Birds were chirping across the lawn. Children were chasing each other around the people in the grass. Meanwhile, Kurt and Blaine sat on a blanket near the edge of the lawn, with a basket before them.

"You know this is really cheesy, right?" Kurt smiled through a bite of his sandwich. 

"I told you the theater was a better idea than this," Blaine laughed. ‘Mostly, I wanted a chance to talk to you, because I needed to apologize. I just didnt know what else to do. Apparently you know me better than I know you."

"Thats probably an accurate assumption," Kurt nodded, wiping his mouth on a napkin. "i have many dark secrets that you could never understand. Im probably too mysterious for you."

"I doubt that," Blaine rolled his eyes.

Kurt moved around the blanket, positioning himself next to Blaine. He leaned in close to him and quietly said, "I like simplicity, Blaine. Theres nothing wrong with this picnic. You did a wonderful job preparing it."

"Thank you," Blaine said.

"You know, I actually wish I knew you better," Kurt admitted. "I feel like theres so much more to you than youre showing me." He gently touched Blaines wrist with his fingertips. "I wish I could know you better."

"Well get there," Blaine said. "I have a hard time trusting people, Kurt. I like you, and you havent given me a reason to doubt you. Im just not sure Im ready to fully trust you yet."

"I can understand that," Kurt nodded. "I only have a handful of people I trust. Rachel, my dad, and Carole."

"Carole?"

"Shes my step-mom," Kurt smiled, taking his thoughts back to his home in Ohio. "My mom died a long time ago, and my dad married in the last couple years. I really love her. I cant imagine having anyone else in my dads life."

"Thats nice," Blaine said, pulling his arm away from Kurt. 

"Im sorry. I know your mom is..." he trailed off.

"Its fine, its nothing. I dont talk to her anymore," Blaine shook his head. "We got into a big argument after my dads funeral. She wanted me to come back to Ohio with her, but I told her that if she wanted anything to do with me, she had to straighten out first. She never did, so I guess she just dont give a shit."

"Wait - what?" Kurt said, startled. "I didnt know..."

"What?" Blaine raised his eyebrows.

"Your dad," Kurt said slowly. He had never mentioned anything about his dad passing away. Kurt was surprised that he brought it up so suddenly. Was it something he had purposely kept from Kurt? If so, why did he?

Blaine slapped his forehead. "I didnt mean for that to come out," he mumbled. "Thats exactly what I was talking about. I wasnt ready to tell you anything." He began frantically tossing things in the picnic basket.

"Its okay, you dont have to tell me anything. Ive told you that," Kurt grabbed the top of the basket and shut it. "Dont turn from me now, Blaine. You cant shut me out every time you get too close."

Blaine tossed the remainder of the contents in the basket and stood up. "You keep doing this to me," he said. "You keep luring me into these conversations, and things just slip out. I didnt want to talk about it. Ive never talked about it to anyone, and ‘m not going to now, just because you think I should open up."

He went to tug on the blanket and Kurt held his ground. He sat there, legs crossed, looking up at Blaine with concern in his eyes. "Come on, dont do this. I told you, we dont have to talk about it," he pleaded for Blaine to understand. it was so frustrating that he tried shutting Kurt out every time he said more than he wanted to. 

"I just want to go. This was a mistake," Blaine tried pulling the blanket again. "Get off," he snapped.

"Im not going anywhere until you listen to me," Kurt protested, crossing his arms over his chest. They couldnt get into an argument every time Blaine felt vulnerable. He had a lot of anger built up, and Kurt wanted to work through that. It wasnt going to do Blaine any good to keep it bottled up. 

"Damn it, Kurt get off the blanket," Blaine yelled.

"Would you just listen to me?" Kurt shot back, raising his voice.

"What?" Blaine asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Kurts tone had caught him off guard..

Standing up, Kurt grabbed Blaines arm and replied, "Were not doing this here. Come with me." He picked up the blanket, while Blaine grabbed the basket. They made their way back to the bustle of the city in silence. Blaine looked furious, but Kurt didnt bother him. He knew that Blaine was more angry with himself than Kurt, so he wanted to give him time to his thoughts before he confronted him again.

He hailed a cab back to his apartment. Grabbing Blaines hand, Kurt led him through the entrance hall and into the elevator. They remained silent until Kurt unlocked his front door.

"Why are we here?" Blaine asked.

"Hey, Kurt!" Elliot called from the kitchen.

"Hey, I brought someone Id like you to meet," Kurt said, pulling Blaine into the kitchen. Elliot was standing near the stove, making dinner. He raised his eyebrows at the sight of Kurt holding Blaines hand but didnt question. "Elliot, this is Blaine. Elliots my roommate I told you about. Blaine is Rachels co-star."

""Oh yeah, youre that guy from Better Brothers," Elliot said, holding out his hand for Blaine to take. Blaine simply glared at it, and Elliot retreated.. "Its a little weird having you in my kitchen right now." He laughed, taking a step back at the sight of Blaines stern face.

"Were gonna head into my room. We need to talk," Kurt gave Elliot a quick wave and dragged Blaine toward his room. "Im glad you two finally met."

"Why are we here?" Blaine asked again, clearly not comfortable with the subject of Elliot.

"Because I want to talk to you without people around. People stare, Blaine, and I dont want to give them a reason to talk. I know youre not... ready for all that," Kurt reassured him. 

"Theres nothing to talk about. I told you were not discussing my dad any further," he said.

"I want to discuss our relationship," Kurt told him.

"Oh."

He sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to him. "Come sit down. You might as well get comfortable." He waited, while Blaine stood near the door, hesitating.

"Okay," he finally gave in, siting down next to Kurt.

"You know, I wasnt pressuring you to tell me anything about your dad," Kurt said quietly. "I know were close, and I care about you. I want to continue to be close to you, but this isnt a commitment, Blaine. If you dont like where this is going, dont force it on yourself. You have to do things at your own pace."

"I dont want you to feel like this isnt what I want," Blaine admitted.

"Then what do you want?" Kurt entwined his fingers with Blaine.

"I feel so weak around you," Blaine said, gently squeezing Kurts hand. "I feel like I dont know how to be strong around you. I look at those eyes and I find myself losing my thoughts. I start saying things I dont mean to say, and I want to tell you more, but I cant. I have to stop myself, because I have to protect myself. I told you I have trust issues, and i cant just tell you all my secrets."

"Blaine," Kurt whispered. 

"I feel so stupid. I dont know why my brain turns to mush around you," Blaine continued to ramble.

Placing a finger to his lips, Kurt said, "Its okay to feel vulnerable. If anything, it shows me that you do trust me to an extent, and thats all I need. Ive seen you cry, Blaine. I know youre not the strongest person in the world. I know youre haunted by your past, and thats why you try to act strong." Stroking Blaines cheek with the back of his hand, he added, "you dont have to be strong for me."

"You dont think Im too weird for it?" Blaine asked, leaning in to Kurts touch.

"Were friends, Blaine," Kurt said, barely above a whisper. "Im here for you, just like I want you to be here for me."

"I like being close with you," Blaine pressed his forehead to Kurts.

"I want to be closer to you," Kurt kissed him deeply. His hand moving down to Blaines shoulder. He rubbed a few circles, while Blaines hand came up to meet his. He grabbed it and squeezed it, pulling it down to his side. He then took Kurts waist and pulled him closer, leaning back on the bed. Kurt laid down next to him, wrapping his arm around Blaines torso. he could feel the tension in Blaines face relax. 

Breaking the kiss, Blaines hazel eyes found his and he smiled, "I Why do I feel like I should be able to trust those blue eyes?"

"Because these blue eyes chose to befriend you. These blue eyes made the commitment to help you, to make sure you dont feel alone in this crazy, messed up world," Kurt brushed a curl off his forehead.

"Its not a commitment," Blaine reminded him.

"Can I make you a commitment?" Kurt whispered. "I want you to feel like you can trust me, Blaine. I want you to know that I care about you, and I dont think I could hurt you if I tried."

"And when I drive you crazy, youll want to break that commitment. I dont think its a good idea," Blaine replied. "well both end up hurting. If were not committed to anything, no one has to get hurt."

Kurt nuzzled Blaines cheek with his nose, "I dont care. I dont think I could give up on you that easily. I chose this path, and I cant back off of it now."

"I cant do this," Blaine tried to sit up but Kurt threw his arm around him, pulling him back down. "Okay, Im sorry. Too soon," he said, hugging Blaine tightly. "But I do want to protect you from harm. I want to earn your trust."

"You can do that without committing to it. You dont have to feel like its something you have to do. Choosing is a choice, not a rule," Blaine took his hand again, easing into his side.

"Is it because of me or is it something bigger?" Kurt asked, tracing Blaines arm with his finger. 

"What?"

"Are you afraid of getting close to me, because youre afraid Ill hurt you? I didnt know if it was that or..." he hesitated. "Because youre afraid to tell the world that youre gay."

"What? No, its not. I promise its not you," Blaine said quickly.

"So its the media."

"Kind of," Blaine shrugged. "I mean, Im not ready for anyone to know yet, but Im also not sure I want to be anything but friends with you. I dont know how to be someones boyfriend."

"Neither do i," Kurt chuckled. "We can figure it out together."

"And when people start talking?" Blaine asked.

"Do you really think people are going to talk?" Kurts hand stopped moving. He glanced into Blaines eyes. They were full of concern, and Kurt hated seeing those eyes so stressed. It was so much worse than the way they lit up at the theater the previous day.

"I think they already have, and I want to use this weekend to stop those rumors. I just cant deal with the rumors flying around," Blaine said. "Its got nothing to do with you. Its my own pride Im afraid of hurting."

Wrapping his arm around Blaines waist, Kurt pulled him close to his body and whispered into his ear, "I dont want you to hurt at all. Im willing to take things slow with you."

"Your friendship and comfort is enough for now," Blaine said.

Then thats what Ill give you," Kurt smiled, holding Blaine close. He let out a yawn. "Ill be here for you as long as you need me."

"Thank you," Blaine rested his head on Kurts chest and remained there for a long time. Kurt wasnt sure if he was still awake, but he didnt bother him. Instead, he slowly rubbed circles on Blaines arm, as he started drifting off to sleep...

 Kurt woke with a start. He realized someone was next to him and he paused, trying to make out who was there, before it came back to him. "Blaine," he whispered, a smile on his lips. He looked down at the sleeping figure next to him. He was breathing slowly, his chest lightly rising and falling. Blaines arm was wrapped around Kurts waist, his head still on his chest. His calm face looked so angelicagainst the light of the lamp on the nightstand.

Gently kissing his forehead, Kurt smiled happily. He couldnt remember the last time he felt so at peace.

"Kurt?" he heard Rachel whisper through the darkness. "Are you awake?"

"Why did I ever give you a spare key to my apartment?" Kurt moaned, realizing she had woken him..

She came in, sitting down at the foot of the bed. Her eyes fell on the image before her. Blaine was nestled against Kurt, so close. She grinned, "you two are awfully cute together."

"Shut up," Kurt hissed.

"You know, Blaines gonna have to get up early today. Weve got somewhere to be in a little bit. We have to deal with a little bit of press, before we get ready for Upfront tonight," she beamed.

"Is that today?" Kurt groaned, knowing hed have to spend the whole day away from Blaine.

"Yes!" Rachel said, a little too loudly.

Blaine moaned, rubbing his face against Kurts shirt. "Too early," he said groggily.

"Good morning, sleepy-head.," Rachel chirped.

"What the - " Blaine sat up. "Where am i?" He glanced around, his eyes finding Kurt. "Oh," he blushed.

Blaine actually blushed. Kurt felt his heart skip a beat.

"Weve got a busy day ahead of us, Blaine! Lets get moving," she clapped her hands. 

"Give us a minute?" Kurt asked, giving her a dirty look. It worked, she bowed out, telling Blaine she would wait in the living room for him. Kurt grabbed  a loose thread off his blanket, twirling it around his fingers nervously, "Sorry about her."

"Shes just excited," Blaine said, avoiding his gaze.

"I dont regret this," Kurt said heavily. "I know youre not ready to get... serious or anything, but I like our friendship. I like that I can feel so close to you."

"Without committing to it, yeah," Blaine nodded. "Well, I should get going. I need to get back to my hotel and shower... Get ready for the day." He rose from the bed and placed his hands in his pockets. "Ill see you later."

"Have fun tonight," Kurt smiled.

Tweets were pouring in later that evening. Kurt was scrolling through this timeline, watching people get excited over Upfront. He noticed his own friends chatter over it.

@BlaineAnderson: Looking forward to Upfronts tonight with @RachelBerry! 

@Rachelberry: Going to have so much fun with @BlaineAnderson tonight! :) <3

 And here Kurt was, sitting alone in his New York apartment, while Elliot sat beside him watching a movie.

Blaine told me earlier that he wanted to clear up rumors about his sexuality this weekend," Kurt told Elliot casually, glancing closer at his laptop screen.

"Does that have anything to do with the way hes tweeting tonight?" Elliot asked, peering over his shoulder.

"I dont know..." Kurt said. "Hes so sensitive about this whole sexuality thing, and I understand that. It just bothers me, because he wont commit to being my boyfriend, because hes so afraid of the media."

"He shouldnt worry so much about what other people think," Elliot got up from the couch to make himself some popcorn. "I mean, sooner or later, falling in love is going to happen and people will find out."

"Coming out isnt any easy thing," Kurt said. "I dont want to rush him into anything."

"You just want him to let go of fear and be your boyfriend," Elliot finished.

"Yeah," Kurt said flatly.

"Hmm," Elliot replied.

Posts began to flood in over time, as Elliots movie began to play quietly in the background. Kurt found himself on Tumblr, following Blaines tag out of curiosity.

"The guy worries so much about the media. Should you really be following him on social media? Youre not just a fan anymore, Kurt. You cant keep acting like one," Elliot said, peering over his shoulder..

"Yeah, youre right," Kurt agreed. He moved the mouse across the screen to exit when his fingers froze. A new post began circulating that caught his attention.

He licked on the video, where Rachel and Blaine were being interviewed together. The stood next to each other, his arm around her shoulder. Rachel was smiling, and Blaine began listening to the interviewers question.

",You two were seen the other day holding hands. Tonight, you look very comfortable together. Is there.... something going on here?" her high voice pierced Kurts ears.

"Blaine and I have become very close," Rachel cut in, just before Blaine began to speak. "As co-stars, its hard not to become very good friends." She winked at the camera.

"Is that all?" the woman asked.

"Were still in the stages of getting to know each other, but I see Rachel lasting in my life for a long time," Blaine turned to look at Rachel, smiling at her.

"I agree," Rachel said, leaning over, she kissed his cheek, letting out a soft giggle.

"Well, were looking forward to seeing that chemistry come out on screen together," the interviewer said. "Do you find it easier to be on set together, knowing your chemistry is that real?"

"Well- "

"Oh yes," Rachel interrupted Blaine again. "Our chemistry is very real. Im so happy to be working with Blaine every single day. We cant wait to do this all the time."

"Is the feeling mutual, Blaine?" 

"Absolutely," Blaine forced a smile. 

"They cant be serious," Kurt spat at the computer. "They cant stand each other. Rachel still tells me that Blaine acts like a jerk around her, and he told me before that he doesnt really like her."

"Its obviously an act for the public," Elliot had paused the movie to watch the video.

"Yeah, but that doesnt seem right. Blaine has done nothing but hide from the public.How dare he tell me we need to hide our relationship, ad then flaunt a fake relationship with my best friend." Kurt shut his laptop angrily. "I really thought he was changing. I thought he was learning to be honest with himself, with others. i cant believe he would do this."

"Well, what About Rachel?" Elliot asked.

"Oh, she would do anything for attention," Kurt waved the comment off. he sighed, "Im just disappointed. in Blaine. I really thought he was different. I gues I didnt realize how serious he was when he said he had to protect his pride."

Elliot pulled out his own phone and started reading. "Look at this," he began reading. "People are already talking. ‘OMG theyd be so cute together! ‘Raine forever. ‘Could they be any cuter? I ship them so hard." he laughed.

"Shut up," Kurt tried taking the phone from Elliot, who pulled away. "Give me the phone." 

"No," Elliot jumped up. He glanced back at the screen and read, "Anyone who doesnt ship Raine needs to jump off a ship. Theyre my new OTP... These kids are crazy."

"Elliot, stop," Kurt dived after him, trying to stop him from reading any more messages. He didnt want to hear it. It was bad enough that Blaine was keeping him at a distant. He didnt need to know that Rachel was another block between them.

"Do you honestly think you can deal with these crazy teenagers girls when they do find out youre dating him? I mean," he paused, looking at his screen. ‘Some already suspect."

"What?" Kurt dodged after him again.

"One girl asked, ‘what happened to the guy at the beach? Someone argued that Blaine is with Rachel, hes obviously not interested in some guy from the beach. People already saw you together, Kurt," Elliot said seriously.

"So?"

"Its just that... not all these comments about Rachel are nice. Even as her best friend, I dont think you should see what theyre saying about her," Elliot still held the phone away from him. "I dont want to see you get hurt in the same way. its a tough business out there, and youre already an outsider to it."

"I can handle it. People may suspect, but they dont know anything," Kurt clenched his hands in to fists " Blaine already cleared up rumors by proving hes with Rachel. I dont need to be protected."

"I just think youre jumping into the spotlight too quickly. You belong here in New York. its a vicious game out there, and youre going to get hurt sooner or later," Elliot argued.

"What do you want me to do?" Kurt shouted. "Stay here and hide all my life? Hide behind a name in the fashion industry, while I marry some lawyer who thinks hes more successful where it matters?"

"I can keep you safe. I know you better than he does. You wouldnt have to worry about anyone hurting you, if you gave me a chance," Elliot pleaded with his eyes. "He may seem harmless, but no one in Hollywood is harmless. I dont want to see you get hurt." Elliot stepped closer. "You have to be realistic about this, Kurt. Relationships built in Hollywood dont last."

"Blaines different," Kurt muttered.

"They all think theyre different,t" Elliot was co close. Kurt could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage. "Come on, Ive been the most real thing in your life since you left Ohio. Rachel hasnt supported you. She only cares about herself. Santana walked out, leaving you alone. Its only a matter of time before Blaine remembers that his image is more important to him than anything. This stunt with Rachel can show you that. He isnt willing to take your feelings into consideration, but I can do that. " 

"Blaine cares about me," Kurts voice shook. He felt like he couldnt think straight. What was happening?

"I could give you something real," Elliot whispered, placing his hand on Kurts cheek. He leaned in, kissing Kurt. 

Pushing Elliot away from him, Kurt shouted, "No! Damn it, Elliot. I like, Blaine."

"Hes not your boyfriend," Elliot protested. "He refuses to be your boyfriend."

"It doesnt matter," Kurt stormed toward the door. "I like him, Elliot. I really like him, and you are not getting in the middle of this now. You had your chance and you blew it." He swung the door open and slammed it shut behind him, heading out into the cool, rainy night.

"Where are you?" he called Rachel, when he had walked so far, he realized he didnt know where he was going.

"After party. Ill text you the details. Well meet up, and we can go somewhere," Rachel paused. "Kurt are-  are you okay? You sound like youre crying."

"Im fine. Just give me the address," Kurt said, trying to hide the weakness in his voice.. 

He caught a cab and got to the building as soon as he could. The sidewalks were packed, and a large bouncer was hovering near the door. He sent Rachel a text message, telling her know he was there. Moments passed and she didnt come out.

The rain began to pick up and Kurt hugged himself, feeling chilled. he was so angry at Rachel and Blaine for using their fake relationship as a way to hide the truth from the media. He was upset with Blaine for being so distant out of fear. He was furious with Elliot for trying to interfere, when he knew how much Blaine meant to Kurt. A longing for Blaine made Kurts chest ache.

It was Blaine he spotted first, dragging Rachel by the hand. Startled, he felt an impulse to make a move. People were taking pictures like crazy. A fire inside Kurts chest was the only thing that gave him the courage to do this. Blaine had to know that he wasnt going to let fear break the bond they had.

Kurt stormed up the sidewalk, heading right for Blaine.

"Hey, Kurt," he smiled sweetly.

Kurt grabbed him by the shoulders, and pulled him up against his body, giving him a deep kiss.

Cameras flashed, Blaines eyes widened in surprise, and Kurt could feel his stomach flip. He deepened the kiss, running his hands down Blaines waist, where he rested them in that familiar position.

"Stop," Blaine hissed.

"Youre mine, Blaine Anderson. Im not letting anything come between us, no matter what," he breathed heavily.

Blaines eyes widened with surprise. He stared at Kurt, his mouth slightly open, and Kurt stared back, feeling like he could hardly breathe. 

Cameras continued to flash and chatter began to hum through the crowd. Kurt and Blaine held each others gaze. Neither of them seemed to know how to react to this.