Almost a week later Kurt sits at the kitchen table, watching as Blaine hums along to the radio and pours coffee into two mugs. Blaines parents arrived in the city this morning, and Blaine is supposed to have lunch with them in a few hours, come clean and tell them everything. Or, well, almost everything. They both decided that it was probably better to leave out everything about Kingleysia and Kurt being a prince.

Even though Blaine is humming, something he has started to do more and more recently, Kurt can tell that hes nervous. He keeps checking things -- if he turned the stove off, if he put the eggs back where theyre supposed to be, if Kurts toast is crunchy enough -- and even the way he moves, hips swaying to the beat of the song playing on the radio, seems jittery, anxious. Not that Kurt blames him. He feels a little nervous himself as well, playing with his toast in a way that wouldve made Carole tut at him back in Kingleysia.

He cant help but wonder what it would be like to have a chance to meet Blaines parents today. Maybe have dinner with them, observe all the gestures and facial expressions Blaine has inherited from them, and see the way they would look at him and Blaine together. It would seem like such a huge step, like too much, considering theyve only been taking things slow for a week and havent even gone any further than long hugs and kisses on the cheek. Blaine hasnt said anything about Kurt meeting his parents, and Kurt hasnt dared to ask.

But he cant help but wonder anyway.

It feels as if the whole week has gone by in a blur. Blaines had work every single day, several sessions per day, most of them something he cant include Kurt in -- he apologized for it profusely, even though Kurt tried to tell him that its not that big a deal, that of course its okay -- so Kurt himself has wandered around the neighborhood on his own, taking in every detail he might have missed before. The old homeless man who smiles incredibly brightly even though his eyes are so very tired; the coffee shop that makes the whole corner smell like freshly baked cinnamon buns in the mornings; the dog walker who always seems to be out at the same time as Kurt is, four tiny dogs pulling at their leashes, noses turned in Kurts direction; the lonely young girl who is always standing in front of the building next to Blaines, as if shes waiting for someone to come home. Kurt does like the details of this city. The melancholy and sad ones as well.

He even went out with Tina a few times, shrugging his shoulders when she asked him how Blaines doing. She must have still noticed something in his eyes or in the curve of his lips. Kurt cant seem to stop smiling when he thinks about Blaine, and Tina has started to grin at him in a secretive, pleased way every time Blaine comes up in their conversation. Which is surprisingly often. Kurt couldnt talk about boys in Kingleysia, not like he can in here, and Tina doesnt judge him, just winks at him in a way thats probably meant to be subtle but really isnt.

He missed Blaine during the week, though. A lot. He saw so many things he wanted to share with Blaine, and for the first time since he came here he wished he had a phone as well, could send pictures and messages to Blaine, just like Blaine had explained to him one evening. He wants to do more things with Blaine, things he hasnt even dared to dream about doing before, things that are making him realize how terribly sheltered and alone his life in Kingleysia has been. He wants to kiss Blaine on the lips, on every inch of his skin; wants to sleep with him in the same bed, wants to push his hands underneath Blaines clothes and explore his skin -- and sometimes the way Blaine looks at him, dark and intense, makes him feel like Blaine wants it all as well.

But neither of them has pushed, especially not when Blaine has stumbled in looking like hes falling asleep on his feet every evening, the weight of his guitar pulling his shoulders down. He explained that hes taken on a few new clients, people with serious issues and in need of a lot of therapy, and Kurt can see the tiredness in the slope of his back. But Blaine looks determined and excited as well, happy that hes trying his best to help these people, and Kurt can feel his own heart skip a beat every time Blaine closes the door behind himself and lifts his head, his smile something Kurt wouldnt mind seeing every day for the rest of his life.

Just a little while ago that thought scared him, but now it just... doesnt.

Blaines face always brightens up like never before whenever he sees Kurt, his hands immediately reaching out for him. Its exhilarating to be the reason for Blaines smile. To have dinner with him in the evenings with their feet bumping together under the small kitchen table, to kiss his cheek goodnight and hold him close for a few minutes longer before they part for their own beds with shy, lingering glances, like their bodies are gravitating towards each other and they have to forcefully pull them apart. Kurt wants more, is pretty sure Blaine wants more as well, but this... This is still more than he expected.

Hes soaking it all up, even these moments when he can tell somethings bothering Blaine.

"You okay?" he asks, finally putting his toast down before he starts shredding it to pieces. Somewhere in Kingleysia Carole must sigh in relief.

Blaine hums the last line of the song on the radio and then turns around, two mugs of coffee in his hands.

"Im nervous, to be honest," he admits, surprisingly easily, making Kurt blink. Blaine places one of the mugs in front of Kurt and gives a stilted smile. "Theyre going to be so upset that I wasnt honest with them, and I just... I dont want them to make a big fuss about it, you know? They worry too much about me sometimes."

Kurt shrugs. "Isnt that what parents do, though? Make a big fuss and worry too much?"

Blaines wrinkles his nose. "Well, well see. Will you be alright for a few hours?" he changes the subject, taking a sip of his own coffee.

"Dont worry about me, silly." Kurt gestures towards the couch, where all of things are. "I was thinking of maybe sketching something?" he says, still feeling a little uncomfortable talking to other people about his passion for clothes. Nobody has really cared about it before. "Tina showed me some really great fabrics yesterday, some of them things Ive never even seen in Kingleysia, and I sort of want to see if I can come up with something for the samples she let me have."

"She gave you fabric samples?" Blaine grins. "Shes totally trying to steal you away from me. I knew it," he finishes in sing-song, pointing at Kurt.

Kurt snorts and rolls his eyes. "Or maybe shes just happy to have someone to talk fabrics and clothes with? Someone who doesnt want to turn every fabric into a bowtie?"

"Oh, New York has made you sassy," Blaine laughs, clutching his chest in mock offense. A ringing noise comes from the bedroom, and Blaine immediately drops his hand with a sigh, placing his mug back on the table. "Thats my mom, probably checking that I know where were meeting. As if she hasnt already emailed and texted me about it five times." He pushes himself up from the chair with an eye roll of his own. "Ill be right back."

As he walks past Kurt he leans in to drop a quick kiss on his forehead, a sweet, tender brush of his lips, and -- oh, oh, thats new. Thats something different. Something almost... domestic. Kurt blinks after Blaine as he goes, fingers curled tightly around his mug, resisting the sudden urge to squeal and kick his feet in happiness.

---

A few hours later Kurt is sitting on the familiar couch, his feet tucked in next to him as he adds some shadowing to the sketches hes working on. He bites his lip in concentration as he glances at the magazine spread out on the sofa table for reference, making the dark patches even darker. Blaine has been gone for some time already, leaving with another kiss on Kurts cheek and a hesitant smile. The building hums quietly around him, one of Blaines neighbors obviously cleaning their apartment judging from the noises Kurt keeps hearing, the pipes creaking and groaning above him.

The sketches started out as a way to just pass the time in New York when Blaine was at work, to find inspiration for new clothes he could design and wear once he got back to Kingleysia. But these days he wants to draw something new almost every day -- needs to do it, even, or hell feel like something is missing. Sometimes he stays awake after Blaine has gone to bed already, drawing lines in the faint light coming in from the living room window, making the shadows too dark and his lines starker.

He used to design clothes in Kingleysia as well, but in New York he does it a lot more and a lot more often. Suddenly it seems like hes bursting with energy and inspiration, whereas before it was just something he did to have nice, original clothes to wear. Here he likes going through the magazines Blaine keeps bringing him and finding details that inspire him, likes the soft sound of his pencil against the paper, likes to see his thoughts and ideas take form on the white surface. It seems so much more than it did before.

Somehow it feels like hes doing something right whenever hes sketching. It feels a lot more right than any of the official meetings he attended in Kingleysia in any case.

"That coat looks gorgeous," Blaines voice suddenly says next to him, quiet and reverent.

Kurt startles, nearly throwing his pencil at Blaine, his heart jumping to his throat. Blaine takes a step back, hands raised in a calming gesture, eyebrows high on his forehead.

Kurt huffs out a breath, lowering his pencil and holding his hand over his heart. "God, you scared me." He leans back against the couch, taking his sketchpad with him and trying to calm his rapidly beating heart. "I didnt even hear you come in!"

"Sorry," Blaine offers and carefully sits down on the couch next to him, dropping his messenger bag on the floor. Hes still wearing his light blazer, a pair of gloves sticking out from its pocket. "You looked like you were lost in your thoughts, so I tried not to disturb you. But then I saw that coat you were drawing and..." His mouth twitches with a smile. "I just wanted to tell you that I liked it. A lot."

Kurt pulls the sketchpad away from his chest and glances down at it. The coat is actually one of his own favorites - it has a few elements of Kingleysian fashion, but it still looks like something people in New York could wear as well, sleek and interesting.

"Youre really good at that, you know," Blaine adds, bumping his shoulder with his own.

"Thank you," Kurt says softly. He doesnt usually let people see his drawings. Not even Rachel has seen them, and shes never even asked. He closes the sketchpad with a frown and puts it on the table, feeling a strange, warm feeling in his chest. "How was lunch with your parents? Youre home earlier than I expected."

Blaine tilts his head back against the backrest, wrinkling his nose at the ceiling. "Mom and dad had a business meeting this afternoon, so they were forced to leave early." He shrugs. "But it was okay. I told them whats going on, and they did fuss over me and demanded to know why I hadnt told them everything right away and got appropriately upset, but..." He rolls his head to look at Kurt. "It was okay. Better than I was afraid of."

Kurt nods, hesitating a moment before he reaches out and takes Blaines hand. Blaine immediately slots their fingers together, the line of his mouth softening into a smile.

"What exactly did you tell them?" Kurt asks.

"That Nathan and I broke up a while ago because we both felt that the relationship just wasnt going anywhere," Blaine says, his words sounding rehearsed; but then the smile on his face turns fonder, more genuine, "and that Im now dating a friend of mine whos staying at my place while hes in town."

Kurt smiles back at him, squeezing his hand. Dating. Theyre dating. He so wants to squeal right now, but he settles for saying, "Sounds about right," his voice a bit breathless.

"There is one thing though." Blaine looks away, clearing his throat, his free hand scratching the fabric of his jeans. "They sort of... Um. Myparentswanttomeetyou," he says very quickly, the words blending in together.

"What?" Kurt blinks.

"They want to meet you," Blaine repeats, cringing as he turns to look at Kurt. "I tried telling them that we havent been dating that long and that meeting my parents would be too big a step, but they still said to invite you to have dinner with us tonight. If you want to come." His eyes are wide, nervous and perhaps even a bit scared. "You dont have to come if you dont want to," he adds in a rush.

Kurt swallows, his palms starting to sweat. Turns out his daydream from this morning could turn into reality. He isnt quite sure if he should be scared or excited.

"Do you want me to come?" he asks.

Blaine sighs and lets go of Kurts hand, running both of his hands through his hair in frustration, messing up his gel. Kurt flexes his fingers, suddenly so empty, and pulls his hand back, resting it in his lap.

"It doesnt matter what I want," Blaine says eventually, dragging his hands down his face. His voice is careful, like hes trying so hard to say the right thing for Kurt. "I know weve only been together for a week, so..." He looks away, shrugging his shoulders. "You dont have to come. I can just tell them that you had other plans tonight, or--"

Kurt reaches for his hand again, hoping hes interpreting things correctly. "Blaine."

Blaine turns to look at him, his hand limp and sweaty in Kurts grip.

"Do you want me to come?" Kurt asks again, keeping his voice even, his facial expression carefully neutral. "No explanations or excuses, just... Do you want me to be there?"

Blaine searches his face for a long moment, the nervousness slowly fading away from his eyes, until he breathes out, shoulders relaxing and hand squeezing Kurts. "I want you to be there," he says, as if hes revealing a secret. "I know its way too soon, and my parents can definitely be a handful, but I-- I do want you to come."

Kurt smiles. "Then I will."

"But you dont have to if you think its too much," Blaine argues feebly.

"No, I think itll be fun," Kurt says, grinning. "Your parents sound very interesting. Maybe I can get them to tell me embarrassing stories from your childhood."

Blaine lets out a breathless laugh, ducking his head. Kurt smiles and then leans forward, kisses Blaines forehead in an answer to the kiss Blaine gave him this morning. Blaines hair smells like raspberries, and he lets his lips linger there for a moment longer. When he finally pulls back, Blaine lifts his head at the same time, and Kurt could swear that his eyes flick to his mouth for a quick second.

They are sitting so close that it would be so easy to close the distance between them, but Kurt just leans back, absent-mindedly licking his lips and drawing Blaines gaze back to them. Blaine blinks his eyes and then clears his throat, giving a sheepish smile.

"Thank you," he says awkwardly.

"For what?" Kurt asks and tilts his head. He has to resist the urge to lick his lips again, just to have Blaine staring at him in that way that makes something heated and excited pool in Kurts stomach.

Blaine shrugs. "For wanting to meet my parents." He grins, a small, boyish smile that makes him look ten years younger. "I apologize in advance for anything they might say."

"Oh, Im looking forward to hearing everything they might say," Kurt replies, nodding with his eyes wide open.

Blaine laughs again.

---

The restaurant Blaines parents have picked is definitely different from all the small coffee shops and cozy diners Blaine has shown to Kurt before. Its not too fancy, not a place where you cant get in unless youre wearing a tux, but there are still a few chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the waiters are wearing impeccable suits with sharp collars and shining cufflinks. The quiet murmur of the other patrons is interspersed with the sound of someone playing the piano in the corner of the restaurant, and everywhere Kurt looks there are people who look like they have a lot of money and power. Everything from their clothes to the way they sit at the tables screams wealth in a way that hes more than familiar with from all the official dinners hes attended as a prince.

Kurt gapes at the view, nervously tugging at the sleeves of his shirt -- he made it himself a few weeks ago, with some help from Tina who could probably tell he was aching to sew something when she found him caressing bolts of fabric in a store they were visiting. He was fine about this whole thing an hour ago, excited even; distracted by choosing the perfect outfit for meeting Blaines parents and trying to stop his hair from flopping down over his forehead. But now that theyre actually here, in a restaurant that reminds Kurt eerily of the dining hall in his dads castle, with Blaine craning his neck next to him to find his parents in the crowd, wringing his hands in nervousness, Kurt can feel his own palms starting to sweat as well. He can hear the deafening thump th-thump of his heart in his ears, and has to swallow against the sudden dryness in his throat.

Oh god. Oh god oh god oh god.

Hes meeting Blaines parents. His parents! Maybe he shouldve checked his reflection one more time in the mirror before they left the apartment. Or shake his brooch in a desperate attempt to contact Rachel so he could scream at her and get her to give him an encouraging pep talk, as bad as she is at those sometimes. He is just about to grab Blaines hand and ask him if hes wearing appropriate clothes for a place like this, when Blaine suddenly freezes next to him.

"Found them," he explains, pointing towards a mostly secluded corner at the back of the restaurant.

Kurt stands on his toes and looks in the right direction. It takes him a while, with all the people around them, but eventually he notices a woman and a man sitting in a table for four, obviously waiting for the other members of their party. The similarities to Blaine are striking. The woman is laughing, her eyes crinkling and squinting in the same way Blaines do when hes happy, and the mans hair is the exact same shade as Blaines, his jawline just as strong, his eyebrows just as thick.

Kurt swallows again. Too late to check if his hair is actually behaving.

Blaine turns to face Kurt, straightening his blazer. "So? How do I look?" he asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Kurt blinks and then looks Blaine up and down, from his gelled hair and dark blue bowtie to the smart dark jeans hes wearing. "Handsome," Kurt answers automatically, grinning when Blaine drops his head with a small laugh. "What about me?"

Blaine lifts his head, his smile softening. "You look amazing, Kurt. That shirt is gorgeous."

"Oh." Kurt is caught between preening and looking away with an embarrassed smile, smoothing his hands down his shirt. "Thank you, kind sir."

Blaine smiles at him and then takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly before he reaches out for Kurts hand. "Shall we?"

"Time to face the music?" Kurt asks and takes Blaines hand, giving it a squeeze.

"Time to face the music," Blaine repeats with a nod.

He starts leading them towards the right table, sidestepping a few waiters. Kurt follows, going through his mental checklist one more time. His hair should look good, thanks to all the product he put in it; hes wearing nice clothes and his skin has been fairing the New York City air surprisingly well -- and if theres a stubborn flush on his cheeks, well, he can always blame the warm air in the restaurant. He has a pretty good idea on how he can dodge some of the questions Blaines parents are bound to ask without blurting out that hes an actual prince, and Blaine did mention that his parents have an early morning tomorrow, so they cant even stay too long.

Hes got this.

"Mom, dad?" Blaine says all of sudden, and Kurt notices that theyre already standing right next to the table he saw earlier, still holding hands, and Blaines parents are looking up at them with curiosity and interest.

"Oh, honey, you made it!" the woman -- Blaines mother -- exclaims, her smile widening. She jumps up and gives Blaine a quick hug, kissing both of his cheeks with loud smacks. Then she turns to look at Kurt, letting go of Blaine and reaching for a handshake. Her smile widens even more, if thats somehow possible. "Oh, and you must be Kurt! Its so nice to finally put a face to a name!"

"Finally?" Blaine laughs as he tries to wipe away the lipstick smudges on his cheeks. "Mom, I told you, weve only been dating for a week."

His mom just waves his words away and shakes Kurts hand a little too enthusiastically. "Hush, dear. A week is a long time."

"Its a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Anderson," Kurt manages to say, hoping his smile looks more happy than constipated and trying not to cringe at the tight grip Blaines mom has on his hand.

"Oh, please, call me Pam," she says, finally letting go of Kurts hand. "Mrs. Anderson just makes me feel old. Well, older. But you should definitely call Blaines father Mr. Anderson," she adds, winking. "He likes the feeling of power."

Blaines dad finally nudges his wife out of the way and shakes Kurts hand as well, not lingering too long like Pam did. His grip is firm and professional, like hes shaken his fair share of hands during his life.

"Dont scare him off already, Pam," he says before smiling at Kurt, a small, contained smile that still seems genuine. "Its nice to meet you, Kurt. Im sorry we just dropped this dinner invite on you all of a sudden this morning."

"Its okay!" Kurt assures him, feeling a little less nervous. Blaines dad doesnt seem as enthusiastic or hyper as his mom, and he can see Blaine smiling at him over his mothers shoulder. "Im glad we could meet. Should we sit down?"

"Oh, yes!" Pam immediately starts fussing with the chairs. "Here, I think you lovebirds should sit on this side of the table, and Thomas and I will sit opposite you. We already ordered some wine, I hope thats okay?"

They all sit down, Kurt and Blaine with their cheeks burning, and for a few minutes theres the hassle of ordering more water and letting the waiter know that theyre not ready to order any food yet. Kurt surreptitiously breathes in and out a few times -- alright, hes met them, now he just has to actually talk to them -- when he suddenly feels Blaine taking his hand under the table, thumb stroking over Kurts knuckles in a reassuring gesture.

Kurt looks up, and Blaine gives him a reassuring grin when his parents arent looking, mouthing a single word at him:

Courage.

Something warm and content settles in Kurts chest, right around his heart, and he smiles back at Blaine. God, hes so in love with this boy already. He cant believe that Blaine keeps insisting hes not good at romance or relationships when he seems like such a natural. Kurts own life is so weird and unexpected in so many ways these days that he sometimes feels almost dizzy with it, wondering if hell wake up one morning to realize that this is all just a very elaborate dream Rachel has managed to create with one of her potions - but somehow it all feels a lot more bearable, a lot more real and understandable, when hes holding on to Blaines hand.

"So, Kurt," Pam starts as she carefully places her napkin in her lap, "Blaine mentioned that youre not from New York originally?"

Kurt almost lets out a laugh, because isnt that the truth, but manages to school his face into a polite expression. "Thats right. Im just staying here for a while until I figure out what I really want to do with my life."

The lie was supposed to be just that, a lie to keep out the fact that hes from another world, but now that hes said it out loud, it feels weirdly true. He blinks once in surprise and then takes a sip of his water, hoping no one noticed anything. Blaine squeezes his hand under the table, a question to make sure hes alright, and Kurt squeezes back.

"Oh?" Pam raises her eyebrows. Theyre thin and neat, nothing like Blaines, even though her eyes look exactly like his. Or Blaines eyes look exactly like his mothers. "Is... I mean, is something wrong with your current life?" she asks, intrigued.

Blaine sighs, and Kurt is pretty sure he can see Blaines father -- Mr. Anderson? Thomas? Hes still not exactly sure what he should call him -- hide a smile behind his menu.

"Mom, you promised you wouldnt interrogate him," Blaine says, giving his mother a sharp look.

"Its fine," Kurt says, turning to look at Blaines mother again. "Im... Well, my dad is in politics," he explains, "and hes sort of hoping that I would follow in his footsteps, but Im not so sure that its the right place for me. So Im trying to figure out what that right place could be instead."

He can feel Blaines eyes on him, heavy and surprised. This one isnt a lie either, not something he says just to cover up the truth. The more time he spends here in New York, the more hes starting to realize that as a prince or especially as a king he would never be able to be completely himself. He could never live the way he gets to live his life in here. His dad was right -- he does hate his court duties. Kingleysia is still conservative in so many ways, and the people would never accept a king without a queen, a king with another king. He would always have to hide a part of himself as a king, several parts, even, and ruling a country just isnt something he dreams about. Not anymore.

Maybe it never has been.

Pam gives him a small, kind smile. "Any idea what that place might be yet?"

This time Kurt squeezes Blaines hand underneath the table, trying to keep his eyes on Blaines parents and not gaze at Blaine like the lovesick fool he is. "Im still looking for it," he says. "But Im pretty happy with what I have right now."

Pams smile widens, as if Kurt passed some sort of a test. She looks around and lifts her hand to gesture at a nearby waiter. "Good. Thats good." She purses her lips. "And you two can hold hands over the table as well, Thomas and I wont mind."

Blaine splutters, and Kurt can feel his own cheeks burning. Blaines father coughs to disguise something that sounds suspiciously like a snort, trying to look like hes completely engrossed in his menu. Thankfully the waiter arrives quickly, and with a small, sheepish smile Blaine finally lets go of Kurts hand. Kurt can feel his fingers tingling without the contact, and Blaines mother is smiling at them knowingly over the table.

"It really is nice to finally meet one of your boyfriends, Blaine," she says once she has ordered for herself and given her menu back to the waiter. "All those names and no faces to go with them," she jokes, winking.

Blaine clears his throat awkwardly and glances at the quiet waiter like he wishes he wasnt there. "Not that many names, mother," he corrects her, his voice is strained in the same way it always is when Connor comes up in conversation.

And just like that Blaines nervousness earlier that day suddenly makes a lot more sense. From everything Kurt has heard about Connor, he assumed that Blaines parents would have met him as well, dined with him a fancy restaurant like this, Blaine holding Connors hand under the table and blushing at his mothers words, the faceless Connor in Kurts mind charming the whole Anderson family with his stories. Connor must have been Blaines true love at some point, before something went horribly wrong, and Kurt just assumed that Blaines parents would be comparing him to Connor for the whole night.

But apparently none of them have anything to compare this dinner to. Kurt is the first one to meet Blaines parents, the first one to observe the similarities between Blaine and the people who raised him, the first one to endure the teasing. He looks at Blaine, the way his throat bobs as he swallows, his hands holding on to the menu a bit too tightly, and heKurt cant help but wonder if Blaine ever even asked Connor to meet his family -- and how he must have felt if he did and didnt get the answer he was hoping for.

Mr. Anderson gives his wife a surprisingly impressive glare over his menu, and Pams smile falls immediately when she realizes what she just did.

"Oh, honey, Im so sorry, Im just blabbering." She reaches over the table to pat Blaines hand. "I really am glad that Kurt could join us."

Kurt nudges Blaines foot under the table, and then leaves his own foot there, pressed against Blaines shoe.

They all order, and after that the conversation moves on to easier topics. Pam asks Kurt about his interests and they end up talking about fashion for a while, Blaine casually mentioning that Kurt made the shirt hes wearing himself, which then leads to Pam asking if Kurt could make her a dress one day. Kurt isnt sure if shes joking or not, but he promises to think about it anyway. They talk about New York, about Blaines job at the community center, the restaurant and its food -- apparently this is the Andersons favorite place and theyve been coming here for years, making dinner reservations every time theyre in the city. Pam asks about Tina and Mike and their wedding plans, and seems surprised in a positive way when she finds out that Tina and Kurt have become friends as well. They talk a little about Blaines brother, Cooper, who seems like a very eccentric personality, and Kurt shares a few stories about Finn and his dad, minus all the references to Kingleysia.

Blaines dad stays quiet most of the time, just following the conversation and making a few thoughtful remarks, but his silence is balanced by Pams constant questions and interjections. She manages to fill every single awkward silence with words, and even though she blurts out a few cringe-worthy comments, its obvious that they come from a place of love and parental worry.

Its... nice. Kurt is having a surprisingly good time: the food is good and the company even better, and as the evening progresses he can see Blaine relax as well, joking with his dad and boldly holding Kurts hand over the table despite the teasing from his mom. Blaines parents are easy to talk to, genuine and polite, and its obvious that they both care a lot about Blaine.

Kurt finds it fascinating to see familiar expressions on their faces, gestures or movements he is used to seeing Blaine make, such as the way Mr. Anderson runs his hand through his hair when his wife says something particularly uncomfortable. He even gets to hear a few stories about Blaines childhood, Blaine groaning and hiding behind his hands when Pam recounts how little Blaine used to run around the house with a blanket cape, singing songs hed come up with all by himself. Kurt grins at Blaine the whole time, hoping they could be back at the apartment already so he could properly tease him.

Maybe they can compare capes one day, make a whole evening out of it. He even comes up with a title for the evening: "Capes, the pros and cons of wearing them and how not to trip over them when youre in a hurry."

Before they get dessert Pam notices an old friend of hers on the other side of the restaurant and excuses herself to go talk to her for a while. Kurt gets up as well and goes to the restroom to make sure his hair is still looking good. The restroom is just as fancy as the restaurant itself, with large gleaming mirrors and the fresh scent of citrus and flowers in the air, everything properly polished. Kurt looks at his reflection in the mirror for a long time, cheeks pink and eyes smiling. Hes not nervous anymore. He feels good, happy even, like he wouldnt mind meeting Blaines parents again - and isnt that an odd thought?

He pushes a few strands of hair away from his face, straightens his clothes, and then walks slowly back into the restaurant, smiling and humming to himself. Right as hes about to reach their table he hears Blaines father say his name.

"You really like Kurt, dont you?"

Kurt freezes. Theres a pillar with an overflowing flower arrangement on top of it between him and the table, and when he peers over it he can see that Pam still hasnt come back. Blaine and his dad are sitting at the table, their profiles to Kurt, and Kurt ducks behind the flowers, not wanting to interrupt.

"I do," Blaine answers with a sigh, sounding more weary than he has all evening. "I really do. And thats whats so scary about it, to be honest."

Kurt stands on his tiptoes and peeks over the flowers again. Blaines face doesnt look comfortable or happy anymore, as if they were a front hes been trying to hold up all evening. He looks nervous now, terrified even, the same way he did all those weeks ago in the park when they were talking about true love for the first time. When Blaine closed off, and Kurt hadnt the faintest idea why.

"Whats scary about that?" Mr. Anderson frowns. "Youve never been scared of feeling too much before," he adds, obviously trying to go for teasing.

Blaine shrugs, ignoring his fathers tone of voice and drawing patterns on the table top with his fingertip. "Im not actually very good at this, dad. At relationships or-- or love." He looks up, almost desperate. "I mean, I know you and mom have this amazing relationship, and you always seem so happy together, even if youre fighting or mom is being her ridiculous self, and I-- I want something like that as well. I do, dad. Im just... not so sure if I can have it."

Kurt swallows roughly, his heart thumping loudly against his chest. He really shouldnt be eavesdropping on this conversation, but he cant help it. Even when he was little he used to listen in on all of his dads official meetings, standing behind the door with his ear pressed against it, especially if the meeting was about his own education or something else that was related to his life. He should turn around now, though; go back to the restroom for a while, wait until Blaine and his dad are done - but he cant move away, rooted to the spot by the combination of fear and longing in Blaines voice.

Blaines dad sighs, scratching his forehead for a moment before he answers. "This is about Connor, isnt it?"

Blaine immediately shakes his head. "No, dad--"

"Look, I dont know what exactly he did to you when you two broke up," Mr. Anderson interrupts, "but I know that he did something. Something that made you change into this person who tries to convince himself that love doesnt exist or that relationships could never work out. Youve been trying to keep everybody at an arms length ever since."

Blaine pinches the bridge of his nose, not meeting his dads eyes. "You sound like Tina..."

"Well, maybe you should listen to her," Mr. Anderson quips. "Do you think that me and your mother never get scared? Whenever we have a big fight, we both know that it could be our last. That one of us could just walk out and never come back. But we never do, because I know that she loves me and I love her, and we have chosen to be in this marriage. Were willing to work for it."

"Dad, I know." Blaine rolls his eyes, getting exasperated. "Ive seen you two fight, I know its not all love-dovey happy-happy-joy-joy. I know all of that." He leans his head on his hands, looking towards the ceiling and blinking his eyes. "I just... I dont know, forget about it." He looks back down again, starting to straighten the utensils in front of him, an obvious distraction.

"You just what?" Mr. Anderson prompts gently after a moment.

Blaines hands halt. "I just dont want to get my heart broken again," he confesses, his voice so quiet that Kurt has to strain his ears to hear it over the restaurants background noise. "I dont want to-- to put my heart on the line just to see everything fall apart. Give my everything and get nothing back in return, you know?" He glances at his dad, a little unsure. "I dont-- Im afraid I wouldnt be able to handle it again."

"Blaine," Mr. Anderson sighs, sounding worried. "You need to accept the fact that youre the kind of a person who will always put his heart on the line when he really wants something. You did it with the Warblers, with college, with your job, and- yes, even with Connor, even though it didnt end that well." He reaches over the table to squeeze Blaines shoulder. "Its who you are. It means that you will get hurt sometimes, quite spectacularly even, but it also means that you can find something extraordinary and really fight for it to last."

Blaine crosses his arms over his chest, shrugging his fathers hand away. "Youre my dad, not a therapist. Do you have a point in there somewhere?" he mutters.

"Im paying the bill tonight, son, so you better clean up your act," Mr. Anderson reminds him half-jokingly, making Blaine roll his eyes again, this time with a small twitch of his lips.

Kurt hides his own smile behind his hand. So apparently Mr. Anderson isnt that silent after all; he just lets his wife have the spotlight when there are other people around. The easy way he talks to Blaine reminds Kurt of his own dad, always ready to give advice and show him that he cares. He unconsciously reaches to touch his brooch until he realizes that he left it home tonight, not really even sure why. He just didnt feel like wearing it.

He has been feeling like that a lot lately.

"The point is," Mr. Anderson is saying, "that I can already see you putting your heart on the line with Kurt, even though youre obviously trying to fight it." He smiles. "I havent seen you this relaxed and happy in ages, Blaine."

Blaine looks down and continues rubbing the table top. "You sound like Tina again," he says quietly.

"What you dont seem to realize, though," Mr. Anderson goes on, ignoring Blaines comment with a flick of his hand, "is that Kurt is doing the exact same thing."

Blaines head snaps up. Behind the pillar Kurt freezes.

"Hes obviously putting his heart on the line as well," Mr. Anderson explains with a shrug. "And from what I can tell, his heart seems to be just as big and determined as yours. He was even able to deal with your mothers antics. That should tell you something."

Blaine lets out a laugh, but it sounds forced and faint, like hes trying to hide how overwhelmed and confused he is.

Mr. Anderson takes a sip of his wine, and if Kurt isnt mistaken, his eyes seem to be sparkling. "So if you want my opinion, even though you didnt ask for it... Dont be scared of being scared, Blaine. Relationships are scary and messy and confusing, and nobody is good at them. Not even me and your mother." He points his finger at Blaine. "But the point is to try anyway, and learn as you go along. The point is to find someone whose ideas of love match your ideas of it. Someone whos ready to put his heart on the line as well."

Blaine is looking at his father, eyes wide open, but Kurt cant tear his eyes away from Blaine, his hands clammy against the pillar and his heart in his throat. A waitress gives him a curious look as she passes him with a tray full of champagne glasses but doesnt thankfully say anything.

"And thats what makes me think that this thing you have with Kurt wont be like Connor. That you can handle it, no matter what," Mr. Anderson finishes with a shrug. "Thats all."

Blaine blinks his eyes a few times and then breathes out slowly, leaning back in his chair. "I... I dont know, dad. Its easier said than done," he says in a low voice, patting a hand over his gelled hair in a nervous gesture.

"Well, just keep it in mind anyway," Mr. Anderson answers. He straightens in his seat, looking over Blaines shoulder and furrowing his brows. "Now where on earth is your mother? She cant be talking to Heather this long. Those two hate each other."

Right at that moment, as if she heard her husbands comment, Blaines mom makes her way through the restaurant, hips swaying and hands carefully fluffing her long hair, a satisfied smirk on her face. Once she reaches the table she squeezes Blaines shoulder and leans down to kiss her husbands cheek before she sits down, letting out a small, pleased hum.

Kurt can see Blaine raise his eyebrows. "Pam Anderson one, Heather Jackson zero, I take it?" he asks.

Pam just smiles in answer and reaches for her wine. "Kurt isnt back yet? Should you go check on him, Blaine? He has been in that restroom for an awfully long time."

Kurt startles back to reality with a sharp intake of breath. He takes a few steps backwards, away from the pillar with flowers, almost bumping into another waiter. He straightens his shirt and his tie again, plasters a polite smile on his face, hoping that no one can tell that he just heard the entire conversation between Blaine and his father and that his heart is doing all sorts of weird somersaults and skips inside his chest, confused and hopeful and terrified all at the same time. Then he walks past the pillar and makes his way to the table.

"Sorry," he breathes out as he sits down, as if he just rushed through the restaurant. "There was a line, and some older man had taken over the only mirror with decent lighting. Did you order dessert already?"

Blaine tilts his head like he can tell that Kurts not being completely honest, but then he smiles, small and private, and nudges Kurts shoulder with his own. He doesnt look like a man who just had a serious conversation with his father, the polite and happy look back on his face, but somehow Kurt knows that theres a lot more going on underneath that smile of his.

"Remember the cheesecake you had in that coffee shop near my apartment?" Blaine asks abruptly while his parents are motioning at the nearest waiter.

Kurt swallows down the moan that threatens to come out of his mouth. Parents present, moaning not appropriate. Even though hes never had anything as amazing as that cheesecake in his entire life. "Yes?"

Blaine leans closer to him, his warm breath tickling Kurts cheek. "The cheesecake here is even better," he whispers with a grin.

Kurt can feel a pleasant, warm shiver go through his body, and hes pretty sure it has nothing to do with cheesecake and everything to do with Blaine.

---

"So."

Blaine pushes his hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels while they wait for the light to turn green. "So."

"That was a great restaurant," Kurt tries, not really knowing what else to say after the whirlwind of emotions this evening. "And you were right about the cheesecake," he adds as an afterthought.

Except cheesecake should never be just an afterthought. Especially cheesecake as delicious as the one he just had. He almost starts salivating just thinking about it.

Blaine shivers in the cool night air and laughs. "I could never afford to eat there on my own. So I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted."

"Oh, I did." Kurt smirks teasingly. "I especially enjoyed the story of little Blaine running around wearing nothing but a towel as a cape, singing his heart out--"

Blaine groans. "No, please, lets not talk about that. I dont even know why she insisted on bringing that up..."

The rest of the dinner was just as pleasant as the beginning, even if Blaine didnt hold his hand either under or over the table again. Kurt can only guess why. They said goodbye to Blaines parents outside the restaurant, Pam insisting on giving Kurt a hug, and then escorted them to a waiting taxi, Blaine promising to call them soon. Mr. Anderson tried to give Kurt and Blaine money for a cab ride as well, but Blaine refused, saying that they might as well walk or take the subway since theyre in no hurry.

The light changes, and they start walking again. Kurt can already see Blaines building ahead of them, tall and familiar and inviting, and he unconsciously quickens his steps. As much as Kurt loves all of New York, Blaines apartment is still the place where he feels most at home, most comfortable. He has started to miss it when hes out, like one can miss a relaxing bath after a long day.

"I dont think your parents were a handful, to be honest," Kurt says when they finally reach the door of Blaines building. "They didnt even make a big fuss about us. Or, well, not as big as I was expecting from everything youd told me about them."

Blaine glances back at him as he walks to the elevator. "So that was a normal reaction by Kingleysian standards?"

Kurt lets out a laugh. "Pretty much. They were nice." He doesnt get the same swooping, unsteady feeling in his stomach anymore when he rides the elevator, like he did during his first weeks. Another thing hes gotten used to. "Its obvious that they love you," he adds.

Blaine hums. "I know." He turns his keys around in his hand, staring the changing floor numbers on the small display. "We had a rough couple of years when I was younger, with a lot of miscommunication and so on. I just wish they didnt worry about me so much."

The elevator reaches the right floor, and they step out, Blaine moving to open the door to his apartment. He lets Kurt inside first, and Kurt immediately feels his muscles relax as he breathes in the familiar scent of the tiny flat. Its nothing special, just the faint fragrance of the cleaning products Blaine uses, of too many cups of coffee and old books, of raspberry scented hair gel and the underlying touch of just... Blaine. Of home.

Blaine flicks the lights on and starts making his way through the apartment. "Geez, its chilly in here. Did we leave a window open or something...?"

Kurt shrugs out of his coat, draping it carefully over the chair in the living room. His brooch is still on the coffee table, right where he left it, and when he reaches down to trail his fingers over it, its just as cold as before. Maybe even colder, what with the chill in the apartment. Not that he even expected anything else.

"No birds waiting for you on the fire escape," Blaine jokes when he comes back from the kitchen, already untying his bowtie. "They didnt even leave a message."

Kurt gives him a small smile and sits down on the couch. "They havent really come around that much lately. I guess theyre busy."

"Oh." Blaine furrows his brows. "Thats strange. I dont think its mating season right now or anything."

He leaves his bowtie on the chair over Kurts coat and moves to sit down as well, closer to Kurt than he has been all evening. Kurts sketchbook is on the table, closed shut with a few pencils placed over it, and Blaine stares at it for a moment with a soft smile, before he turns to look at Kurt.

"You know, Ive probably said this several times already, but... Thank you for this," he says. "For meeting my parents and not running away screaming after my mom finished her first glass of wine."

Kurt tilts his head. He thought he knew a lot about Blaine already, about his past and the way he sees the world, but everything he saw and heard tonight are making him realize that theres still so much he doesnt know, so many things he hasnt even thought about before. Its a bit overwhelming, in a good way -- he wants to know more about Blaine, as much as he can; wants to see Blaine open up completely and hear about the things he has gone through. Not by eavesdropping, because he still regrets doing that tonight, at least a little, as enlightening as it was, but by talking to Blaine, by being there for him.

Tonight was just a part of that.

"No need to thank me," he replies with a smile. "It was my pleasure. Privilege, even." He shrugs his shoulders. "Like I said, I had fun. It was nice to see this whole other side of you," he teases.

Blaine looks at him, something unreadable in his eyes, gaze flicking down to his mouth. Kurt raises his eyebrows in question, but before he can say anything Blaine suddenly leans forward, closing the distance between them and pressing his lips against Kurts, fearless and sure. Kurt sucks in a surprised breath, his eyelids fluttering closed, mind blanking out for a moment except for one clear thought.

Oh, there you are.

Blaine pushes a little closer, lips sliding over Kurts like he cant get enough, his hand moving to cup Kurts cheek. Kurt instinctively pushes back, reaching for Blaine with both of his hands, and his mind comes back to life again, fireworks and sparks and bright colors exploding behind his eyelids. One of his hands touches Blaines waist, keeping him close and feeling the way his body is trembling underneath the thin fabric of his shirt; the other comes to rest on the curve of Blaines shoulder, pulling him in like he never wants to let him go.

And he doesnt. Hes never been kissed -- hes always dreamed about it and listened to Rachels elaborate stories about her first kiss with glassy eyes and longing sighs - but he never couldve imagined something like this, with Blaines nose skimming over his cheek and his lips tingling, something warm and excited and wonderful filling his whole body, rushing through his veins and whooshing in his ears. 

Blaines tongue hesitantly traces over the seam of his lips, pushing and pulling and drawing him in, and Kurt gasps into the kiss. He opens his mouth when Blaine sucks at his lower lip, tilting his head for better access, and oh gosh, this must be what Rachel was talking about every time she got that dreamy, faraway look in her eyes. Kurts hand grips Blaines shirt, wrinkling the fabric and dragging him closer on the couch, Blaine moving in pliantly until hes almost in Kurts lap. Its- so much, like Kurt cant get enough, of Blaine and his lips and the closeness, like he wants to bury himself in Blaine.

Blaine shifts closer still, his shirt pulling up with the movement, and Kurts hand suddenly slips underneath its hem, finally feeling heated skin against his fingertips, soft and intoxicating. Blaine shivers against him, lips trembling with one last kiss before he slowly, tentatively pulls away. Kurt chases his mouth and tightens his grip on Blaine, his body refusing to let go until the last possible moment, until he can only feel air against his swollen lips.

Blaine takes a deep breath and slides his hand down to Kurts shoulder. Kurt blinks his eyes open, finally seeing exactly how close they are, and it takes him a while to lift his eyes from Blaines shiny and well-kissed mouth because he did that, he made that - he painted Blaines face with those tints of red, and Blaine most likely did the same to Kurts own lips.

"How was that?" Blaine asks quietly, searching Kurts face.

"W-what?" Kurt manages to croak, his voice breathless and deeper than before.

Blaine looks away with a shy smile, biting his lip as he plays with the collar of Kurts shirt. "I wanted your first kiss to be special." He glances back at Kurt. "I mean, I assumed that this was your first kiss? With all the talk about true love and--"

Kurt shivers, a pleasant thrill that runs up his spine and makes him push his open palm closer to the sliver of bare skin below the hem of Blaines shirt. "It was," he admits. "It was my first kiss."

Blaine stares at Kurts neck, his brows furrowed. "My own first kiss was... Well, my first kiss was actually with a girl back in high school." He shrugs his shoulders as if it doesnt matter. "I was at a friends party and wanted to find out if I really was gay. I was also drunk for the first time in my life, and it wasnt... It was sloppy and weird. Certainly confirmed my sexuality." He frowns as he goes on. "And my first kiss with another guy was in high school as well, with my first boyfriend who turned out to be a complete jerk, and the kiss itself was too much teeth and saliva, and I almost choked on his tongue, so I..."

Kurt rubs his thumb over the curve of Blaines hip when he doesnt continue immediately. "You what?"

"I wanted you to have a good first kiss," Blaine says, finally looking into his eyes. "I wanted it to be better than--"

Kurt surges forward, cutting his words off by capturing his lips in another kiss, soft and slow instead of the previous heat and urgency. He keeps his eyes open this time, watching as Blaine melts against him, as his worried gaze disappears behind his fluttering eyelids, his ridiculously long eyelashes trembling. He looks so beautiful, and he doesnt even know it himself. He doesnt know how he makes Kurt feel special every single day.

He doesnt even realize how loudly Kurts heart is beating right now.

So Kurt takes Blaines hand and guides it to his chest, presses it against his hammering heart just as he breaks the kiss. Blaine blinks his eyes open and looks down at his hand on Kurts chest, curling his fingers into the fabric between their skins.

"It was special," Kurt says in a low voice. "So incredibly special. Because it was with you."

Blaine looks up, and then his face breaks into a smile. He pecks Kurts cheek, fingers curling even more, rumpling Kurts shirt and fisting it tightly.

"Good," Blaine replies. "You deserve special."

So do you, Kurt thinks, and its that thought that makes him say the next words out loud.

"Stay here tonight?"

Blaine freezes in surprise.

"I mean," Kurt backtracks, tightening his hold on Blaines hand in the fear that hes going to bolt, "I mean that I dont want to let go of you right now -- I feel like I even cant let go of you, like its somehow physically impossible, and I just thought that you could sleep here tonight -- just sleep!" he adds, eyes widening in panic. "Just sleep, nothing... else, obviously, and maybe I could hold you or your hand while I sleep or something because I... I would like that. After that kiss. You know."

Blaine giggles, a squeaky wet sound. "Youre adorable when you get all rambly."

"Oh." Kurt can feel his shoulders relax. "Is that a yes?"

Blaine smiles. "You want to stay here? Instead of my bedroom?"

Kurt nods. He wants to see the early morning sunlight on Blaines face when he wakes up, the soft orange glow that filters through the living room curtains right when the sun comes up, warming the whole apartment. Besides, somehow the thought of going into Blaines bedroom tonight feels too... private.

"Okay," Blaine says.

"Okay?" Kurt repeats.

"Yeah," Blaine replies with a laugh. "Ill just go change, and then Ill be right back."

He strokes his hand over Kurts chest one last time and then moves to get up, Kurts hand falling down from his hip.

"One more kiss before you go," Kurt blurts out. He reaches up and takes Blaines face in his hands, pulling him into a deep, wet kiss. He can feel Blaine smiling into the kiss, Kurts own toes curling against the carpet as a warm shiver runs down his whole body.

Hes already getting addicted to kissing Blaine.

They break apart with a loud smack, Blaine grinning down at Kurt as he straightens up. He keeps his eyes on Kurt and then slowly walks backwards until he reaches his bedroom door and ducks inside, already opening the buttons of his shirt.

This time Kurt lets himself squeal and kick his feet.