He tried really hard not to think about him. He went home, cooked dinner for the family, asked how everyone’s days had been, went online to order his books for Fall, but his mind kept drifting back to Blaine’s ass. It was interspersed with flashes of his smile and his eyes and his arms, but it kept rolling (appropriately enough, considering the rolling movement was exactly what he couldn’t stop thinking about), back to the butt. He wondered how practical it could be for a construction worker to wear jeans that tight, how he could possibly do any heavy lifting wearing anything that constricting, but Kurt knew he’d worn far tighter and achieved far more difficult positions. Still. There was obviously so much under that denim as it had swayed enticingly out of the shop; he was amazed the fabric hadn’t burst under the pressure. But maybe his imagination was running away with him. He’d only seen the guy for a few seconds up close. He’d probably blown it out of proportion.

One thought of ‘blowing’ and his mind was gone, and within a few clicks he’d left amazon.com behind and was watching something with extra vocalising to make up for its lack of plot and character development. He barely paid attention as his hand drifted south, and he pictured those hands on pliant, meaty flesh, nails digging into skin and muscles clenching as that whole body was flush against him, pushing into him…

Before he realised what he was doing, he felt the movements of his hand speeding up, stroking himself in time with the blurs on the screen, stifling his own groans as he came, his cheeks flushed and his hand and thighs suddenly sticky.

“Fuck.”

He wriggled uncomfortably out of his jeans, grabbing a couple of tissues to wipe himself clean.

Initial contact to fantasy in under twelve hours. Must be a new record.

He’d been ogling him through the window for a couple of weeks, and the ass had been perfectly visible then, but somehow he had the personality to complement it. It was easier when Kurt could pretend it was just some clueless builder, a straight meathead in an ugly yellow helmet for him and Rachel to giggle over at work. Now he was smart and funny and he’d even had Kurt at a loss for words. His personality shared his butt’s bouncy roundness. Figuratively.

Kurt frowned. He’d stopped making sense again, and the guy wasn’t even there. Which was probably a good thing, because if that was in his bedroom, he’d probably never let it leave. He remembered, however, that he’d told Blaine that he was very good at being gay. Unless he was incredibly suggestible, it was unlikely that anything was going to happen now.

He felt almost sprightly as he walked to work the next day. It was early enough not to be hot yet, and he was sure a good night’s sleep would calm him down.

An hour into his shift, and he knew he was wrong.

The dancing was fine. It was actually normal for the three of them; three natural performers working together in a confined space almost always ended up in an accidental show behind the counter. Kurt had an arm looped around Santana’s waist, pushing their hips together as Lady Gaga played from Rachel’s iPod, possibly a little louder than necessary. They had to drown out the drilling somehow.

“I wanna kiss you…” Kurt crooned at the girl in his arms as she laughed helplessly when she was meant to be singing too, “Tana, if you don’t do this right then I’m going to make you do some work.”

She pulled herself together.

“But if I do, then I might miss you babe,” she sung back to him, throwing a leg over his hip. He held onto her thigh and dipped her until her hair touched the floor. The store was empty and there was no need for the three of them to be at the register. Any other employees would get in trouble, told to do something useful, but Jenny was in charge today.

Rachel joined in singing, giving Kurt a pinch on ‘got my ass squeezed by sexy cupid’, making him jerk up so that Santana lost her balance and had to grab onto a shelf to stop herself falling over.

“Rachel!”

“Kurt!”

“It was her fault!”

“You should be able to handle somebody pinching your ass; it’s no excuse to drop me.”

He stooped down slightly to make sure she was okay, and Rachel took advantage of the opportunity to climb onto his back.

“What the- Rachel, get off me-”

“Two seconds; I need to reach up there-”

Santana finally stood up and froze. They were no longer alone. She started cackling.

“Rachel Berry, there are only a couple of reasons for me ever to be bending over for this long, and they do not involve you. Get the fuck off me-”

“Morning, ladies.”

Kurt stood up abruptly, sending Rachel crashing to the ground, followed by an avalanche of packets of cigarettes. Santana didn’t need to ask what was wrong with him, because they all knew already, and she rushed to pick Rachel up. Rachel resisted the reflex to kick up a fuss over her fall, and she and Santana stood quietly aside to see how Kurt was going to react.

“Oh.”

It wasn’t worth the wait.

“Really, Kurt, I had you down as more of a gentleman.”

Kurt felt his cheeks burning. The four of them were silent. Santana had to squeeze Rachel’s hand to stop them both from dissolving into giggles while Kurt and Blaine’s eyes locked to ‘I wanna take a ride on your disco stick’. Kurt swallowed, blushing even more, and put on his best business face.

“Let me try again. Good morning, sir; how may I help you?”

That quick recovery floored Blaine slightly, if only for a second. Without dropping eye contact, he reached for a pack of gum and passed it to Kurt, their fingers brushing gently. They both managed to hide the shiver that skated over their skin.

“Just those. I hope we’re not disturbing your busy work schedule too much.”

“Oh, not at all, carry on-”

Santana gave Rachel a sharp nudge in the ribs. As much as she secretly enjoyed letting her ramble most of the time, she would much rather sit back and watch the sexual tension build between the two boys. Blaine flashed Rachel a smile and she couldn’t help giggling. Kurt used the distraction to turn things in his favour.

“It’s actually a pain in the ass, but we’re far too professional to let it affect our work. That’s forty cents, please.”

Blaine smirked, but decided not to bring up the shambolic musical number he’d walked in on. He didn’t need to; Kurt’s cheeks were still pink.

“Well, clearly. Here,” he dropped a couple of coins into Kurt’s hand before tearing the gum open and popping a piece into his mouth. He kept smiling at Kurt as he chewed and offered him the packet, squeezing it so a little white rectangle peeped out of the end. “Want some?” Rachel squeaked and Kurt made a mental note to get her for it later, but he shook his head.

“No, thanks. Watching my figure.” What does that even mean? He’s going to think you swallow gum. You’re going to be like that weird kid in class who eats paste.

Blaine raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly, a little surprised by the refusal.

“It seems to be working. Girls?” He offered the pack to Rachel and Santana.

They chimed out ‘ooh, yes please!’ and ‘don’t mind if I do’, each taking a piece. Rachel threw hers in her mouth and started chewing just as thoughtlessly as Blaine had, but Santana looked pointedly at Kurt before placing it carefully on her tongue, which she then wrapped around it, curling it into her mouth with the slightest lick of her lips. She flashed her eyebrow up at him defiantly, as if to say ‘that’s how it’s done’. He could’ve kicked himself. Perfect opportunity to draw attention to his mouth wasted. He straightened up.

“Shouldn’t you be getting back to work? I’m sure there’s a menial task out there with your name on it.”

He looked a little hurt, and Kurt instantly felt bad.

“Well, we can’t all work in gas stations. No offence, girls.” They shook their heads to show there was none taken. “I won’t be here for long, Kurt, don’t worry. Aren’t we all just saving for Fall?”

“You’re going to college?”

He nodded with a grin. He wasn’t the least bit upset by the dig at his job. He just wanted to talk to Kurt about something other than gum.

“NYU. Music. It’s just hard to get a summer job as a world famous songwriter, and my friend’s dad owns the construction company, so-”

Kurt took a deep breath. The audible gasp from the girls didn’t exactly help him stay calm.

“Hmm. Me too.”

Blaine’s smile got a little wider.

“Singer? I mean, I thought you were good just then, I-”

“No, that’s just for these two. Design. I was talking about New York.”

Just when he thought the smile must have reached full capacity, Blaine proved him wrong.

“Following me, huh? I’ll keep an eye out for you. You know, in case you feel like tracking me down.”

Kurt felt like there was a tiny imp jumping up and down and screaming in his stomach, offering to install some kind of GPS system in his ass as there was more than enough room in one of those cheeks for a microchip. He did his best to ignore it.

“I guess. If I’m not sick of you by the end of the week.”

Rachel’s eyes widened in shock at his apparent rudeness. Santana raised her eyebrows and gave an impressed nod.

“You’re giving me a whole week to impress you? Lucky me. You’re right though, I really should get back out there. Sure I can’t tempt you?”

He offered the gum again, but for some reason Kurt felt sure that changing his mind now would be a sign of weakness. And his mouth was so dry that if he put anything in his mouth he’d almost definitely choke on it. He shrugged and shook his head, taking a sip of water to keep his hands busy.

“I’m fine.”

“Mmm.” Was that an agreement? He made his way towards the door, stopping before he left. “You know, Kurt, if you ever need a break from watching your figure, I could always watch it for you.”

He didn’t even stay to see the impact he’d had, which he later regretted, but he wanted to leave Kurt wanting more.

It worked.

“What just happened?”

“I think he just did some kind of mating ritual.”

“I think he just called me fat.”

“I think you just called his job menial. In your EZFuel shirt. You should just be grateful he didn’t slap you.”

“Kurt, he likes you! And he’s going to New York! And he’s so pretty!”

Kurt clapped his hands together in a perfect Rachel impression.

“And maybe we’ll get married and adopt a whole family of cats! Calm down, Rachel. And Santana, I believe you’re just trying to avoid paying up. That is one ridiculously homosexual builder.”

She hummed in annoyance, pulling a note from her cleavage.

“Maybe you just defy gender.”

“Uh-huh,” he plucked the money from between her fingers and did a victory dance on the spot, “well even if I made an ass out of myself, at least I’ve made ten bucks out of it.”

“So that’s it? You’re not even going to try? But I thought you liked him.”

Rachel sounded almost heartbroken.

“Just because we’re both gay and we’re both going to New York, you think we should be, what, a couple?”

Her face fell even more.

“You know I didn’t mean that. I would never- he just seems… nice.”

“Don’t take it out on her. Look us in the eyes and tell us you don’t think he’s hot.”

Kurt paused. He knew better than to be mean to Rachel. She was grating, but she had good intentions.

“Sorry. He’s… sure. He’s cute, but how am I supposed to-”

Santana shoved him.

“He’s right outside. He’s going to be there, in the sunshine, every day until the construction’s finished. Can’t you use your imagination? I bet you can’t-”

“I don’t want to make any more bets, Santana-”

“I’m not asking for money. I’m asking you to try.”

“Unless you’re scared of a challenge?” Rachel butted in.

She had him there. He knew he was being manipulated, but he also knew that he was anything but a coward. He took a moment to glance outside, just as Blaine was pulling his shirt over his head. Typical. He looked at the other workers, all still fully clothed. It was hot enough to strip, but trust Blaine to be the first one to do it. He looked at him again, only to find those caramel eyes looking right back at him. They simultaneously sucked in a breath and their gazes darted away.

“Fucking hell. You’re better than this, Kurt. Now, do exactly what I tell you.”

Blaine wished he’d brought sunblock. His mother warned him every day, and today had to be the one time he forgot. He could’ve sworn he could actually hear his skin frying. He told himself he didn’t mind being the only shirtless one; he knew he had the body for it, but he had hoped at least a couple of the others would follow suit. He felt like kind of a douchebag.

He felt a slight change in the atmosphere, and the chatter around him stopped. The machines came to a halt so he finished up what he was doing and looked up to see Kurt with a tray full of bottles of water, not even looking at him.

“Thought you boys could do with some hydration. Don’t want you all burning up out here.”

Everyone clearly approved. Jeff tossed his shovel to the ground without a second thought.

“Oh, shit, perfect. Thanks, dude.”

Kurt swallowed his wince at the familiarity and beamed at everyone, handing out drinks.

“So, how’s it all going out here? It’s moving pretty fast from what I can see.”

It was bizarre that he should be such a natural with them. It took Blaine weeks to build up to this level of conversation with the older guys, but from the way they were all grinning Kurt was clearly in with them after six seconds. They were almost all straight; how dare they steal his attention? Blaine frowned before realising he was probably doing this on purpose.

“Oh, you know,” Thad answered with a nonchalant tip of his hard hat, “this is a pretty standard job for us. S’no biggie.”

Kurt smiled and gave a small laugh. It wasn’t exaggerated or pandering, but light and easy. It was almost musical.

“Well, you’re doing a better job than I would! Mind you, I don’t know if any of you could bring these drinks out with quite as much style as I do.”

They all laughed. Surely on his own territory, Blaine would have the advantage, but Kurt was twisting them around his little finger.

“You’ve got a point there,” part-Cherokee Steve chuckled along with him, “but it’s easy when you’re inside with air con all day.”

Kurt laughed again, and Blaine found himself staring as he smiled. It actually looked genuine. His nose was wrinkled, and his shoulders were shaking just enough for it to be believable. He tucked the tray under his arm, pressing the remaining bottle of water against his cheek. He closed his eyes just for a moment, so quickly Blaine almost mistook it for a blink, but he saw him inhale with it, his chest rising softly. Blaine raised an eyebrow when he realised there was tone and definition hidden under that polo, and he had a sudden desperate urge to see it.

“Ugh, this feels amazing.”

Blaine started to wonder if this little display was for his benefit, when Kurt sauntered over, rolling his hips with ease.

He’s stolen my walk.

“Hi.”

No, no, no, he was supposed to be much better than that.

“Just one left. All for you.”

“Uhm… thanks. That’s really, um,” he took the bottle, the one that had just been pressed against Kurt’s cheek, the one he was weirdly jealous of, and fumbled with the cap. “That’s nice. You didn’t have to.”

Kurt smiled. It wasn’t coy or wildly flirtatious. It was just… beautiful. He shrugged his broad shoulders, which looked strong and firm despite being disguised by the shirt. The sun hit his skin, making it almost luminous. His face was dotted with freckles, and there were a couple of subtle streaks of blonde at the front of his hair. As if he didn’t look good enough in the artificial strip lighting of the store, he was practically ethereal in sunlight. Blaine did everything he could to ignore Nick and Jeff in the background, making lewd grinding movements and kissy faces. He didn’t know if he wanted to laugh or defend Kurt’s honour or just shake his head at how wrongly they were doing everything. Straight boys could be so hopeless.

“It’s nothing. We’ve got a whole store full of drinks; I figured it couldn’t hurt to keep you guys cool.”

Blaine suddenly felt too cool. Kurt was a fresh breeze, and he almost knocked Blaine over. He forgot about his skin burning, and felt horribly exposed and completely vulnerable to him. He’d never been so conscious of his nipples. Kurt took the bottle from him, popped the cap off and took a glug. He tilted his head back, showing off his pale, slender neck, and Blaine stared powerlessly at his Adam’s apple as it bobbed in his throat. Kurt smiled again and handed it back.

“Oh. Thanks.”

Blaine held the bottle in front of his chest. As much as he’d wanted to show himself off, he felt like Kurt was laughing at him. He couldn’t play the usual banter in front of his workmates. He took a swig of water, all too aware that his mouth was exactly where Kurt’s had been a second ago. He let out a hum of satisfaction before he could stop himself, and wanted to bury himself in the dirt they’d just dug up. Did he just make some kind of sex noise?

Kurt was still grinning away at him, and he couldn’t tell if it was a smirk or a laugh or a genuine smile. He noticed him glancing down at his torso, and even though he knew he had a nice stomach, Blaine wished he could hide it away.

“You know, you should probably be more careful with your skin. If you stay out here dressed like that, you’ll be burnt in no time. Enjoy the water.”

Kurt felt extremely satisfied with himself as he spun around and strolled back towards the shop, remembering after a couple of steps to insert the not-so-subtle hip swing. He allowed himself a glance back over his shoulder to see Blaine watching him leave, looking lost while the others got back to work. He flicked his head away again, clenching his fist in triumph.

As soon as he was back inside and out of earshot, the entire team outside, both the guys from school and the grown men who’d been doing this for years, began whooping and cheering at him. Only Sebastian kept working, as much as he ever did. Jeff’s dad knew his parents, and they’d been convinced that a bit of honest work would sort out his attitude. It simply transferred it. The others had tried to include him all year, but he refused to play along. Some of the crap he’d tried to pull with the Warblers that year left him more excluded than ever, and now he had to spend every day watching them joke around while he did work he deemed beneath him.

Blaine was too busy blushing to notice him.

“Shut up, you guys…”

“Oh man, he likes you; you should ask him out.”

“Whatever. He’s okay.”

“Are you kidding me? He’s like, the prettiest guy I’ve ever seen. If you don’t ask him out, I will.”

Blaine gave Jeff a playful shove, putting a lot more force into it than he’d meant to.

“Hey, you’ve got a girlfriend!”

“I knew it. You’re jealous. Ask him.”

Blaine tried to convince himself that he had some kind of plan, but he was stuck. When the hell did that boy get so cool? He looked through the window to see Kurt doing… was that the Single Ladies dance? He was leaning forward, pumping his fists in time then standing with his hands on his hips as they rotated (wow, how can a human being do that?) before throwing his hands up and bumping hips with the girls. It turned into something more Crazy In Love, hips and chests wiggling in sync. They all jumped, presumably having been told to get back to work, and he hopped behind the counter again.

Maybe ‘cool’ was the wrong word.

But the boy could move.