  I'm sorry if I blew up in there Blainey, I just couldn't take Tana's criticism anymore.  Saying that we're using dance lessons purely as a reason to....  It's just preposterous, you know!"

Sebastian moves away from the wall, coming to stand near my side.  Running his hand tenderly up and down my arm.  "Love, Satan's a bitch.  Just now everyone finally knows it."

Blaine nods and murmurs, "He's right you know, Shann.  None of us actually believed what she was trying to say anyway. Especially now, after seeing how fluidly you two move together.  I know how professional you always are with your dancing."

I sigh again, glancing back at Hunter, still standing at the foot of the staircase.  His arms are crossed over his chest, observing everything.  But his eyes meet mine and that gaze bores into my soul, his eyebrow raising.

My explanation earlier wasn't fully the truth.

We do dance at the studio.  Beautifully and passionately.

But......

Things aren't always PG or even PG-13.

Sometimes they may get a little NC-17 if we get far to wrapped up in the music.  The movements.  His hands on my skin, two hearts beating as one.

And then we rush out to his car, secluded places as to not be caught.

He's smirking as I quickly turn back to face my cousin, my cheeks feeling warmer than they were before.  My voice a whisper as Sebastian's fingers finish running down my arm, coming to a stop at my wrist.  Grabbing my hand softly in his own.

We are nothing if not professional, Blaine.

He's smiling again as Sebastian starts to pull me back towards the room.  "See that's what I said you guys!  Come on though, all three of you.  Let's finish this last shindig at Dalton before everyone leaves.  Okay?"

I nod as I follow obediently behind the two of them until a soft voice stops my progression, essentially jerking Sebastian to a stop as well.

"Angel, can I talk to you for a moment first? That's if you guys wouldn't mind. Blaine? Sebastian??"

Blaine looks carefully at my face and then behind me, presumably towards Hunter.  I can see his eyes narrow and then relax again. He sighs and I swear I hear him mumbling a soft whatever before he turns around and stalks into the room once again.

Sebastian's hand is still clutched in mine. I can feel his thumb gently drawing circles on my skin.

Bastian...

He looks down at me, soft sea green eyes. Sighing he leans forward and places a small kiss on my forehead. Then he drops my hand from his grasp. "My dear sweet Mrs Smythe, I'll be right inside the doorway if you need me. Please don't take too long. Okay?"

I watch him walk away from me without even a backwards glance, trusting that I will be with him again soon. Only after I see him melt back into the crowd do I turn around and head towards Hunter.

He finally looks more at ease by the time I am standing in front of him again. Hands automatically reaching out to pull me closer to him. Wrapping securely around my waist. And like second nature my own hands find purchase around his neck, draped over his shoulders.

"Hunt???"

He sighs softly, leaning on some to kiss me. Quickly, but fiercely. Passionately.

But when he pulls back some, his eyes have emotions swimming in them that I can't quite read properly. Small, forced smile.

"Angel, you know I love you. So much it pains me to say some of this. Because you're my person, that person that I know I need. Will always need. But this, all of this, it has to end."

I blink rapidly as I listen to his words.

Barely breathing as my eyes start to glaze over.

This can't be happening.

Softly I breathe out a strangled response.

Hunter, why??

He sighs again, bringing a hand up to cup my cheek gently and then begins to speak....