"And I'm just saying that out of them, Tommy was obviously the lead but Phil was a leader," Blaine finished with a flourish next to Kurt on the towel.

Kurt chuckled as he watched a seagull pick at a leftover chicken nugget someone had carelessly let lie on the beach. "And who exactly was your favorite character?"

"Well, Chuckie obviously," Blaine motioned to his own curly hair, "one year I dressed up as Chuckie for Halloween while my brother went as Reptar. We got the most candy on our block. It was awesome." Blaine looked pensive for a moment, "but he did steal my candy about a week later."

Kurt realized then that he missed Finn. Sure, Finn was kind of a jerk at times and really never said the right thing, but he was the closest thing Kurt would ever have to a brother. "That's horrible that he ate your candy; I'm not sure how you aren't in therapy right now."

Blaine nudged Kurt's ribs with his elbow. "I mean, Chuckie was me when I was little. Chuckie was always the strong one even though he was terrified. He didn't have the courage to do anything unless something provoked him to do it. That's mean in a sense." Blaine had a forearm thrown over his eyes to protect them from the sun, and his knees were bent with feet buried into the sand. Kurt knew he should warn Blaine about the consequences of lying on a beach shirtless, but the pleas died on his lips because Blaine was gorgeous. Kurt felt he paled in comparison (both literally and metaphorically) to the boy next to him. Blaine had finally gotten Kurt to the point where he didn't have to wear a shirt every second while at the beach, but he still looked at Blaine's abs with jealousy.

At least that's what he told himself it was.

"Who was your favorite?" Blaine asked, and Kurt noticed that he'd moved his arm away from his eyes.

Kurt blushed and leaned back, closing his eyes immediately, "I was a big fan of Angelica."

"Angelica Pickles? The worst child to ever walk the face of the earth?" Blaine teased lightly and rolled over. He propped his entire body up using his elbow and looked down at Kurt, "Why?"

"Angelica was severely misunderstood," Kurt said without a bit of laughter, "I mean she…"

"Misunderstood?" Blaine broke in with a gasp, "she always steals all the cookies and makes herself sick, she breaks their favorite toys and doesn't care, she tried to rip Chuckie's tooth out, she made Phil and Lil both think they were the rejects, she told them they could get sucked down the drain which made them afraid of bathing, and she fooled the babies into thinking Spike could talk. She probably ruined them for a lifetime! A lifetime, Kurt! They are the ones who are probably in therapy right now!"

"I didn't realize you could have such a vendetta against a young, fictional girl," Kurt was lying on his side now, their faces close together and their eyes sparking as they challenged each other. "That's really pathetic."

Blaine stuck out his bottom lip, "I know: I'm pathetic." His face broke into a gentle smile, "but tell me why Angelica is your favorite."

"She's not my favorite," Kurt let slip, "but I think she was misunderstood. Angelica's parents worked all the time and never really paid attention to her. So then she had Cynthia; Tommy and Chuckie lost Cynthia, and then Cynthia got flushed down the toilet because Angelica just wanted to make her life better. Then because Angelica was holding Cynthia, they both got chased by a goat at the Pickles' Family reunion. So much bad stuff happened to Angelica, but people never noticed it because she was always viewed as the antagonist!"

Blaine nodded, "I guess. But, I had an older brother like Angelica, so I think I know where Tommy was coming from." Blaine bit his lip, "but that still didn't answer my question – who is your favorite character?"

Kurt shifted uncomfortably, "Why do you want to know so badly?"

"Kurt," Blaine's face was serious again, "someone's favorite Rugrats character tells me so much about them."

Kurt blinked a few times. He knew that explaining why his favorite character was Chuckie would be different than telling Blaine about Angelica. He sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees, resting his head there.

Blaine sat up too, and had a worried look on his face, "If you don't want to tell me, you don't have to Kurt."

"No," Kurt took a deep breath, "I never really told anyone, or talked to anyone about this…so it's weird. My favorite character, like yours, is Chuckie…but, for different reasons."

Blaine quirked an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Do you remember the Mother's Day episode?" Kurt asked quietly, not quite meeting Blaine's eyes.

Blaine nodded, already understanding where the conversation was going.

"My mom had cancer," Kurt said quietly, "and they didn't find it until it was too late. There was really nothing they could do for her except make her comfortable," Kurt curled his toes around the towel to give himself something else to do, "Do you remember the scene when Chuckie shows the others the flowers?"

Blaine nodded, his hand moving out to gently rest on Kurt's shoulder.

"I used to um...when things would get really bad at school, I would go to her room and just lay there. I could still smell her perfume coming from the dresser she used to have. Whenever I'm feeling really sad, I go on YouTube and watch the episode again just so I know it isn't….that I'm not weird to do that." Kurt gave a hollow laugh and wiped gently at his tears, "even though Chuckie is years younger than me."

Blaine's eyes radiated sympathy and something else, something Kurt couldn't decipher, "You're not weird, Kurt. Losing someone like that…it's hard because you can't do anything. And even if you could have, you didn't so there's no going back."

Kurt sniffled again, "I just…I wish she could be here. I keep telling myself that if she had been here everything would have been better. My Dad is a great man but there are some things you just need a mother for. I wonder if she had been alive if she would have convinced me to apply to other schools or to go on a different track. I wonder if the bullying would have been as bad or if she would have noticed sooner. I just…I wonder so many things."

Blaine had his arm firmly around Kurt's shoulders now, "Kurt…I'm not…I'm not ready to share that part of my story yet – but I understand. I know what it feels like. But you have to know that it is normal to question things. We have to wonder why we ended up how we are, in the place we are, even if we are completely happy with everything."

Kurt wanted so much to just fall into Blaine's arms and cry for the things he could explain, and the things he couldn't. But now was not the time for it, and he couldn't scare away the only real friend he had anymore.

"I'm not going to run away if you tell me something, you know," Blaine moved Kurt's chin so he was looking directly at Blaine, "you're an amazing person and I wouldn't walk away because you've had some sadness in your life."

Kurt was about to respond with the too familiar ring of Blaine's phone covered the roar of the ocean.

"Sorry," Blaine said with an eye roll and grabbed his phone from the baggy in Kurt's beach bag. His eyes darkened when he looked at the name but he answered cheerfully, "Hello?"

Kurt tried to ignore the conversation by looking around the beach at the other occupants. Beach season didn't officially start until the next weekend, but there were still many tourists who liked to capitalize on the savings by coming during downtime.

"I know…I just needed a break," Kurt heard Blaine explain into the phone, "I know, Coop. But I just….it's one day."

Kurt felt guilty because Blaine had taken the day off to spend with Kurt while Emma and her husband went to a closeout sale at a store in Poughkeepsie.

Blaine let out an exasperated noise before standing quickly and stalking off toward a less densely populated part of the beach. A small red mark appeared on his back that Kurt knew showed whenever he was excited but apparently showed when he was angry as well. Blaine's hands were flying as he yelled into the phone, but Kurt could only see his mouth moving.

"Hello," a boy with blonde spiky hair and a pair of black board shorts held out his hand, "I'm Paul."

"Kurt," Kurt couldn't help but be suspicious as he shook the boy's hand.

"Are you from around here?" the boy sat down on Blaine's towel and crossed his legs.

Kurt found that the simplest answer was always "yes" so he wouldn't have to explain himself, "I am. I live in the Victorian right there," Kurt pointed to Meg's house.

"Awesome," the boy's blue eyes sparkled, "So that means you know all of the cool places to go around here?"

"I wouldn't say that."

The boy laughed loudly at the joke, "Well, I was wondering then if maybe I could take you out tonight?"

Kurt's voice stuck in his throat, "You mean like…on a date?" the words were out of his mouth quickly. He looked to Blaine for help. What if the boy just wanted someone to hang out with? What if he was going to be offended?

"Of course, silly," Paul's smile was huge as he leaned closer, "Can I pick you up around six?"

Kurt nodded dumbly, still confused about exactly what had happened.

"Great! I can't wait to see you, Kurt," the boy stood and ran back to his towel on the beach. He scooped up a small girl and threw her into the air.

"What was that about?" Blaine asked lightly as he sat back down, his smile from earlier gone from his face.

"That was Paul, he just asked me out," Kurt was bubbly and excited – he'd never been on a proper date or any date before."

Blaine's face remained passive, "Wow! He's quite a catch. We watch his little sister in the morning. His Dad is a huge CEO in some green boat company."

Kurt was a little angry that Blaine showed no jealousy, but swept it away. "I'm so…I just hope it isn't a joke."

A look of annoyance flashed on Blaine's face, "Why would it be a joke?"

Kurt laughed, "Just look at me, I'm not exactly desirable."

Blaine actually laughed out loud, "You are kidding, aren't you?"

Kurt self consciously curled back into the ball, "No. I'm not."

"Kurt," Blaine's face changed to one of pitying, "you are absolutely amazing. You're so intelligent that it makes me want to curl up with a dictionary at night. You're hilarious in a way that isn't common or crude. You've overcome so much and you're finally starting to come out of your shell and I adore that about you. And Kurt, you're gorgeous. The first time I saw you I felt like the wind was knocked out of me. I cannot believe no one has told you any of that before. I can't believe you haven't had a million boyfriends by now. Every man and woman who sees you probably prays to something every single night that they get the chance to call you theirs. I hate that something in your life has made you this way, Kurt. But I'm also thrilled that I get to witness you experience all of it. This is the life you should have – a life where you have friends," he pointed to himself, "dates," he pointed toward Paul, "and happiness."

"But what if it was a joke?" Kurt asked in the still small voice.

"It wasn't," Blaine moved so that he was sitting across from Kurt, their knees now touching. "He's been looking at you all morning."

"Are you sure?" Kurt needed the reassurance.

"I'm positive," Blaine looked down at his legs for a few seconds, "now tell me about this date."

Kurt wanted to burst – he was going on a date. A real date, a date where the guy was attracted to him and would pay for it. "Well, he's taking me out to dinner…and that's all I really know."

Blaine nodded quickly, "Of course, the classic. Can't go wrong with that as a first date."

Kurt nodded, "I still can't believe it. I just never thought my first date would happen like this."

Blaine stood and dusted his pants off, "Come on, let's go plan your outfit and Paul won't even know what hit him."

At 5:45 Kurt ran down the steps at full speed. He wanted to be ready to go when Paul rang the doorbell.

"Well, well, well, don't you look nice," Meg asked from her spot on the sofa. She had a Cup of Noodles in one hand and a romance novel in the other hand. Kurt scoffed lightly at the long haired man with his arms around a woman dressed as a pirate.

Kurt looked down at his own outfit. After hours of planning, he and Blaine had decided on a pair of brown boat shoes, tight jeans (because the wind made the night colder) and dark blue t-shirt, and a soft gray cardigan. It wasn't something Kurt normally would wear, but Blaine was positive Paul would like the outfit. "I'm going on a date," Kurt said excitedly. Meg had been out working on her other houses all day and he hadn't gotten he chance to tell her.

"Oh? You and Blaine, huh?" She laughed and slurped down a few noodles, "I knew it was only a matter of time."

"No, actually," Kurt couldn't help but feel annoyed; "his name is Paul."

"Paul?" Meg set down the cup, "I just thought…"

Kurt didn't want to be annoyed going into his first date so he simply turned to the mirror and fixed his hair, "Blaine and I are just friends."

Meg didn't look convinced but leaned back on the chair, "And who is this Paul?"

Kurt bit his lip, "I don't know much else, really. He just asked me out today on the beach. But Blaine told me he'd been staring at me the entire time."

"Kurt that isn't safe," Meg warned, "you don't know anything about him? I thought Blaine had his head on his shoulders better than that. I saw him helping you with your outfit earlier."

Kurt was very annoyed at this point, "Look, I don't need people protecting me. No one protected me while I was in high school. I can take care of myself and make my own decisions. Even if Blaine had told me it was going to be a bad idea, I wouldn't have listened. Don't make him seem like the bad guy."

Meg put her hands up, "Woah, Mr. Attitude, I'm not making anyone the bad guy. I just wanted to warn you to be careful."

Kurt hated being mad at people, but he knew what he was doing.

The doorbell rang and Kurt turned to Meg, "I'll be back early enough for you to know I'm safe."

Meg nodded but looked unhappy as Kurt walked out of the door.

"Hi!" Paul said with a huge smile on his face. Kurt glanced down at his outfit and couldn't tell if he approved. Paul was wearing loose jeans, ratty white sneakers, a button down shirt, and a purple tie. But he was cute, so Kurt took his offered arm.

"Hello yourself!" Kurt grinned at him, "Where are we off to?"

"A little restaurant on the border of Cape May and Wildwood," Paul answered as he walked them to a motorcycle, "I hope you're not afraid of going fast?"

Kurt looked at the motorcycle and swallowed thickly, "I am a little nervous…"

"Don't be," Paul winked, "You'll be safe with me."

Paul handed Kurt the helmet and put his own over his head, "It's only a ten minute drive," his voice came out muffled through the helmet but Kurt understood.

Paul jumped onto the motorcycle first and moved forward enough to let Kurt on the back. Kurt climbed on somewhat awkwardly and moved himself far enough away from Paul so that it wouldn't be awkward.

"You can hold on, you know?" Paul joked.

Kurt wrapped his arms around Paul's waist and nodded. He didn't press his whole body against Paul, but did have to move closer once the bike started.

They wove easily and slowly through the streets of Cape May. Something told Kurt that if he had been willing to, they would have gone much faster.

They went faster as they made their way toward the expressway, and Kurt had to hold on more as they drove. He counted down the minutes until he could have both feet on solid ground; he felt like he was going to fall off the back but when he shifted he felt like he was going to fall off the front.

They arrived at a huge restaurant a few minutes later. Kurt was thankful for solid ground as he stumbled a bit when he got off of the bike. "That was…interesting," he admitted.

Paul grinned and pulled the helmet off of his head, "You'll get used to it. I promise."

Kurt's heart thrilled at the thought of going on a second date. He'd always assumed his first date would lead to nothing but memories. "Shall we?"

"Sure," Paul grabbed his arm again, and they walked into the restaurant. "Reservations under Perkins, please?"

"Of course, right this way," the hostess led them to a table for two out on the bay. "Your server will be with you in a few minutes."

Kurt glanced down at the table and then back up at Paul who was looking at him intently, "Tell me about yourself, Kurt."

Kurt crossed his legs – he'd be practicing this question all day. He didn't want to put too much out on the line, but he wanted to be honest. "I'm from Ohio. I came here this summer to just get away from everything there. I'm working in a tailor shop now. I'm really…I really like fashion," Kurt finished lamely. For some reason, telling him more didn't feel right.

Paul nodded, "That's interesting. Why fashion?"

"It is a way to express yourself that they can't really take away from you. I sing too."

Paul nodded, "Do you have college plans?"

Kurt felt like the date was starting to turn into an interrogation session, "Not at the moment. I've been waitlisted at a few places in New York though. How about you?"

Paul smiled and ducked his head bashfully, "I guess that was getting to be a CSI episode, right? I'm from Pennsylvania and my family is here on vacation. My dad is working with Cape May to try to lay down a greener cleaning system. I'm really all about the environment. I'm going to UNC next year as a bio major. I really like basketball, and I hope I can play all four years there. I'm really not very good though," Paul blushed, "but I like it, so I keep doing it."

Kurt nodded enthusiastically, "Right? You don't have to amazing at your passions. Sometimes you just have to do it because you love it."

"I find it hard to believe you have ever been bad at anything," Paul smiled over his drink.

The waitress came back, "Okay, I have the stuffed lobster for you," she placed the huge plate in front of Paul, "and the broiled seafood for you," she grinned down at Kurt, "Can I get either of you anything else?"

"No," they both said in unison before laughing at each other and starting to eat their meal.

The meal was relatively quiet. They made small talk about their lives, never really getting into details.

When they were done eating, Kurt theorized that the date had been pretty good. It may not have been what he thought his first date would be, but he was happy.

Happy to be wanted, happy to be accepted.

The date ended with a promise of another date, phone numbers, and a brief kiss on the cheek.

Kurt smiled to himself as he walked up the stairs for bed, knocking gently on Meg's door to let her know he was home.

"Was it amazing?" Meg asked from behind her book.

"It was nice," Kurt responded, "we'll probably go out again."

Meg nodded, "Good, I'm glad you finally found someone Kurt."

Kurt's phone started ringing and he looked down and grinned, "Sorry I couldn't talk more. This is Blaine. Lady chat tomorrow?"

Meg laughed and nodded, "Lady chat tomorrow."

"Hello darling," Kurt said dramatically.

Blaine's laugh was infectious from the other side of the phone, "Don't let Paul hear you call me darling. How was your date, hot shot?"

"Great," Kurt said happily as he closed his door.

"That's a lot of time and effort you put into the answer, I'm proud of you," Blaine joked.

"Sorry! I just…oh dear lord, I'm putting you on speaker," Kurt was trying to wrestle out of his too tight jeans.

"Romeo throwing pebbles at your window?" Blaine joked again.

"No, I'm just trying to get out of these pants."

"Is he still there?" Blaine joked, horrified.

"No! I will never put out on a first date. I'm not that kind of boy." Kurt finally pulled on his sweatpants and grabbed the phone. "But it was really nice. We went to the Lobster House and then talked for awhile."

"Was it everything you wanted it to be?" Blaine asked, obviously tired.

"Yes and no, but I suppose it's better than what I wanted, because it was real," Kurt admitted.

Blaine made an undecipherable noise on the other end of the phone, but said nothing.