When Blaine made his way into the coffee shop the following Tuesday morning, he went and sat down at Kurts table. He wasnt there, but Blaine wanted to let him know that he was going to stick to his word. They were friends. Blaine couldnt sit in the corner anymore and act like Kurt wasnt there. 

"This is new," Kurt smiled, setting his bag at his feet moments later. he slid into the chair across from Blaine and folded his hands on the table.

."A drink for you," Blaine slid it across to him, smiling.

"Wait, hold on. You cant keep buying me drinks," Kurt pushed it away from him. "Im not a stranger anymore, Blaine. Weve established that you are kind to strangers, but we never said you had to do anything like that for a friend."

"Technically, we are still in the process of getting to know each other, so I think it still counts," Blaine pushed the cup back toward him.

Rolling his eyes, Kurt gave in. "You always have to be right, dont you?"

"Pretty much," Blaine nodded.

"Ill add that to my list of things I know about you," Kurt chuckled. 

"Well, now you have to tell me something else," Blaine urged him.

"Does cutting our time short today count?" Kurt asked.  "My boyfriends birthday is next week, and I really need to buy something nice. Weve been together for two years, and I want to get him something really special. Im trying to find the perfect gift," Kurt twirled his cup in his hands.

"Two years, thats impressive," Blaine nodded. He felt a twinge of nerves in his stomach. Was it nerves? Was it jealousy? He had no right to be jealous. Kurt was his friend, his new friend. He never had a chance with Kurt anyway. He couldnt be jealous.

"Yeah, hes great," Kurt smiled thoughtfully. "Dylan really helped me out of a dark place, and Im so glad I have him."

Blaine was feeling more uncomfortable with this conversation now. He was feeling jealous, and he couldnt let those feelings continue. "Um, Ive got class to get ot, and you should get shopping. Ill see you later, Kurt."

"Okay," Kurt said, disappointed. "See you."

Blaine dodged out of the coffee shop and into the rainy streets of New York.

Going to the coffee shop seemed like such a challenge anymore. It wasnt as easy as stealing glances at Kurt from across the shop. This was becoming real, and Blaine wasnt sure he could handle his feelings anymore. The thought of seeing Kurt made him nervous, and it was ridiculous to feel that way, because Kurt was nothing but his friend. Its all he would be. There was no reason to be nervous.

And yet, Blaine couldnt show his face in the coffee shop the next two mornings. he felt so ashamed for running out on Kurt again. It wasnt Kurts fault. He just had to learn to control his feelings.

Maybe a nice distraction would help.

New Message To Kurt: 

Instead of meeting at the coffee shop this morning, can you swing by the pediatric ward of the hospital around ten? - Blaine

Blaine skipped the coffee shop that morning and went straight to the hospital, like he did every Friday morning. Volunteering with the children was his favorite part of the week. It wasnt like studying for classes or dealing with medicines. The best medicine he could give the children was happiness, and it made Blaine feel so alive for a little while.

New Message from Kurt:

Uh-oh. Should I be that trusting?

New Message To Kurt:

Always.

Blaine spent the next hour with his favorite kids. Some of the children had been there for a long time. One little girl in particular always appreciated Blaines visits. He would walk in on a Friday morning, and she would sit down on his lap, staying there through Blaines whole visit. She was diagnosed with Leukemia two years ago, and she was slowly growing weaker, but she was so full of life, of happiness.

"Thank you for coming today, Blainey," she gave him a kiss on the cheek and smiled. "Will you come back next week?" She always asked, but he didnt mind. 

"Ill always be here, Savannah," he gave her a hug and turned toward the door. "Ill see you later."

"Do you know her?" a soft voice came from his right, the moment he left the room.

"Kurt," Blaine whispered. The sad tension that clung to his chest every time he was in that room lifted at the sight of Kurt. "Thank you for showing up. I was hoping you would."

"Whos the girl?" Kurt asked, his eyes filling with tears. Apparently this place gave Kurt the same reaction it gave him.

"Savannah. Shes seven," Blaine glanced back at her, now coloring on a piece of paper: her favorite thing to do. "Ive been coming here a long time, and shes been here since I got here. Her parents are too afraid to let her go home. Her grandparents offered to pay for her to get taken care of at home, but they want her here... I suppose theyre too afraid of what will happen if she..."

"Thats so sad," Kurt finally said, when Blaine couldnt finish his thought.

"Im glad I get to see her though. Shes the sweetest little thing. Id like you to meet her sometime," Blaine said truthfully. Coming to the pediatric ward had always been something Blaine did alone. He had never even brought his girlfriend here. But something about Kurt made Blaine want to share Savannah with him.

"I thought maybe that was why you brought me here today," Kurt nodded toward the door.

Blaine shook his head, "no, not really" he began to walk down the hall and Kurt followed. "I wanted to apologize for the other day, if I seemed a little off to you."

"I didnt think so. Are you okay?" Kurt asked, concerned.

"Yeah, Im fine," Blaine nodded. "I just... got in a hurry and left quickly.So I was thinking we had to make up for the lack of coffee shop time we have had this week."

"Why?" Kurt raised an eyebrow.

He shrugged, glancing at Kurt, "Maybe youve had a busy week. I want to hear about it." he said, holding the door for him, leading him back out into the busy streets. 

"It wasnt that eventful, actually," Kurt admitted. "Dylan and I have been unpacking, but hes been working at it so much that hes almost done. Thank God. Im so over this."

"Ill bet," Blaine laughed. "Do you want to grab  a hot dog and take a walk through Battery Park? If youre going to live in New York, you have to go see the Statue Of Liberty at least once. Its a gorgeous day. Probably one of the last nice days well have before winter comes."

"Hot dogs?" Kurt made a face.

"We dont have to," Blaine shrugged. 

"No, its okay," he shrugged it off. "Im not a huge fan, but Im so hungry that Ill eat just about anything."

"Ill add it to my list," Blaine walked to the curb and hailed a cab.

He followed. "Excuse me? Why do you need to know that?" Kurt asked, placing his hands on his hips. 

"Because if you were ever starving, I would know that you would at least eat a hotdog, but only because you were starving," he ushered Kurt into the taxi that had pulled up along the curb and followed him in.

When they reached the outskirts of the park, Blaine found a vendor and bought each of them a hotdog.

"Why do you have to pay for everything? its annoying."

"Because I wouldnt want you to pay for a food that youd hardly consider edible," Blaine handed his food to him. He motioned Kurt toward the walkway, leading them down to the water.

"Blaine, I cant even deal with you," Kurt shook his head.

"Do you know why I love the parks here?" Blaine asked. "This one isnt my favorite. I love Central Park, but its the same sort of feeling."

"Why?"

"Because its like a safe haven against the craziness of the city. Sometimes I feel so lost in the city. Youre  a little fish in a big concrete pond."

"How do you swim in concrete?" Kurt joked, nudging him with his elbow.

"Ah, now youre catching on to my sense of humor," Blaine laughed

"Too much time with you, I guess," Kurt bit into his food. He made a face, and when Blaine tried to hide a smile, Kurt blushed. "Shut up, I told you its not my favorite."

"I know, it;s on my list."

The waited in line for a short while, before they boarded the boat to reach the Statue. Blaine glanced out across the water, watching the Statue grow closer with every minute. It was the only thing keeping him sane in that choopy water, as the wind began to pick up.

"This is really cool," Kurt muttered, standing near the railing of the boat. "Sometimes, I still cant believe I finally made it to New York. Its been a dream Ive had for so long... This really puts it into perspective."

"Welcome to New York," Blaine gestured in front of them.

"Are you okay? You look a little pale," Kurt said, taking his hand and leading him on to solid ground.

"I hate boats," Blaine admitted. 

"Noted," Kurt nodded. They paused, as Blaine gulped in a few deep breaths. "Aw, wait. You hated doing this, but you brought me here anyway?" 

"Sure," Blaine nodded.

"Thats why you forced a hotdog down my throat! I dont know if i should thank you or hate you," he smiled. They began walking around the large walkway around the Statue. Kurt pulled out his phone and took several pictures. He gawked at, not only the sight of the Statue, but the view of the city from the island. 

"Incredible, isnt it?" Blaine asked, motioning him toward a patchy area of grass. They sat down and Kurt continued to stare out across the water. "Thank you for bringing me here, Blaine. You really are too kind. I never expected to meet someone like you here."

"Theres all kinds of people in this city," Blaine muttered.

"i know. Little fish, big pond," he nodded.

"Thats the worst part," Blaine mumbled, glancing down at his hands.

"What?" Kurt tore his eyes from the spectacular view to focus on Blaine.

he frowned, still staring at his hands. "Sometimes, I feel like I dont know if i can make a difference as a doctor in a big city like this. Theres so many people that need help, and I cant help them all, but I want to. I look at Savannah, and I just wish there was so much more I could do for her, for all the kids struggling with sicknesses. Theres so many, Kurt."

"Making a difference in one life is far more important than not making a difference at all," Kurt told him. "As a doctor, youll have plenty of chances to help some people."

"Or fail," he argued.

"Not if youre good at what you do. If you have the drive to make a difference, you will," Kurt placed a hand on his knee and Blaine jumped at the touch. He looked up at Kurt, who gave him a warm smile.

Blaine heart skipped a beat and he quickly looked away. "Yeah, youre right," he nodded. "Thats why I try to be kind to everyone I meet. Its why I offered to by you that first coffee. I didnt know who you were or why you thought you had to chase me down like that. But after seeing you alone all week, you looked like you could use an act of kindness, and look where that led us."

"Im really glad I chased you down," Kurt smiled. When Blaine didnt respond, he said, "I mean that, Blaine. Youre so easy to talk to, and you have such a good heart... Its refreshing."

"Thank you," Blaine said.

In time, Kurt and Blaine made their way back to the boats. Kurt reached over and gave Blaines hand a squeeze, the moment he felt Blaines body tense next to him. It was calming and Blaine felt more at peace. He focused on Kurt, instead of the waters below him, and it made him feel better.  

When they exited the park, Kurt glanced down at his phone and said, "my boyfriend just got asked to stay late at work. Do you want to come over and let me make dinner? Im sure youre hungry by now, and I already had plans for dinner. Id hate to see that food go to waste."

"Should I be that trusting?" Blaine threw Kurts line back at him. Although it wasnt a matter of trusting Kurt. He had spent enough time with him by now to be comfortable with him. If anything, Blaine wasnt trusting himself. He knew his stomach fluttered every time he looked at Kurt. His mind was racing just being with Kurt, it had been all day. but being alone in his apartment, could Blaine be that trusting?

"Always," Kurt dragged him into a cab, before Blaine could change his mind.

When they reached the building, Blaine felt even more nervous. What if his boyfriends plans had been cancelled? Would he be angry that Blaine was there with Kurt? Would Kurt resent Blaine if his boyfriend got angry about it?

"Wow," Blaine said, entering the cramped apartment. Boxes were stacked against the far wall, items were tossed around the room and it seemed that they were still fairly unorganized. 

"Its not much but itll do," Kurt tossed his jacket in a chair near the front door. "Ive always sort of wanted a New York box apartment, so this is my chance, you know?" He glanced around at the mess and added, "Im sorry. I hate when he gets like this. Hes a tornado when hes trying to organize. It drives em crazy, but itll look better when hes done."

"I totally understand, because my apartment isnt much better. Its cleaner, maybe, but...," he smiled, reassuring Kurt that there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone in New York lived in cramped quarters. It wasnt a big deal.

"I planned on preparing a chicken dinner tonight. Is that all right?" Kurt made his way into the small kitchen. "Dylan wont mind that I made it without him... I just wanted to get it out of the fridge, and I love preparing a nice meal when I get home."

"Because walking to toe of the many restaurants around here would have been so much work," Blaine followed him, leaning against the cupboard by the sink. 

"Are you mocking me, Blaine?" Kurt paused, crossing his arms over his chest. "You know, I just realized I dont even know your last name. I invited you into my home without even knowing your real identity."

"Anderson," Blaine confirmed.

"Oooh, Anderson, thats fancy," Kurt stepped closer. His eyes were full of a desire Blaine hadnt seen before. "Doctor Anderson," Kurt smiled, tugging on the collar of his shirt.

"Not yet," Blaine shook his head.

"Soon enough, Youll make a good doctor, Blaine." Kurt said quietly. His fingers gently rubbing the soft material of his shirt "I mean that. Seeing your love for helping others just shows how passionate you are, and its something I wish more people in this world had."

"Thank you," Blaine said, his body tensing. Why did Kurt suddenly seem so close? Why did Blaine suddenly feel so hot? What was happening? Why wasnt he stopping this?

"I wish there were more people in the world like you in general. You just seem so pure, so honest and generous, and I really like that about you. Youve given me a warmer welcome to this city than anything else so far," Kurts soft voice made Blaine shift uncomfortably.

It was definitely too hot in the kitchen. Blaines sweaty palms slipped off the counter he was gripping behind him and he nearly fell. 

Kurt grabbed his arm and held him steady. "Im really glad were friends, Blaine."

"Me too," Blaine whispered. The desire he had been fighting back every time he looked in to those blue eyes seemed to slip away from him. He grabbed Kurts waist, just as Kurt moved closer and their lips met. Blaines eyes widened in surprise but he didnt pull away. He had never kissed another man before. He had no idea how it felt. He fantasized about it, but kissing Kurt was far beyond his imagination.

His lips were so soft, so warm. His hands ran down Blaines sides, tickling him slightly. Blaine reached up and cupped the side of Kurts face. He deepened the kiss, wanting to taste more. He had never been kissed like this before. It wasnt like kissing his girlfriend... 

His girlfriend. 

"Shit, Blaine pulled back from Kurt and looked at him with wide eyes. "What the hell are you doing?" he snapped.

"Excuse me? All I did was kiss you. You were the one who got your tongue involved," Kurts hands went to his hips, like they always seemed to do when he was defending himself.

"I did?" Blaine was shocked. He had gotten so lost in that kiss, he hadnt even realized it.

"We both knew this was going to happen, didnt we? I never should have invited you here, Blaine. We dont know each other that well, and we certainly cant be kissing like this," Kurt stepped toward the door and pulled it open. 

He didnt move. He knew kissing Kurt had been wrong, but it felt so good. "I dont want to go," he said. His options were to go back to his apartment, where the strain of his relationship was reaching a new level, or stay here with Kurt. "Look, I know its wrong, but  Id be lying if I said I hadnt wanted dot do that from the moment I laid eyes on you.

Kurts face went red. He bit his lip nervously and said, "so what do we do?"

"I dont know," Blaine said truthfully.

Kurt slowly shut the door to the apartment and stared at Blaine, a hungry look in his eyes. "You know, my boyfriend hasnt kissed me like that since our first year we were together."

"Were just friends," Blaine said. "And we deserve to be kissed like that now and then, right?" He was such a fool for making excuses but he almost didnt care. He had been lying about who he was for so long. This could finally be his chance to get away from the lies.

Right?

"Blaine," Kurt stepped closer. He was so close, Blaine could feel his breath against his skin.

"I cant do this," Blaine whispered.

"Whats wrong?" Kurt asked. His blue eyes poured into his own eyes and he felt his heart skip a beat. What was wrong with him? He knew he shouldt do this but those eyes...

Before Blaine could make sense of anything, he was kissing Kurt again. Kurts arms wrapped around Blaines neck comfortably and Blaine latched on to his waist. Kurt deepened the kiss and his hands moved to Blaines shoulders. He gave Blaine a shove backward and pinned him against the wall. Gripping the wall for support, Kurt broke the kiss. "Are you okay?" he asked, when Blaine let out a soft whine.

"Y-yeah," Blaine breathed heavily.

Kurt gently lifted the bottom of Blaines shirt and grazed his fingertips against Blaines small stomach. "Can i...?" he asked hesitantly.

Without thinking, Blaine slowly nodded. He lifted his arms up and Kurt pulled his shirt off. He licked his lips and let off a soft hum. "Are you sure about this?" he asked.

Blaine had never been put in this predicament before. He had never been with another man. He wanted to, but he knew his desires were wrong. He had heard his father for years saying that two men being together was a dirty act and anyone behaving in such a fashion was as good as dead to him. Because of those words, Blaine knew he could never act on the feelings he had toward other men. He had been taught that it was a choice. Although Blaine knew that the desire he had to be with Kurt now wasnt a choice. If he had the will, hed walk away for his girlfriends sake. He had been with her before, but it never quite felt like this. Blaine wasnt sure he had the will to walk away.

"Yes," he finally nodded to Kurt. 

Then Kurt tore off his own shirt, threw it across the kitchen floor and began kissing Blaine again. He grabbed Blaine, lips still locked, and began ushering him toward the bedroom.

This made Blaine pause at the door. He gripped the door frame and Kurt froze.  Blaine placed his hands on Kurts chest and shook his head. "I changed my mind," he said hoarsely. "I cant do this, Kurt."

"I didnt think so," Kurt said. "Im surprised we even got this far."

"i have a girlfriend. I cant cheat on her. I cant lose her. Thats not a part of the plan," Blaine pushed past Kurt and went to retrieve his shirt off the floor. "This was stupid."

"Screw your plan, Blaine! Life doesnt always have to go exactly as planned. Were not perfect. Nothing ever works out the way you want it to. You cant always expect to have exactly what you want."

"I can certainly try!" Blaine shot back. "What about your boyfriend? I thought you really loved him."

"I do, but weve been on the rocks," Kurt said quietly. His tone made Blaine snap his head up in curiosity. Kurt lowered his gaze and said, "I just feel the need to be close to you, Blaine. I really like having you around."

"Kurt, this was  a mistake," Blaine said angrily. "I love my girlfriend, and Im not throwing that away over someone I hardly know. Were not doing this again," Blaine quickly threw his shirt on over his head and stormed out the door without another word.

Leaning against the door, Blaine panted heavily. He bit his lip. Tears threatened to fall and he quickly wiped them away. 

Kurt was wrong. This whole situation was wrong. It didnt matter that Kurt made Blaine feel like someone other than the uptight person he always had to be. It didnt matter that he had the urge to act reckless with Kurt, first breaking into the theater, and now tempting himself in an apartment. It didnt matter that kurt made Blaine feel more alive than he had in a long time.

Everything had been planned out. He couldnt throw his future away after working so hard for it.