Zombie-shuffling his feet along the sidewalk that connected Kurts house to the Lima Bean, where Kurt had been wanting to have a date with Blaine, Blaine tugged his jacket hood up and crushed his bouncing curls that brushed his cheeks with every long step. Tucking a strand behind his ear, Blaine turned his gaze to Kurt, who pranced along beside him, humming a tune to a song that Blaine didnt know. Although Blaine had insisted on driving Kurt down the block to the Lima Bean, Kurt appeared more than pleasured by wading through the thick snow and sliding around on the ice.

Cocking his brows at Kurt when his feet started sliding on an abrupt patch of ice, Blaine reached out and caught him by the hem of his swishing, silk skirt. "Angel, youre going to slip and fall. Come here." Sliding his fingers through Kurts cashmere gloved hand, Blaine tugged him to his side.

Flushed in his cheeks from the snapping cold, Kurt snuggled deeper into Blaine, obviously searching for warmth. "The snow is so beautiful here," Kurt commented idly, stirring up a thin pile with the tip of his shoe. "I had pretty snow in Paris, but its nice to have a boyfriend to keep me warm."

Blaine nestled Kurt even closer, looping his arm around his waist and pulling his white beret back over his cherry shaded ears when it slipped off. "Do you still miss it, Kurt?" He instantly damned himself after the words slipped out, and he squeezed his eyes shut in hope that Kurt hadnt heard him or that he thought he was referring to something else.

Kurt glanced up at Blaines wearied expression, and he batted his blond lashes. "Sometimes I do..." he whispered, gazing at the snow with fascination, "but sometimes... I feel so sad when I think about leaving Ohio. There are times when I wish wed never met, Blaine, because now that Im in love with you I dont want to lose you. If you asked me to stay with you... I would." When Blaine looked at him with a startled expression, he murmured, "I know Id be happy with you... even if I wasnt singing on stage."

Fading into silence at that last statement, Blaine rubbed a soothing circle on the small of Kurts back as they walked, the Lima Bean only a few paces ahead. A mixed feeling of dread, smugness, worry, and bittersweet craving swept through Blaine at the power he had to destroy Kurts future. What a selfish ass he would be to keep Kurt from the future hed always dreamed of, and tie him down to a shy, angry, straight boy who didnt even know what he wanted. Blaine knew he would do anything to keep, to have, Kurt in his arms, but he wouldnt make him his little housewife, caring for their children every day and satisfying him every night. He could have asked Kurt to stay with him, but he didnt. He bit the inside of his cheek and forced himself not to say what he wanted.

"Blaine?" Kurt chirped, and Blaine jerked his head up. Kurts blue eyes were on him, big and sparkling. Tilting his head, Kurt took Blaines hand and hopped over a big pile of snow. "I was saying that I got an email from my designer... Unique."

"Hm?" Blaine helped him over another spot of ice. "You mean... from Vogue?"

"Mm hm." Kurt nodded. "He said I could come to New York a few days after Christmas for a holiday photo shoot. My manager wants to see American fashion designs. I think it will be exciting... My dad is getting much better so I think he would be okay without me. Would you like to come with me?"

Blaine usually didnt like traveling, a fear of not being accepted outside of his little town that he couldnt even find his place in. Clearing his throat and scratching under his chin, he muttered, "To New York?" Kurt looked up at him with his big eyes, and Blaine realized that hed be safe with him. "Okay."

"Thats good!" Kurt squeaked, hopping up and down. "Youll get to see my modeling. He said I should bring more than one friend so I think Ill invite Rachel, Mercedes, and Tina, too." He wrapped his hand around his arm and squeezed. "It will be so wonderful to go to New York. Ive never been to New York but Ive seen pictures and its so pretty."

They were both interrupted by a high pitched screech from across the road, and Blaine protectively pushed Kurt behind him. He saw a little bird skitter under one of the cars, a meaty man chasing after him. His thumb was bleeding, and he was shaking it. "Fucking bird!" He yelled, making the bird shrilly chirp again. Swinging under the car, the man grabbed the tiny bird and staggered away. "Dont bite me again!"

He disappeared into an antique shop and slammed the door, and Blaine felt Kurt jump against him. Blaine decided that itd be best to get Kurt out of there before he got too upset, so he patted his bottom. "Come on, baby," he murmured, but Kurt wouldnt look away from that shop. "Kurt, the bird will be fine. The guy will just put it back in its cage. Angel-"

Blaine tried to reach out when Kurt tugged from his tight grip, but Kurt ran across the street and up to that shop. "Kurt!" Blaine screamed, immediately darting after him without care to the beeping horns around him. Getting over to the shop, he growled at the musky odor that burned his nose. He shoved through the door and into the dark shop, highlighted only by a flickering lamp by the register. "Kurt, where are you?"

He was alerted by soft cooing and a tiny twitter from the other side of the room, and he blew out in relief when he saw Kurts bundled up form in the corner. Nearly knocking a table down in his shaky stride to reach Kurt, Blaine tried to calm his pounding heart that was bruising his ribs. He knelt beside of Kurt and wrapped him up, pressing kisses anywhere he could find skin. "You scared me so much." He mumbled against his skin, "Dont ever run away from me again. Are you okay?"

"Yes, Im fine. Im sorry I worried you." Opening his little hands, Kurt showed Blaine a tiny, yellow bird. He chirped up at Blaine, then buried his face in his chest and started nipping. "Hes hurt. Poor little bird."

Blaine noticed a few of his injuries, one of his wings bent the wrong way and a few feathers missing on his head. He had a tag wrapped too tightly around his leg. Looking up from his cleaning, the little bird shuffled in a circle and whistled again. Kurt giggled, "Hes very musical. I think Ill call him Pavarotti."

Arching his brows, Blaine hesitantly ran his finger down the birds neck, but he pulled away when he puffed up like a marshmallow. Kurt smiled at him, and he took his hand and put it back on the bird. "He wont hurt you. He likes it." Pavarotti lifted his tiny foot and pawed at Blaine, which made Kurt coo. "See? Hes very friendly."

While Kurt kept stroking and coddling, Blaine sat down on his butt and watched the purring bird. "Kurt... honey... you cant name him. Hes not yours."

"Oh, but, Blaine... I cant leave him." Kurt pushed his bottom lip out as if pleading, "Hes hurt. Hed feel much better if I took him home... Id give him a warm bath and a soft bed to sleep on. He could be happy with us."

Blaine looked at the trembling bird again, how thin he was and how sore his wounds seemed. He knew that Kurt was doting and loved to care for others, so he realized that Kurt would adore having a little bird. He started to stand up and help Kurt to his feet. Kurt held onto the tiny bird, slipping him into his pocket so he wouldnt get cold as they walked home. "Thank you." Kurt whispered to Blaine, kissing his cheek.

Glancing over his shoulder at the sound of footsteps, Blaine pushed Kurt behind him when he saw the gruff man who had attacked Pavarotti outside. The man frowned at them, "Stores closed today. Get out."

Blaine kept himself in front of Kurt, moving past the man who kept his squinted eyes stuck to them. "Fine," was all he said, holding onto Kurt as they walked. They got to the door and Blaine opened it, nudging Kurt outside first.

After they were safely outside, Kurt opened his pocket and murmured something soothing to Pavarotti, who chirped up at him. The man obviously heard it because he whipped around and glared at them, "Do you have my fucking bird?"

Kurts lips parted and he squealed when the man thudded over to them, but Blaine quickly got in front of him. "You cant have him back." He snarled, his brows lowering. Grunting when the man shoved him hard enough to make him back up a step, Blaine hissed when the man lashed out and grabbed at Kurt. "Dont touch him!"

"Give me my bird!" the man pushed Blaine again, but Blaine dug his heels in.

"You were mean to him!" Kurt squeaked, holding his pocket to keep Pavarotti from the man. "Hes hurt!"

The mans face suddenly turned red and he lifted a giant fist, hitting Blaines cheek with it. Blaine yelped and stumbled, hearing Kurt suddenly shriek as he was grabbed and shaken. There was a little chirp as the man ripped Kurts pocket trying to get to Pavarotti, and then he shoved Kurt to the ground.

Blaine wiped a smear of blood away and roared at the man, punching him with all his strength. It was a blind fight, Blaine too enraged to really care where he was punching or how accurate he was. He just wanted to hurt him. After the man pulled away and darted back into his store, yelling something about Blaine getting his faggy ass off his property, Blaine stumbled backwards and dropped to his knees by Kurt.

Snarling lowly, Blaine hovered over Kurt and growled at the giant man, "Give me Pavarotti."

The man looked over his shoulder and frowned, "I said get your faggy ass out of here!" Opening a tiny cage, he stuffed Pavarotti in it. The little bird chirped and fluttered over to the edge of the cage, staring at Blaine with longing.

Blaine suddenly lunged from the floor, and he was in front of the man in seconds. He snatched the mans collar and snapped, "Im not asking! Hes mine!" Hitting the man, Blaine felt him fall from his tight grip and drop by his feet.

Turning around, Blaine picked up the cage and held it against his body when the man lashed out and grabbed his heel. "Im not letting go until you give me my fucking bird!" The mans face was red with heat, but Blaine wasnt scared of him. Not when he was so angry because he hurt Kurt.

He shook him off and ran across the room, scooping Kurt up as he went. His foot caught on a table and he staggered, but he fell out of the door and into the middle of the sidewalk. Stopping when he got about a block away, Blaine pressed himself against the side of a building and was aware of everyone looking at him as if he was strange. He ignored them and focused on Pavarotti, who was stuck in his cage and very ruffled. Opening the cage, Blaine dropped it when Pavarotti popped out and climbed onto his finger.

He chirped and wiggled his tail feathers, then looked very concerned at Kurt. The jostling must have shaken Kurt because his lashes were slightly lifted, and he was staring at Pavarotti as if hed never seen him before. "Oh..." he whispered, his voice very weak, "Pavarotti."

He closed his eyes again, and Blaine kept resting against the wall. He didnt know what to do, so he decided to do what he thought was best and went home. It was where he and Kurt were safe, and now Pavarotti could get better there, too.

"Im so happy to see you." Kurt cooed to Pavarotti, bundled under the blankets as Blaine patted a tiny cut on his head with a warm cloth. "Oh, Blaine, he looks so happy. After he eats, we can bathe him and bandage his poor wing."

Slurping a bowl of soup, Pavarotti lifted his head and chirped appreciatively. Kurt smiled at him, then looked up at Blaine, "Do you think we could buy him bird seed? He seems to like tomato soup but he needs a healthy diet... dont you, Pavarotti?"

Pavarotti gave a little chirp, then stuck his head back in the bowl of soup.

Blaine grinned at him, lifting the cloth and setting it aside. He laid down beside of Kurt, wrapping him in his arms, "Sure, baby. We can buy him whatever you want." Pulling Kurts head to his chest, he murmured, "How do you feel? Youve been asleep for about an hour."

"I feel better." Kurt touched the sore spot on his forehead. "He hurt me very much... but you were very caring." Kissing Blaines cheek, he glanced at Pavarotti again and his dimples popped. Pavarotti finished his soup and stood up straight, his little tongue darting out to lick the drops away. "Come here, Pavarotti."

Pavarotti skittered across the bed, climbing onto Kurts stomach and shuffling in a circle. "Youre the best Christmas present ever." He murmured, kissing the side of Pavarottis head. He kept telling Pavarotti how perfect he was while Blaine carefully slid from underneath him.

Disappointed by the loss, Kurt squeaked and held his arms out for Blaine, "Blaine."

Blaine turned to Kurt, grabbing his little hand and kissing the back of it. "Ill be back in a minute." He walked away from Kurt, who went back to snuggling with Pavarotti, and went into their bathroom. After he found a little bowl, he brought it to the sink and filled it with warm water.

He turned the noisy spray off and carried the bowl back into the bedroom. Kurt seemed to be playing peek-a-boo with Pavarotti, covering him with the blankets then pulling them away and making surprised faces at the little bird. His bird hopped at him and chirped every time, nibbling at the blankets. Blaine grinned and sat down on the end of the bed, putting the water down next to him.

Interested in what he had, Pavarotti scurried away from Kurt and sniffed at the bowl. He chirped up at Blaine and gave himself an invitation to hop inside, flailing his wings when the water splashed him. "Shh..." Blaine stroked the little bird to calm him, dipping his fingers in the water and dribbling it over Pavarottis back. Pavarotti made a little circle in the water, going over to the edge of the bowl and eyeing Kurt. "Youre a good bird, Pavarotti."

Pavarotti jumped at Blaines hand and nipped at his fingers, making Kurt giggle. "He loves to play. Isnt he sweet?" Biting his bottom lip, Kurt looked up at Blaines hard face, his hair dangling in his eyes as he cared for Pavarotti. He thought he was very gorgeous. "Blaine?"

Blaine glanced up at Kurts soft voice, and he didnt know what to think of that gentle expression or his teeth nibbling his rosy lip. "Yeah, baby?"

Kurts nose wrinkled with a beautiful smile, "Thank you." Slipping out of the pile of blankets, Kurt crawled to the end of the bed and bent over the tiny, wet bird, and he kissed the top of his head. "Merry Christmas, Pavarotti. This will be the best Christmas ever because of you."

Lifting his head from his wiggling and fluttering bird, Kurt whispered to Blaine, "And because of you." He wrapped his little hands around Blaines shoulders, leaning in to kiss him on the mouth. Blaine deepened the kiss and took Kurt in his arms.

Kurt woke up to the feeling of patting on his stomach, and then he heard a little chirp. Wriggling his toes and stretching his hands above his head, he murmured and batted his lashes. A little, yellow bird was perched on his chest, his tail feathers wiggling. He smiled as he remembered what had happened yesterday, and he tilted his head and gave Pavarotti a kiss. "Good morning, sweet, little prince." Pavarotti chirped again, his bandaged wing fluttering.

Rolling onto his side, he mumbled at the sight of Blaines side of the bed, the blankets smoothed and folded neatly. "Where did your daddy go?" He sat up slightly and tapped his chin, then noticed a little piece of paper by his hip. "Hm..." Picking it up, he unfolded it and saw Blaines neat handwriting.

Beautiful,

I left early to pick up some things at the store. I bought you a dress while I was out-its in the closet. Ill be upstairs if you want me. Pavarottis food is on the dresser if hes hungry.

I love you.

-B

Kurt smiled at the note and set it aside, pushing off the bed. Padding over to his closet, he opened the door and spotted a new dress slipped in between two of his skirts. He picked it up and admired the silky material, a simple wrap dress that was white with wrinkles on the bodice. "How pretty." He cooed, feeling flattered that Blaine knew his tastes so well.

He looked up when he heard a high pitched twitter, and he gasped at Pavarotti, who was perched on a bird cage that was covered with a Burberry red, blue, and cream sheet. He tugged it off to reveal a golden, wire-barred cage that was full of an artificial branch, a bell dangling from the top, a padded pillow at the bottom, and two tin bowls attached to the side. One had water in it, and the other had a pile of seed.

Twittering excitedly, Pavarotti climbed down the side of the cage and waddled into it, pawing at his branch. He obviously wanted to show Kurt everything because he hopped onto his food bowl and stuck his head into it. Kurt giggled at him, "You have a very nice cage. Daddy spoiled you, didnt he?"

Pavarotti happily sang, watching Kurt swish away from him to slip out of his nightgown and into the beautiful dress. He did a little twirl for his bird, "Do I look pretty?"

Popping out of his cage, Pavarotti bounced at him, so Kurt went back over to him and held his hand out. Pavarotti climbed onto his fingers and up his arm, sitting down on his shoulder. "My belly is rumbling. Lets go upstairs and see if breakfast is on the table. It smells like Blaine is cooking something yummy."

Chirping, Pavarotti shifted his weight as Kurt opened his bedroom door and padded up the stairs. As he got closer to the living room, he could smell something sweet, maybe candy. He poked his nose into the living room and spotted his dad in his recliner, his eyes stuck on the TV screen. He shouted something about a bad pass, which surprised Kurt.

He giggled at his dads enthusiasm, getting his dads attention. Burt looked over his shoulder and raised his brows at him, "Dont you look nice." He bent over and picked up a candy cane, "Did you sniff out the sweets? You always have liked them."

Stepping into the living room, Kurt walked over to his dad and took the candy, licking the sugary treat. "Mm... yummy." He looked around his living room and put his fingertips to his lips at the sight of a tiny, white tree in the corner of the room. Fragile pink, blue, and gold ornaments dangled from the thin limbs. "Oh... so pretty. Dad, did Blaine...?"

"Yeah." Burt said, "He got up early and put all of this together. Said his first Christmas with you was important. He even bought that little bird a present." His dad suddenly raised his voice, "Hey, Blaine! Kurt is up!"

After a few seconds, Blaine pushed open the kitchen door and walked out. Kurt smelled cinnamon, and he assumed Blaine was making oatmeal. Distracted from the delicious scents at the sight of Blaine, who looked very handsome in a black pullover and dark jeans, Kurt helplessly smiled. "Oh, Blaine... everything is amazing. You are very doting."

He fell into Blaines arms, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Thank you for buying Pavarottis cage... he likes it." Pinching the skirt of his dress, Kurt waved it, "And the dress is beautiful."

"I like making you happy," was all Blaine said, wrapping his arms around Kurts waist and tugging him close. He kissed his pretty lips, and Kurt tasted spices on his mouth. Pulling Kurt to his chest and gently rubbing his back, Blaine muttered to Burt, "Breakfast is still heating up... and Ill start dinner an hour after that."

"Thats fine." Burt pulled himself up from his chair, scooting to the edge of it. "We can open presents until then. Kurt, why dont you grab one? I know you like getting gifts."

Slipping from Blaines arms, Kurt pranced over to the tree and pulled out a pink box with a bow on the top that was labeled from his dad. He opened the present and found a shimmer lip gloss inside. "Oh, Dad, thank you! I love lip gloss." Putting it aside, Kurt felt Pavarotti leave his shoulder to check out the lip gloss and roll it around. He picked another one up and handed it to Blaine, who knelt beside of him.

Blaine ripped it open and a bowtie spilled out, a simple, black one that would complement his dark skin. "Thanks, Burt." He muttered, setting the bowtie down for Pavarotti to play with.

"I have a present for you, Dad." Kurt chirped, snatching another present and popping to his feet. He scurried over to his dad and held it out for him. Bouncing on his toes, he cheerfully said, "I hope you like them. Theyre very stylish this season."

Burt chuckled and opened the box, revealing a pair of black dress shoes. "Oh... these are nice, kid." Patting Kurts arm to show him his appreciation, Burt started to get up. "I should call your aunt to tell her to have a good Christmas. Im sure she misses having you around."

"Mm hm." Kurt returned to his spot on the floor by Blaine, their thighs rubbing. "Tell her I send a thousand kisses!"

After his dad left, Kurt wiggled over to the tree and searched underneath it, with Pavarotti following his hands. He tugged a tiny box loose and held it up to Pavarotti, who nipped at it. "Look, Pavarotti! A present for you! Its from your daddy!"

Pavarotti took the bow in his beak and tugged, unraveling the pretty ribbon. He nibbled the wrapping and tore it, spitting out little pieces of paper. Kurt tugged off the rest of the wrapping and showed Pavarotti a box, and he opened it and saw a little, blue scarf with a tiny bell hanging off of it. Kurt laughed and put his fingertips to his lips, "Oh, Blaine, its so adorable! Pavarotti, look! Youll be so handsome in it."

Blaine watched Kurt wrap the little scarf around Pavarottis neck, then he scooted closer to the tree and dug underneath. He found a present to him from Kurt, which made him happy, but he grabbed a present to Kurt instead. "Here, baby." He held the present out to Kurt, who took it with a smile. Pavarotti waddled away from them to get something to eat from his cage, his bell jingling with every step he took.

"Thank you." Kurt carefully pulled the bow off, then he unwrapped the paper, seeing a thin box with a Vogue label on it. "Oh, I love getting designer!" He pulled the lid off and set it aside, finding a gray turtle neck sweater dress, dark leggings, and a pair of fluffy boots. "Blaine!" Kurt squealed, throwing himself into Blaines arms and hugging him. "I love this outfit! I dont own enough gray. Do you really think it will complement my skin?"

Blaine smirked, kissing the top of Kurts head as he cuddled into his chest, "Youre beautiful in anything."

Pressing a kiss to his cheek, Kurt stayed in his lap but reached for his gift to Blaine, which was a lot bigger than what Blaine had thought. He struggled to pull it out, so Blaine quickly grabbed it and yanked it the rest of the way. "Kurt..." He couldnt even guess what it was, so he ripped off the wrapping paper and threw it aside, then opened one end of the box.

A guitar slid out and fell onto his knee, a black, acoustic one with words engraved on it. He looked closer at it and made out the lyrics to Cough Syrup, his favorite song. Running his fingers over one of the words, he murmured, "This is amazing. Sweetheart..." He got tongue tied because he didnt know how to tell Kurt how happy he was with his gift.

Kurt put his little hands on the edge of the guitar, his bright eyes on Blaines face, "Do you like it?"

Blaine smiled, leaning closer to Kurt for a kiss, "I love it. Baby... youre so sweet."

Flushing, Kurt touched one of the strings, then lifted his blue eyes back up to Blaines face, "Can you teach me to play something? Please?"

Blaine tightened one of the looser strings, then he gathered Kurt in his arms and pulled him against his stomach. He held the guitar by Kurts chest, taking one of his hands and putting it on the neck. Kurt laid his other over the strings, and Blaine took his thumb and rubbed it against one of them. Smiling when the guitar made a sound, Kurt tugged another. Blaine held onto one of his fingers and ran it down all of the strings, making a beautiful sound.

Kurt giggled, his nose wrinkling, "Can you play me a song? Oh, please... Id love hearing it."

He let Kurts tiny hands rest on the guitar, but he took their spots on the strings. Strumming each one and sliding his fingers up and down the neck, Blaine played him a soft tune of Cough Syrup. He heard Kurt gasp in amazement, and he whispered, "Beautiful..." Blaine helplessly smiled, turning his head and kissing Kurts cheek.

Kurt held onto Blaines hand as they walked into the kitchen, where Burt was setting silverware on the table. Sniffing the warm aromas, Kurt rubbed his belly at the pile of food on the table. "Mm... Blaine... this smells so wonderful."

Pulling out a chair for Kurt, Blaine grinned at the compliment. He tugged his chair closer to Kurts, then sat down next to him. Resting his hand on Kurts back, Blaine gently rubbed as Burt sat down and tossed a bread roll onto his plate. Pavarotti, who had been sitting on his shoulder, chirped at the food, so Blaine tore off a little piece of bread and fed it to him.

"It sure does look good." Burt started scooping pickled beets onto his plate, "I didnt know you could cook, Blaine. Thanks for making this."

Blaine grabbed a bowl of salad and picked at that, keeping his hand on Kurt as he ate. Kurt, munching on a carrot, looked up at his dad, "Dad, I feel terrible that were leaving you so soon after Christmas. Are you sure youll be okay while were away?"

Realizing that Kurt was talking about his trip to New York, he shrugged, "Yeah, Ill be alright. Its your career... I dont have much say in that." His brows suddenly lowered and he stabbed a green bean a little too hard, "I just want you to be careful around that manager of yours... Stanley. Remember when you were sixteen and he had those half naked models climbing all over you?"

Kurt blushed at the crude wording, and he looked away from Blaine, knowing his eyes were suddenly on him. "Dad, it wasnt as bad as you think-"

"Please, youre just too polite to talk bad about that manager." Rolling his eyes in disgust, Burt turned to Blaine, who seemed to be trying to figure things out. "When Kurt first got his start, his manager set him up with a bunch of Calvin Klein models. Kurt was so nervous that he ran off the set, and his manager almost fired him for it. He said the only reason he didnt was because Kurt was too good looking to let go of."

"Dad, please, youre too upset." Kurt softly pleaded, his nose wrinkled with worry. "Monsieur Stanley is a nice man... hes just very determined in his work. Besides... Unique told me that he thinks Ive grown up enough that I can model again with the Calvin Klein men."

Burt looked doubtful of him, "Kurt, just because youre eighteen doesnt mean youre any less shy around men. And what is that supposed to mean... you can model with them again?"

Kurt nibbled on a lettuce leaf, nervously hiding his small face, "Well... Monsieur Stanley would like me to do my photo shoot with the Calvin Klein models."

Shaking his head, Burt rubbed his forehead with a large hand, "But youre uncomfortable around men. I was shocked when you and Blaine got together... Kurt, youve got to tell him no or something."

"Oh, but, Dad..." Frowning, Kurt looked over at Pavarotti when he chirped, and he watched Blaine, who had been silent about everything, feed him another piece of bread. "Im so worried that Vogue wont want me if I dont model with those men."

Burt seemed to be very upset and at a loss of how to help his son, but then he glanced at Blaine. "Well, why dont you ask if Blaine can model with you? Hes a good looking guy... not as tall as any of those models, but hes alright."

Blaine pressed his lips together, suddenly wanting to hide somewhere. He hated the idea of Kurt modeling with any of those men, but he didnt want to be on camera, either. Crossing his arms and slouching, Blaine shoveled his fingers into his hair and decided not to say anything. After a few seconds of thinking things over, Kurt murmured, "You are very handsome, Blaine. You wouldnt mind doing the photo shoot with me, would you?"

Shaking his head, Blaine looked down at Pavarotti, who was chewing on his bell. "No."

"Good." Kurt smiled, then turned back to his dinner and popped a tomato into his mouth. "Oh, Blaine, well have so much fun in New York."

Burt, after he took another bite of his roasted vegetables, stood up and took his plate over to the sink. He rinsed it, then turned around and went over to Kurt, kissing his hair. "Thanks for the dinner, Blaine. It was really great. Kurt, maybe you can make some cookies later. Well have them for dessert."

"Mm hm." Kurt finished off his light soup, then pushed it away and snuggled against Blaine.

Patting his sons shoulder, Burt said, "If you think theyll let you model with Blaine, then Im okay with this trip. I just worry about you... youve always been so modest and I dont want them making you uncomfortable."

"Yes, I know." Resting his hand on his dads, Kurt gently squeezed, "Thank you for caring about me. But Ill be perfectly fine with Blaine."

"Yeah. Hes good at looking out for you." Scrubbing Blaines hair, Burt backed away from them. "Im going to watch the rest of the football game in my room. You two can do what you want... but, Kurt, if you go outside, put on lots of scarves. You get colds so easily."

"Yes." After his dad walked away, Kurt scooped up another bite of his cheesecake, and he nibbled on it. "Mm... Blaine, this has been the best Christmas ever. I got Pavarotti, whos such a sweet, little prince, and I was with you. Its been perfect."

"Im glad youre happy." Blaine watched him chew the cheesecake, his eyes closing with pleasure at the sugary sweetness. "Honey... do you want to come in the living room with me?"

Kurt opened his eyes, a surprised expression on his face, "Of course." Putting his cheesecake down, Kurt let Blaine take his hands and help him up. He followed him into the living room, where Blaine guided him to one of the couches. Perching on the very edge, Kurt tilted his head in curiosity as Blaine knelt by the tree again, digging underneath it. "Another present?"

Blaine carried two boxes over to him, one a tiny, black box, and the other thin and long. Lowering beside of Kurt, Blaine hooked an arm around him and laid the long box on his lap. He handed Kurt the tiny box, wrapping his muscular palm around Kurts thin fingers. Rubbing the gum wrapper ring on Kurts finger, he muttered, "You have beautiful hands."

Feeling Blaine tangle their fingers together, Kurt looked at the tiny box again, his lips parted and eyes wide. He carefully opened it and found another ring inside, this one a light blue rose attached to a gold band. Their names were engraved on the bottom. "Blaine..." he sighed, "this is so pretty."

Blaine took the ring from him and slipped it onto his ring finger, then he stroked his little hand. "So that you always know that youre mine... and Im yours. No matter what." One corner of his mouth curved, and he bent down to kiss Kurts forehead.

"Always and always." Kurt agreed softly, a small smile playing at his lips. He turned his attention to the thin box, popping off the top. Scattered on the inside were a few pictures of Kurt as a baby, pink cheeked and grinning, usually with something pink or glittery on. There were other pictures of a dark haired baby, his curls hanging in his eyes and his golden eyes wide. "Thats you as a baby." Touching his fingertips to his lips, Kurt blinked his suddenly wet eyes, "Blaine... this is the sweetest gift."

He searched through the pictures and found their homecoming flowers and a pack of Wrigleys bubble gum underneath, and he noisily giggled, "Oh, my favorite! Blaine!"

"I cut up the cover of this to make your ring." Blaine kissed Kurts ring, then he reached in and picked up a black picture with white splotches on it. "Kurt... honey... this is my brothers baby. You can see his foot right there... and theres a finger... I think its his thumb."

Kurt gasped at the picture, "Is that his little head? I think I can see fuzz on it. Hell probably have your hair... curly, dark locks. Hell be the most handsome baby."

Blaine smiled at him, tugging Kurt against his chest and smoothing his hair, "Sweetheart... I like the name Archer Elizabeth. After your mom... that was her last name before she took your dads."

"Archer Elizabeth..." Giggling behind his hand, Kurt laid his cheek on Blaines chest, "I think thats a beautiful name. Our little Archer... Ill be happy to take care of him."

"Archer Elizabeth Anderson-Hummel." Blaine muttered into Kurts hair, staring at the picture of their baby. Kurt was right... it was the best Christmas.