Having only met Blaine once, Rachel had instantly seen the chemistry between them but she knew it was much more complicated than simply getting together. Kurt seemed to want to protect himself around Blaine, as if he worried his heart would break and Rachel felt a little protective towards her best friend here in New York. She knew that Kurt didn't really let anyone in easily and hadn't had any relationships beyond casual dating so to walk in to her apartment later that evening to the sight that met her eyes was quite a surprise.

She stopped just short of the sofa and watched quietly as Blaine and Kurt slept on. It had seemed that they had finished watching their movie as the credits were now running and although it looked like they had started just casually hugging, Kurt had clearly slipped so his head was now resting firmly on Blaine's chest. Blaine's breath was coming in ragged and on the exhale he was blowing over Kurt's hair, causing it to ruffle slightly. Kurt's cheeks looked sleep-warm and he was smiling. Rachel didn't make a habit of watching Kurt sleep but she had to admit that she had never seen him look so peaceful.

Without wanting to disturb them she covered them slightly in a blanket and tiptoed away, smiling to herself.

Blaine woke first and remained deadly still when he realised the position he was in and more importantly how tight Kurt was pressed into his side.

He wondered when a blanket had been put over the two of them and if he would be able to wriggle out of the suddenly overwhelming warmth of arms and coverings. He didn't want to wake Kurt so remained in the same position, hoping Kurt would wake soon too.

His arm was still tucked around Kurt's waist, Kurt's hair under his chin and he softly pressed his lips against the top of Kurt's head. He had time to think and look around as he waited and the thought of being so exposed to his own thoughts scared him slightly. Last night had been nice. A movie, snuggling, Kurt getting closer, tucking himself into his side. There had been kissing but more than that there had been casual conversation and laughing and finding out more. It was all so new to Blaine that as he half lay on the sofa, hearing and feeling Kurt breathe on his chest, he started to panic. He couldn't remember ever getting this close to anyone and it scared him that someone like Kurt had so easily gotten under his skin and stayed there. Blaine only knew models and perfection, he only understood the rush and party, the shoot and the runway and although Kurt was part of that world too, he was also set apart and clean. He was too pure for Blaine and what he had done with his life since he had become adored and admired. Blaine looked up to notice that he could see his reflection in the shiny black piano that he had played on earlier and although his face was just a blurry shape he could see enough to know that he looked stern and worried.

He started to think about the boy nestled in his side and how perfectly normal the night before had felt. Blaine had never really experienced anything remotely domestic, not even at home with his parents. Cooper was so much older, he had spent most of Blaine's teenage years in LA and his parents were so busy with their own high-flying careers that they were hardly home and allowed Blaine to live independently. Blaine had loved it at high school, his often empty house the perfect place for parties as long as he tidied up before his parents got home but now as he looked back, he realised he was just an incredibly lonely boy trying to fill the hours. He had never been any good at spending time alone and the coping techniques he had learnt as a teenager crept into his adult life too. Having sex had seemed like nothing to Blaine, just another way to pass the time and although he had lost his virginity to a sweet young guy who also had been new to the whole modelling industry, that too had seemed casual and just bros helping bros. Sex was uncomplicated as long as both parties knew the score; relationships were the tricky part even a friendship involved divulging new and private information. Blaine had only old friends who knew him from high school or casual acquaintances that didn't really know him at all. He kissed the top of Kurt's head again gently and realised that he had revealed more of himself to Kurt than anyone. Before he had any time to wonder what magical powers of persuasion Kurt had in his blue eyes, he could feel Kurt stir on his chest and murmur something muffled and cute as he woke.

Blaine remained perfectly still until Kurt seemed to realise who he was lying on and he got up tentatively, blinking awake adorably. He sat back and yawned slightly.

"Have you been awake long?" Kurt said, his voice a little croaky.

"Not that long," Blaine said, "I didn't want to disturb you."

"Did you put the blanket on us in the night?"

"No," Blaine said slightly worried at the implication.

"Oh I guess Rachel must be home."

"Right," Blaine said, a little startled and getting up to stand next to the sofa but now looming slightly over Kurt who remained seated. "I better be going then I guess."

Kurt's eyes widened in surprise then he seemed to understand and simply nodded.

"Right," Kurt said coldly, "I'll see you out."

He got up and made to start walking to the door but noticed that Blaine hadn't followed and he turned by the door to see Blaine had remained by the sofa, looking a little lost and confused.

"You're not going?" Kurt asked.

"No," Blaine said a little uncertain. He looked like he didn't quite recognise his own voice and had no idea what he was saying. "Can I stay for breakfast?"

Kurt let his mouth twitch slightly upwards into a smile. Blaine's hair was sticking up in places where he had rested on the sofa and he looked so small standing there, defenceless and vulnerable.

"Ok," Kurt said quietly feeling his guard coming down again and he started preparing batter for pancakes as he asked Blaine to make the coffee. They completed their assigned tasks in the kitchen relatively quietly, only exchanging preferences for breakfast foods and opinions on good coffee. Kurt allowed Blaine to adjust to this new situation, understanding more than Blaine gave him credit for and waiting patiently until they were eating pancakes and sipping coffee a little later.

"So who were your friends the other night? The ones you sang with?" Kurt asked conversationally.

"Guys from high school. We went to Dalton Academy together and sang in the Warblers. Nick's my agent now but I met him there too and he's my oldest friend."

"That's good," Kurt said, "You need someone you can trust in this business."

Blaine felt instantly guilty. He had treated Nick badly these last few days he knew, argued, shouted and basically acted like a right diva but the great thing was he knew that Nick was just looking out for him and always cared. He would need to apologise and make amends. Blaine soon started sharing Warbler stories and Kurt laughed in all the right places. Kurt mentioned his own glee club with all its politics and explained that it had given him some of the happiest times of his life. Nationals, trophies, friends, a purpose, a place to belong – it had made high school a lot easier to deal with and it had changed everything. Without it, Kurt would never have imagined he could have made a success out of anything, let alone modelling and he knew its importance. Sharing that with Blaine, who seemed to understand exactly what he meant, was a relief. Kurt had started to feel like he'd forgotten the importance of singing in his own life recently and he realised sadly how much singing had been hidden in the sidelines of his life.

Blaine found himself relaying his dreams when he had been at high school and Kurt laughed in understanding and revealed how similar his had been. Blaine's gaze softened as he stared at Kurt laughing, his eyes crinkling beautifully and his face alive. It was nice to share simple conversation with someone, relay dreams and ideas, share breakfast, help clear up and laugh. Blaine couldn't remember a time when he had felt so chilled.

"Any plans for the day?" Kurt asked after a while when despite the coffee he suddenly felt a little drowsy.

Blaine realised he had no plans for the next week and as he looked over at Kurt's expectant face – he'd asked a question and was awaiting an answer – Blaine thought of an amazingly crazy idea.

"No plans but how about a holiday?" Blaine asked in a rushed voice, suddenly aware of the ridiculous question and hoping Kurt hadn't heard. No such luck.

"A what?" Kurt asked, sure he'd misheard.

"A holiday," Blaine repeated, confidently ploughing onwards. "I need a holiday and I'm not working for the next week. What do you say?"

Blaine looked expectant. He knew the idea was crazy and that Kurt would have to be crazy to say yes but he continued to stare hopefully as Kurt considered his options. He didn't have any work in the next week either and the prospect of a holiday as an actual vacation and not a work holiday appealed greatly to Kurt but then he realised what he was considering – a holiday with a near stranger, someone that barely knew himself let alone whether he could be trusted. Kurt gulped.

Blaine became a little worried at the delay, the silence hovering over them like a cloud and his face fell. He brought the barriers up and smiled confidently, getting up from his comfy position at the kitchen table.

"Sorry stupid idea," Blaine said, "You barely know me, I get it. Well I'll probably go somewhere and see you around then Kurt at the next party or whatever..." His voice trailed away, noncommittally avoiding Kurt's gaze. He had nearly reached the door.

"Wait Blaine."

Blaine stopped, his heart stopped too.

"I'll go."

"You'll go?"

Breathing resumed.

"Yes," Kurt said simply, no emotion, nothing revealed, "I need a holiday too and it'll be nice to get away from New York. Where did you have in mind?"

"Italy," Blaine said off the top of his head. Kurt smiled.

"Sounds lovely."

It took no time at all to book the small villa and flights. It seemed when you had money and a few connections holidays were easy to book and although the villa was small, really only big enough for two, it was easily enough for their needs and it had two bedrooms.

Nothing was mentioned about sleeping arrangements but Kurt breathed slightly easier knowing he had that option for privacy. Blaine looked so carefree and excited about the idea of his first real holiday, no work, no hassle that Kurt hadn't wanted to bring up his concern. Their relationship was so new and undefined that Kurt worried it was merely paper-thin and would crumple with any storm. Sexual relations between them seemed a childish worry and Kurt didn't want to appear innocent but he also knew his father's voice was prevalent in his thoughts. He would not consider what Kurt was about to do a wise and considered choice.

Kurt knew he was crazy but something about Blaine, at least the Blaine he had seen last night and this morning and who had revealed so much more of himself over the last few weeks – that Blaine he knew he could trust and spend time with. He wasn't worried, in fact he knew he needed the break and Lake Como sounded perfect.

Flights booked for the following day, villa chosen and transfers sorted, all Kurt and Blaine had to do was plan and pack. Blaine said he would sort the taxi for the following day and they agreed times to meet. Blaine hovered by the door, not sure what to say or how to relay his gratitude that Kurt was coming with him after all. Kurt seemed to understand.

"I'm looking forward to it Blaine," Kurt said, stroking his arm comfortingly and Blaine felt his eyes close and a hum escape his mouth.

"I know this is crazy Kurt," Blaine said, still a little scared to open his eyes and catch Kurt's gaze, "But you do something to me and I just want to spend more time with you." He opened his eyes, his confession made and Kurt smiled.

"I know, me too," Kurt said but after a while he had to ask before Blaine left and the holiday started the following day. "What are we Blaine?" he whispered, blushing slightly.

Blaine looked over Kurt's face, so beautiful in its imperfections as well as it straight lines, chiselled cheekbones and piercing blue eyes that seemed to search Blaine now. Blaine could only be honest.

"I'd like us to be something Kurt," he said simply, "Anything you want but I need something."

Kurt smiled slowly, knowingly, his eyes twinkling.

"Can we try something important and life-changing? Can I see the real Blaine and kiss him and watch him come undone without the perfection and the beauty? Can we have that kind of something?"

Blaine considered what Kurt was saying and smiled slowly. That sounded scarily intimate and completely new and he felt suddenly like he was jumping.

"Yeah, that sounds perfect as long as you're there to catch me?"

Kurt nodded and grinned.