Kurt met Blaine outside his hotel the next morning with warm muffins and coffee, the smell hitting Blaines nostrils nearly as soon as the image of Kurt in a scarf and light jacket.

"I dont think Ill ever get used to the weather change here," Blaine said shaking his head and giving Kurt a hug in greeting.

"I dont think Ill ever get used to hugging you," Kurt said, laughing as they parted. Blaines face fell slightly though he breathed in the coffee and a smile appeared again as it was handed to him. "I mean Im so used to seeing you on a computer screen and only two-dimensional that it still feels odd to touch you now."

"You dont do hugs?"

"No, not really. I hug my dad and I used to hug Finn but no one else really. I guess I hug when someones upset but I dont generally like it."
"Oh well I guess Im the same really," Blaine said, thinking it through. "I only hug people Im close to though I dont hug my parents and I dont really remember hugging anyone at high school." Blaine looked confused and he hadnt realised hed stopped on the sidewalk. "Actually, I only really hug you." He looked directly at Kurt. "Is that odd?"
"No, no of course not," Kurt said hurriedly though inside his stomach was twirling. Blaine only hugged him!

"It feels natural with you, even though weve only just met."

"I get it Blaine, but really weve known each other a lot longer."

"Yeah, exactly," Blaine said nodding happily. "So what should we do today?"

"I thought wed visit a beach," Kurt said, "Get the full California experience. I know its an hour drive but Malibu beaches are fantastic and great photo opportunities."

"Sounds amazing," Blaine said excitedly, "Do you need help driving?"
"No its ok, as I know where Im going, but that also means I get to choose the music."

"Ah jeez whizz," Blaine said, looping his arm in front of him as if it was a hardship. Kurt laughed.

"I dont know if we share the exact same taste in music," Kurt said warningly.

"Im sure well find out."

Kurts driving playlist consisted of show tunes that would have Santana complaining loudly or songs that were just made for long open roads when the sun was shining. There didnt seem to be a song they disagreed on and Blaine, showing he knew them well, sang most of them loudly.

"Ive missed this," Blaine said after Pinks Perfect had been sung. "I dont get to sing in my dorm really, Brad would think Id gone mad."

"You dont get to sing?"
"Well at NYADA of course and in the shower," Blaine smirked but he would have no idea the image that came unbidden to Kurts mind. Water cascading down a lightly tanned chest, curls wet and dripping. Kurt swallowed loudly.

"Do you like to sing outside of AMDA?"
"I dont get loads of opportunities but living with Rachel has to include singing around our apartment and we go to bars every so often, AMDA hangouts where we sing. I guess once its in your blood you have to sing."

"I dont think I have that in New York, I dont know enough people, I dont go out enough. It would definitely be improved if you came to visit." Blaine laughed but Kurts face fell.

"Id love to but I dont think I could afford it until Spring Break."
"But thats fantastic!" Blaine exclaimed, "You could visit for the whole of Spring Break."
"You wont be going home?"

"No," Blaine shook his head; "I pay for my dorm all year round so I may as well get my moneys worth. I dont know if Id be terribly welcome at home either."

"Thats horrible."

"I offended them by not spending Christmas with them though I thought it would be easier. It looks bad to other people though and its very important that they at least play the part of loving parents."

"Whats it like when youre there?"
"We go out for fancy meals, they ask what New York is like and what Ive been doing to further my career. They dont acknowledge that Im gay but they do accept that I want to be a professional singer, perhaps on Broadway. They just think I should already be making strides to get there."

"Well maybe you could turn their ambition for you to your advantage. You could follow their advice and see where it leads you."
"You think I should audition already?" Blaine was taken aback.

"Why not? Rachel has been auditioning and although she doesnt have a part yet shes been in student plays and is using her time wisely. I dont always like her way of doing things but she definitely has drive."
"And you think I dont?"
Blaine was sad and Kurt immediately backtracked.

"Oh no, I didnt mean it like that, I promise," he said, "I think your confidence holds you back not your talent. I think the world is missing out."
"Im not that good," Blaine said sheepishly as his cheeks warmed up.

"You are Blaine," Kurt said sincerely. "I love that you had the confidence to dance on a stage outside and play piano in a park. I love that you sang a song to help me sleep. Music heals and does wonders for your confidence. You did that."
"But I couldnt have done all those things without you. I mean you sang on the subway, you believed in me, you gave me the confidence to do all those things."

"Well Im glad," Kurt said finally, accepting the praise for what it was. "I mean your song for Christmas was a lovely way to show all of that."

The mention of the song that Blaine had sung, after two eggnog at his piano in his dorm on Christmas evening, gave Blaine a jolt and he sat up straighter.

"You liked it?" Blaine whispered.

"Are you kidding Blaine?" Kurt almost screeched. "I loved it. It was perfect and sweet and a great end to such a day. I just felt sad you spent it on your own."
"Oh I was ok," Blaine said, noncommittally, "I spent it with you in some ways."

"Well I wont let you spend Spring Break on your own, Ill come to New York and we can visit my dad in LA if you like?"
"Youd want me to meet your dad?"

"Of course, Ive mentioned you already and theyre going to love you, Im sure."

Blaine felt a little overwhelmed with all this new information and planning but Kurt seemed oblivious as he drove onwards. There was a lull in conversation where their thoughts took them outside the window and into the future until Blaine whispered a confession that momentarily took Kurts breath away.

"I sang that song for you," Blaine whispered so quietly, Kurt thought he could still hear the birds outside. "On Christmas day. It was for you, every word."
The admission caused Kurts heart to still in his chest though his eyes stayed resolutely fixed on the road ahead. He had hoped that the song was meant for him, that the words showed so much more than just a simple wish for Kurt to enjoy his Christmas. But as the weeks wore on and they didnt discuss it again, it had seemed to Kurt that the moment had passed and they remained friends, which was the most important thing. The idea of explaining it all, telling Kurt the truth, had Blaines stomach in knots as he held his breath now, waiting for Kurts reply.

They had gotten closer to the beach that Kurt had in mind but although they were still a few miles from El Matador they were approaching Surfrider beach and Kurt parked the car without saying a word. The sea was a dark blue, its waves lapping at the sand like gentle white horses, and still silent Kurt came closer to the sand as the grass came away. The pier was in the distance and he sat down on the grass, his feet touching the sand as he took off his boat shoes.

"Please say something," Blaine begged quietly, Kurt still looking resolutely ahead but his face changed and he suddenly looked kinder.

"I thought you might have forgotten that night," Kurt said quietly. "I thought maybe you never wanted it to be acknowledged."

"I did, I just didnt know how to say it," Blaine said feeling pathetic and small.

Kurt looked at his glasses that were just that little bit too big and smiled. "It was a beautiful way to say it," Kurt said.

"I would never have had the courage to say it without those eggnogs inside me but I never regretted singing the song."

"And you mean it?" Kurt said, his eyes searching Blaines, hoping and begging it to be true.

Blaine could feel his head nod as if it was completing the action without his prior consent but he knew the moment needed more. He would have to be brave and admit those words without song, without suggestion.

"Kurt, I have been feeling differently towards you recently," Blaine began, his golden honey-coloured eyes fixed on Kurt. "And I guess this trip just confirmed what I knew to be true all along." He took a deep breath, as Kurt seemed to hold his.

"I think Im falling in love with you."
Kurts eyes widened only slightly but his mouth felt like glue.

As the silence stretched on, Blaines expression turned to resignation and he sighed.

"Id like to be friends above all though," he said, "Dont worry about things being awkward, I wont mention it again." He started to get up, brushed the grass from his pants and turned to face where the car had been parked. He didnt notice Kurt had gotten up too. "Maybe itll be easier when I go back to New York," Blaine carried on until a warm hand touched his elbow and he turned to see Kurts face extremely close to his own.

"Oh."

Kurt laughed and its musicality made the blood in Blaines veins sing.

"You should stop talking so much," Kurt whispered, his breath tickling Blaines lips. He leant in closer to remove Blaines glasses and just took a moment to appreciate Blaines warm eyes before he pressed his lips against his. Blaine let his eyes adjust, Kurts face coming into focus as he responded and continued the kiss. Kurt sighed as they parted.

"I think Im falling for you too," Kurt said smiling shyly and right then and there, Blaine felt like flying and jumping up and down. He had so thought they would just remain friends. They kissed again, tentatively letting their tongues meet as Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurts waist to hold him closer.

Once they discovered this mutual interest it wouldnt stop and they explored the sides of their bodies with wandering hands feeling soft, warm skin as they kissed again and again. Blaine looked gloriously kissed as they parted after about half an hour, his lips cherry red and his cheeks flush with the breeze. Kurt smiled.

"You look so gorgeous," Kurt whispered, mesmerised by the sight before him, which caused Blaine to blush.

They decided to continue their journey to El Matador beach a bit further up the coast but hands were entwined the whole way, with each of them sneaking glances at the other every so often as Kurt continued to drive. It felt like a dream, a great romantic dream where people meet their loves randomly on the internet and never part. They walked El Matador when they had parked up, holding hands appreciating the scene before them and taking in the gentle breeze and the sunshine. Blaine knew he had never felt happier. They ate at a little café there, talking about this and that, everything suddenly much more in the light of love, and nothing could burst their bubble.

That was until they walked back to the car and Blaine realised he would be leaving for New York in the morning. Kurt noticed his expression change.

"Whats wrong?"

"Im going home tomorrow."

Kurts face changed too. "Oh."

"That doesnt change anything does it? I mean we can still talk just as much? Still move in each others lives?"
"Of course," Kurt said, "Nothing has to change."

Blaine stopped him by the car and pushed him slightly so his back rested on the side.

"I wont be able to do this though," Blaine said, kissing him on the cheek sweetly. He continued to kiss along his jaw until their lips met again. "I wont be able to kiss you, and hold you and touch you, like this."

Blaine tried desperately to touch and feel what he could as if committing it to memory and Kurt felt his heart stutter in his chest.

"We have a few hours," Kurt whispered, as he struggled to control the moan in his throat. "Lets make the most of them."

True to Kurts word, they raced back to Blaines hotel and spent the evening ordering room service and enjoying each others company. They watched a movie snuggled together on Blaines bed and kissed and touched when they could. It was easier for Kurt to stay, to sleep against Blaines chest and sleepily text Rachel that he wouldnt be home that night, knowing she was probably squealing with glee and he would have to explain when he got home.

The morning came too quickly and Kurt helped Blaine pack in silence as they wandered around the room. They picked up final coffees and breakfast muffins, taking their time getting to the airport and checking in slowly as if they could halt time. But soon it was time for Blaine to board and Kurt had to let his hand go.

"Ill skype when I get home," Blaine said, "No matter how late."

Kurt nodded.

"And youll visit at Spring Break?"

Kurt smiled at the thought and nodded again. Blaines expression softened and he kissed Kurt on the cheek gently.

"Itll pass quickly Im sure," Blaine said, "Its not goodbye."

"I know," Kurt said, "Im never saying goodbye to you."
Blaine hugged him close as his flight was announced and he had to board. It was such a tight hug, Kurt feeling truly enveloped, that when Blaine parted from him, he felt the coldness and rushed forward to kiss him one last time.

"Im not saying goodbye," Blaine said as he walked closer to the door. "Ill say au revoir." And he waved one last time, blew a kiss and he was gone.

Kurt stood there for a while, thinking about how the trip had gone in a completely different way to what he expected and although he felt sad that Blaine was going, he knew he would see him soon and skype would just have to do for now.