Blaine slid into the coffee shop early the following morning. "Tony, I need you to do me a favor," he rushed to the counter.

"Sure, dude, whats up?" Tony began preparing Blaines usual drink.

"Can you make a drink for Kurt? The guy that comes here with me. Just before he gets here. Give him this note with it," Blaine slid an envelope across the counter to him.

"Is there anything I should tell him?" Tony asked.

"No, just give it to him. Ive got to get to work. Were finishing up our first episode today," Blaine grabbed his drink from Tony and handed him a few bills. "Thats for Kurt as well. Youre the best."

He turned to leave and made his way to the studio, feeling like he had accomplished something.  Agreeing to be Kurts friend gave him the motivation to act like someones friend. They had agreed to meet, but Blaine couldnt stand Kurt up again, knowing he had to get to work as soon as possible. This would make up for it.

Just before he went on set, he received a phone call from Kurt. 

"Hello?"

"What is this?" Kurts soft tone came through the phone. "Where am I supposed to go?"

"You got the address?"" Blaine said, ignoring the directors rapid arm movements to get his attention.

"Yes," Kurt said slowly. "Are you sending me somewhere dangerous?"

"No. That address is where you go. Just make sure youre there at seven sharp," Blaine hung up the phone and made his way to a seat in the choir room.

The director stood before the cast and announced, "were officially done with our pilot today!"

Everyone cheered. Rachel, sitting next to Blaine, looked over and gave him a warm smile that he didnt return.

It had been hard work. It had been quite the challenge, but it was a relief to be done with the pilot. The endless hours filming, Rachels constant desire to have Flynn and Rachelles story absolutely perfect. It was enough to make anyone grateful to be done.

"Were going to have a place held for us at Upfront in New York City in a few short weeks. Wed love to have a few of you there. Blaine, Rachel, Im hoping you two will definitely make it."

Rachel jumped up from her seat and joined him at the piano, "I accept. There is nothing in the world like New York City, and Im dying to get back there. Plus this will be good for my reputation," she grinned at the cast before her.

"Blaine?" the director asked.

"Well see," Blaine said shortly. He wasnt going to make any promises. It was important to the show, and Blaine knew he was their greatest form of publicity, but he wasnt sure how he felt about that yet. 

"Well talk about it," the director said. "In the mean time, lets get started on this final scene. We need a little time to prepare everything. Youve all worked so hard, and we cant wait to put everything together."

The rest of the day went by slowly. There was so many final touches to cover, and Rachel was far too enthusiastic for Blaines sanity. He was grateful when they were told to go home at the end of the day.. 

Quickly dashing for his jacket, Blaine made his way to the car and took off before someone had a chance to stop him. He stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things, and  made his way back to his apartment. He changed into a dress shirt and pants before he began throwing food in pots and pans.

At ten minutes to seven, a knock came on the front door.

Wiping his hands on his apron, Blaine made his way to the door and swung it open. "Hi," he said quietly.

"Blaine?" Kurts eyes widened. "I dont... understand."

"Come in, please," Blaine shut the door behind him and led Kurt into the living room.  "Have a seat," he motioned to the couch.

Slowly walking into the living room, Kurts mouth hung open slightly. His eyes darted around the room, taking in the large windows across one wall, the chandelier overhead, and the brick fireplace against another wall. "You live here?" he gawked.

"Yeah," Blaine replied awkwardly.

"Are you making dinner?" Kurt peered over Blaines shoulder to the large kitchen. "My step-mom would love a kitchen like this." 

"You dont think I can cook?" Blaine huffed. "I will have you know that Im quite the chef. Ive had to take care of myself for a while now, so someone had to cook."

Kurt took his jacket off and tossed it over the back of the couch. He followed Blaine into the kitchen and said, "can I ask why youre making me dinner?" 

Tending the sauce on the stove, Blaine informed him, "youre the first friend Ive had in a long time. I eat dinner alone too much. I thought, maybe, itd be a nice change to cook for someone else."

"How does a big name like yours not have any friends?" Kurt leaned against the opposite counter, folding his arms over his chest. 

Setting a utensil down, Blaine sighed, "Theres a difference between friend and acquaintance. I know many people, and thats mostly through work or meeting another celebrity that knows who I am."  He bent down to pull a cake pan out of a bottom cupboard. "I just dont know anyone personally."

"Not anyone?" Kurt asked.

"No. I dont go out to dinner, the movies, or the bowling alley with anyone. When Im at social events, Im always alone. People will talk to me, but its formal," he began plowing through his pantry, looking for ingredients.

"Its formal," Kurt repeated.

"‘Hi, Blaine. How are you? What are you tackling in your career now? He slammed the pantry door shut. Kurt jumped and Blaine let out a long sigh. "Thats all it ever is." 

"Can I... give you my theory?" Kurt asked hesitantly.

"What?" Blaine grunted. He knew hed regret asking before Kurt even started speaking.

"Well, its just that... seeing the way you behaved in the studio makes me wonder if it.... if its your attitude," he squirmed uncomfortably.

"My attitude," Blaine said.

"Dont get me wrong, youve been very different with me since this whole mission started," Kurt said, stepping away from the counter. He placed his hands on his hips. "But I had no interest in being your friend when I first met you. If youre anything like the guy I met back in the studio, I can see why people are a little intimidated by you."

"You were intimidated?" Blaine moved to the fridge and pulled out a carton of eggs.

"Well, yeah," Kurt admitted. "Youre a big deal, Blaine. People watched you grow up. theres so much the world expects out of you. When they see you, and they see how rude you can be, its a little intimidating. No one knows how to treat you, because theyre afraid youll blow up at them."

"It keeps them away from me," Blaine told him. Temper rising, his face grew hot, "i prefer it that way. Its why I put up that attitude."

"And then you wonder why you dont have friends," Kurt mumbled.

"I dont wonder, I know. I was just informing you that youre the first person thats taken any interest in me," Blaine began pouring his mix into a bowl. He wasnt sure whether he was more frustrated that he let the conversation turn this way or that he knew Kurt was right.

"Can I ask you a question?" Kurt stepped closer to him. 

"Sure," Blaine said. He was mixing everything in the bowl harshly. Blaine hated admitting this to anyone. For so long, he had been able to act like he was stronger than he was. People avoided him without questions. Now that he had to admit that it was to keep people away, Blaine could feel himself losing that strength.

 His anger filled his entire body.His hand holding the spoon began to tremble. 

Kurt came over and grabbed Blaines shaking hand. Blaine froze, taking an unsteady breath. "Blaine," he whispered.

Taking several deep breaths, Blaine stared at the cake mix in the bowl. He couldnt look at Kurt, not now. He couldnt let Kurt see how much this conversation had bothered him. Weakness wasnt an option.

"Its okay," Kurt continued to speak softly. His smooth hands holding tightly to Blaines. His thumb gently brushed the back of Blaines hand. "Im sorry if I upset you."

"Im not upset," Blaine snapped.

"Blaine," Kurt said. He took his free hand and placed it under Blaines chin, turning Blaines face toward him. Their eyes met.  Kurts held a sorrowful tone. they were so full of understanding. 

"I hate that I push people away," Blaine said, barely above a whisper. 

"Do you want me to back off?" Kurt asked timidly. "I can be the one to walk away."

Shaking his head, Blaine said, "No." He didnt know what he wanted. He wasnt even sure he wanted Kurt to stay there. But the longer he stood in that spot, the longer Kurt comfortingly rubbed his thunb across Blaines knucles, gazing into his eyes, the more he was grateful someone was there to stop him from breaking down.

"what do you want?" Kurt finally asked.

He couldnt do this. Blaine hated feeling this vulnerable. He may have agreed to be Kurts friend, but he couldnt give into Kurt any more than that.

"I want to just let this go," Blaine pulled his hand away from Kurt. He began stirring the mix quickly.

"Blaine, please dont shut me out," Kurt remained where he was. He continued to watch Blaine with a sad look on his face. "You dont have to push me away too. Im your friend, right?"

"Were still taking this slow," Blaine said bluntly. "Doesnt mean I have to share anything with you."

Kurt threw his hands up in aggravation. "Blaine, you invited me over for dinner. I dont want to spend this dinner irritated with each other."

"Then let it go," Blaine snapped.

"Cant we enjoy ourselves?" Kurt replied.

Setting the cake pan in the oven, Blaine asked, "what did you have in mind?"

He turned back to face Kurt, who held the container of flour in his hand, "let loose, Blaine."

"Dont you dare," Blaine said forcefully.

With an amused smile, Kurt stepped forward and wiped flour on Blaines nose and both of his cheeks. "Friends are there to cheer you up, and Im telling you to have a little fun," he said.

Blaine seized Kurts wrist, holding the container steady. He reached in with his other hand and grabbed a handful. of flour. He raised his arm and sprinkled it on to Kurts perfectly styled hair. 

"Normally, Id resent you for messing up my hair, but Ill make an exception," Kurt laughed. He tore his hand away from Blaines and darted around the island with the flour in his hand. He tossed a fistful of flour toward Blaine, who shielded his face with his hands. 

"Kurt, stop," Blaine tried to say sternly. He let out a soft laugh, as Kurt dashed back around the island toward him. Blaine reached for the flour and Kurt pulled away, 

"Get your own weapon," Kurt hollered.

"Were done. Just stop," Blaine tried to put an end to it. It was distracting at first, but there was no need to continue.

"Here," Kurt handed him the flour. "Ill get my own weapon." He dodged around Blaine and ran to the sink. He reached for the hose and held it up.

"No," Blaine said. That drew a line. "Put it back."

Eyes bright, Kurt shot water out of the hose and drenched Blaine from head to foot. Blaine spluttered water out of his mouth and yelled, "Kurt! What the hell?"

"Okay, okay, Im sorry," Kurt bit back a laugh.

He had gone too far. Blaine was soaked, the kitchen was covered in flour and water, and Kurt still found it amusing. It wasnt funny.

"Im gonna go change," Blaine announced. He made his way into the bedroom and began searching for a new outfit. He quickly changed and  walked back into the kitchen, where Kurt was cleaning up the floor.

"Im sorry," he stood up. "I was just trying to lighten your mood."

"Its fine," he said. Blaine had already gotten worked up once. He wasnt going to let this bother him, not when Kurt was trying to help. He went back to the stove to check on his food. "Can you just do me a favor? Will you go into the cupboard on the right and get out a couple pates?"

"Sure," Kurt glided over to the cupboard and paused. "Youre really not mad?"

"No," Blaine replied. 

"Blaine?"

"Hmm," he hummed.

Hovering near the table, Kurt was staring at something across the room. He set the plates down, turning back to him and said, "do you play the piano?"

"Yes," Blaine said without looking up from his pan.

"I didnt know that," Kurt replied thoughtfully.

"I spend so much time alone that I needed something to occupy my time. i took up the piano a year and a half ago. I play it almost daily," he stepped away from the stove. "Im okay."

"Will you play something for me?" Kurt pleaded with his eyes. 

"I dont think so," Blaine shook his head. "Ive never played for anyone before."

"So why not test that out on a friend?" Kurt grabbed Blaines arm and dragged him into the living room. "Please?"

"Okay, okay," Blaine gave in. He knew Kurt wasnt going to give up, so he might as well please him. "This is something I started working on. You know the song Teenage Dream by Katy Perry?

They made their way to the piano. Blaine sat down, rolling up his shirt sleeves. He cleared his throat and placed his fingertips on the keys, mentally preparing himself for this. 

"Thats so Top 40s, Blaine. Im surprised," Kurt stood beside the piano, watching him.

"I slowed it down and made it more of a ballad," Blaine struck the first few chords and started singing, "You think Im pretty without any makeup on. You think Im funny when I tell the punchline wrong. I know you get me so I let my walls come down.  Down..."

He could fee his heart beating quickly against his rib cage. It took so much control to steady his hands. It was nerve-wracking to play for someone, especially now..

Kurts gentle face lit up in a smile when Blaine reached the chorus. His bright eyes never left Blaines face. By the time Blaine began the second verse, Kurt sat down on the bench next to him, still watching his face. Their eyes met and Blaine felt his heart skip a beat. He could see every freckle on Kurts face, hear his steady breath. It was mesmerizing, and Blaine couldnt look away.

"Let you put your hands on me in my skin tight jeans... be your teenage dream..." Blaine stopped at the end of the song, his own eyes pouring into Kurts.

"Tonight," Kurt whispered. A tear rolled down his cheek.

"Are you okay?" Blaine asked, pulling himself from his thoughts. He began to panic. "Why are you crying? Was it that bad/?"

Kurt reached over and grabbed his hand, "No, Blaine. it wasnt bad at all."

"it wasnt?"

"It was beautiful," Kurt wiped another tear from his eye. "I had no idea you had a voice so sweet." He gently squeezed Blaines hand. "Thank you for playing."

You really liked it?" Blaine asked.

His gaze never leaving Blaines face, Kurt reached his hand forward and brushed a little bit of flour off his cheek, "I really did."

They were so close, Blaine could feel Kurts cool breath against his cheek. a longing to remain that close consumed Blaine, and he shifted away from Kurt a little. This was too close. Kurt looked like he had been mesmerized by Blaines performance, as much as Blaine had been mesmerized by him... they couldnt go this far. Not now.

""Thanks," Blaine slowly pulled his hand away from Kurt.

"Im glad you found a talent in something so amazing, but its sad that you had to suffer to do so," Kurt scooted closer to him. His left leg was now touching Blaines leg. "No one should feel alone, Blaine. Not even you."

"I told you Im better off alone," Blaine avoided his eyes. He shut the lid to the piano, rising from the bench. He used the opportunity to check on the food as an excuse.

Kurt followed in a hurry. "No ones better off alone." He stopped in front of Blaine and quietly said, "I want to make you sure dont feel that pain. Thats what friends are for."

Kurt may have started to understand boundaries, but he hadnt fully understood that Blaine didnt want him too close. This dinner wasnt supposed to get this personal, and he had already showed Kurt more than he meant to. This was supposed to be simple. 

"Why do you even care so much?" Blaine blurted out before he could stop himself.

"What?" Kurt took a step back.

"You hardly know me!" Blaine said, his voice rising. "Yes, I agreed to be your friend, but that doesnt mean you can invade my privacy like this. I invited you into my home, not my feelings, Kurt. Stop trying to get information out of me."

Kurt gaped at him, unsure of what to say. "I-Im sorry," he whispered. "i... I thought we were connecting and - "

"Connecting?" Blaine said. "Theres no connection. This mission of yours was about you doing something nice for me. This dinner was about me extending that same kindness toward you. Nothing else."

"I didnt mean to over-step. I thought things were going fine," Kurts voice grew stronger. He was ready to defend himself.

Blaine didnt respond. Things had been going fine, until Kurt began messing with his feelings. This wasnt something Blaine was used to, and he didnt know how to handle it. It wasnt that things were wrong, it was simply a sensation Blaine wasnt used to. Was that really Kurts fault?

"I should go," Kurt walked over to the couch and grabbed his coat. "Im sorry things got so weird."

"No, dont.... Dont go," Blaine picked up a pan off the stove and set it on the counter. "Foods ready. Lets forget it, okay?"

"Okay..." Kurt pulled out a chair and sat down. "What do you want then?"

Blaine busied himself, setting everything on the table and finally sitting down himself. "I just want to enjoy a nice meal with no expectations," he said.

"Can I tell you about how nervous I am for my exams in a couple weeks?" Kurt began spooning salad on to his plate. "I have to fly back to New York in a couple days. I cant really miss much more school."

"What are you taking?" Blaine asked casually.

Kurt began telling him about the different music, dance, and acting classes he had been taking. He told him all about Carmen Tibideaux. and the different personality she had. It kept Kurt occupied, as well as Blaine.they no longer had to focus on his feelings. However, watching Kurt left something that tugged at the back of Blaines mind.

What was it about Kurt? Why were his eyes so captivating? What was it about his quiet voice that made Blaine keen to hear it more? Was he really having feelings for Kurt/ Or had Kurt just been messing with his mind too much?

"Thank you for dinner tonight," Kurt went to retrieve his jacket off the couch again "I should get going though. I didnt tell Rachel where I was, and shes going to start worrying if Im gone too long."

"well, thank you for coming," Blaine walked him to the door. He opened it for Kurt and added, "im sorry about earlier."

"Im not," Kurt smiled. "Im really glad I got to hear you play tonight."

"It was nothing," Blaine shrugged. "ill see you later."

Kurt turned to go before he stopped. Taking a deep breath, Kurt moved toward him and said, "Blaine?"

"Yes?" 

"I..." he paused. Blinking several times, he looked down at the ground. Inhaling another deep breath, he looked back at Blaine. "Im really glad we did this."

"Me too," Blaine said truthfully.

"Can I see you one more time, you know, before I head back to  New York?" he asked hopefully.

"Sure," Blaine said a little too quickly. He shook his head and tried again, "I mean, thatd be fine."

"Ill call you with the details," Kurt smiled. "Good night, Blaine."

"Good night, Kurt."

Blaine shut the door behind him, leaning against it. A small smile danced on his lips, and he swiftly crossed the room to the piano. His fingers ran smoothly across the keys. His heart felt lighter than it had in a long time.