Kurt wakes the next morning only to find Blaine's face mere inches from his, his hazel eyes heavy-lidded from sleeping. When he sees Kurt's eyes open, a smile spreads across his face. "Hi," he says simply.

"Hi," Kurt breathes and he watches as Blaine's eyelashes brush against his cheek as he blinks slowly before looking back at Kurt. "How long have you been awake?" Kurt asks as he stretches a little.

"Not long," Blaine smiles again and Kurt blushes, suddenly very self-conscious under Blaine's unwavering stare. Blaine reaches a hand up to trace it along the splotches of red now coloring Kurt's face. The coolness of Blaine's touch against Kurt's warm skin causes Kurt to practically melt into the blankets of the bed. Blaine chuckles softly and taps Kurt on the tip of his nose with a finger before saying, "Have I ever told you that you scrunch your nose in the most adorable way when you're dreaming?"

"No, you haven't," and Kurt feels himself flush even deeper. He isn't sure why or how he can still feel so shy with Blaine after three years, but he does. And a part of him hopes the feeling never goes away. "How do you do that?" the words escape him before he can stop himself.

The corners of Blaine's mouth turn down a little in confusion, "Do what?" Blaine's fingers skim over Kurt's arm absently, the whole while just looking at Kurt. Kurt is sure his ears are bright red now and he looks down out of embarrassment.

"That," he whispers before looking back up at Blaine. "How is it that one moment you can make me feel like the most confident man in the world and the next reduce me to my old skittish teenage self?"

Blaine smiles widely and pulls Kurt's hand up to his chest. Kurt can feel Blaine's heartbeat and how it's running just a little fast. "I think the better question is how can you do this to me?" Kurt looks from where his hand is resting on Blaine's chest to his eyes. Blaine is looking at him with the same intensity that Kurt has seen since they day they met. He stares unashamedly and with such warmth that Kurt can feel it all the way down to his toes.

Blaine pulls Kurt's hand away and places his palm flat against Kurt's, mimicking the gesture they've done hundreds of times before. Their hands are nearly exactly the same size-Blaine's fingers just slightly longer and his palm a little wider. But Kurt pushes his fingers to lace with Blaine's; they both can feel how easily they fit together. Their eyes flicker from their hands to each other's eyes and Blaine can see the small, loving smile pulling at the corners of Kurt's mouth.

They don't even have to think about it. The two move toward each other at the same time and crush their lips together. Blaine's hand on Kurt's arm grips him firmly while Kurt's hand on his chest slides up over Blaine's neck. The kiss is deep and slow and for some strange reason Kurt feels like crying. He sniffs and Blaine pulls away, with Kurt chasing his lips as he does so.

Blaine is back to studying Kurt's face, concern slightly coloring his face. Before he can say anything, Kurt wipes at his eyes and says, "I'm okay. I promise. I don't know what came over me."

Blaine simply nods, understanding completely, before leaning in again. This time, though, he kisses Kurt's forehead, each cheek, his nose, and a spot on his jaw. On this last spot, Blaine lets his lips linger, sucking gently as he pulls Kurt closer to him in a tight embrace. Kurt sighs and closes his eyes, concentrating on every sensation. The soft pressure of Blaine's lips against his skin, the scratch of his stubble, the smooth slide of Blaine's hand as he moves it down Kurt's arm to twine his fingers with his.

Blaine brings the hand holding Kurt's up between them, grazing his lips against each knuckle. Kurt opens his eyes to find Blaine staring at him, yet again. And this time he can't help but laugh. "Take a picture, it'll last longer," he quips.

Blaine squints his eyes, looking to the side as if actually considering it. "Okay," he says and scrambles out of bed. Kurt shivers at the loss of heat and pulls the blankets up to his chin, curiously watching Blaine as he fishes through his bag lying next to the chair in the corner of the room. And then raising an eyebrow as he stares unashamedly at Blaine's brief-clad ass as he bends over to retrieve what he'd been looking for.

Blaine walks back over to the bed with a blue digital camera in hand. "I usually use this for rehearsal shots, but I think I can make an exception," he says, and before Kurt can prepare himself Blaine lifts the camera up and Kurt is blinded by a flash.

"Hey!" Kurt throws his hands in front of his face too late and he can hear Blaine laughing. Kurt blinks up at his boyfriend and glares. "Give me that. Delete it. Delete it right now." Kurt reaches for the camera but Blaine pulls it away quickly.

"Can we at least look at it before you assume that it's terrible?" Blaine asks, and Kurt can hear the patronizing tone in his voice that Blaine uses when he thinks Kurt is being too much of a diva.

Kurt pulls himself up to lean against the headboard and crosses his arms. "Fine," he says curtly, pointedly not looking at Blaine as he settles next to him.

"Hey, you're beautiful. Bed-head and all," Blaine teases. Kurt gasps and his hands immediately fly up to his hair, trying to push it down. He's about to get up and check the mirror when Blaine stops him, placing a hand on Kurt's arm. "Why don't I just take another picture? No reason to get out of bed unnecessarily."

Kurt glares at Blaine's smirking face as he considers this. He reluctantly gives into Blaine's pleading eyes and leans back again.

"Okay, now, say ‘cheese!'" Blaine exclaims as he readies the camera again. But instead of one of Kurt's dazzling grins, Blaine captures a death-glare that could melt the plastic right off the device. Blaine just laughs hard and moves in to kiss Kurt on the cheek. Kurt allows this, but closes his eyes in frustration.

"It's like you don't know me at all," he says, placing a finger to his temple.

"Oh, no, it's that I know you too well," Blaine replies, and Kurt can hear through his words that he's smiling that goofy grin he gets when he's teasing. Blaine is flipping between the two pictures and Kurt opens an eye to peek.

He gasps and pulls the camera out of Blaine's hands, bringing the device close to his face to further analyze it. "I look like the Crypt Keeper!" he exclaims, frantically attacking the delete button.

"What? Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Blaine wrestles the camera out of Kurt's hands before he's able to erase the photo. Kurt tries to grab it back but Blaine's hold is too tight and Kurt gives up. With a sigh he rests his chin on Blaine's shoulder as they both look at the photo. "What is wrong with it?" Blaine asks, already anticipating Kurt's self-deprecating answer.

"Oh come on. First, there's my hair. And then, my skin. And that is not even close to being a flattering angle. Everyone knows my good side is on my left, from slightly above," Kurt replies and turns his head toward Blaine slightly when he feels Blaine's shoulders shaking with laughter. "Now you're just making fun of me," he pouts.

"Aw, oh no, babe," Blaine stops laughing, but a smirk is still plastered on his face. "Can you-will you at least let me explain why this photo isn't nearly as horrific as you think it is?"

Kurt looks up at him and sighs again, "It's not like I have a choice. You're going to tell me anyway."

"As if you'd turn down letting me give you compliments," Blaine bumps his shoulder into Kurt's and Kurt smiles a little at the truth in his statement. "Here," he says, and he moves the camera between them so Kurt can see the small screen better. "You see messy hair and unmoisturized skin and an unflattering angle. But I see hair that I can easily run my fingers through and skin that smells like you and not your toner and I couldn't care less about the angle," Blaine sets the camera down in his lap to angle himself toward Kurt, whose expression has softened. "Because you are gorgeous from every angle. Kurt, you look good when I have my eyes closed. If that makes any sense," Blaine laughs a little at the end, looking over at Kurt.

Kurt looks like he's about to cry again and Blaine tuts as he reaches a hand to run it through Kurt's hair. Kurt leans into the touch. "You're doing it again," it sounds like a warning but Kurt is smiling warmly at Blaine. His eyes flicker down to the camera where he can still see the photo of himself displayed on the screen. "You still need to delete that, though."

"Not a chance," Blaine says softly as he flips to the next photo. Kurt is about to protest but glances at the screen and laughs when he sees his own face, glaring up at him.

"Now that looks like me," he giggles, noticing that okay, maybe his hair isn't as terrible as he thought it was.

"That's only because you practice it in the mirror every morning," Blaine says. Kurt opens his mouth to say something but Blaine cuts him off, "I've seen you."

"Okay, fine. But you love it," Kurt says into Blaine's shoulder as he rests his head there again.

"This is true. Nobody can rock the bitch-face quite like you can. Except for maybe Mercedes," Blaine replies, and both he and Kurt laugh at this.

"Okay, now that we've sufficiently analyzed my face, if I may?" Kurt looks pointedly at the camera in Blaine's hands and then back up to Blaine, who sighs and hands it to him.

Kurt pulls back a little so he can fit Blaine into the frame. "Smile!" he says. Blaine rests his elbow on his knee and his head against his fist, tilting his head a little as a small smile creeps across his face. He's looking at Kurt, not the camera, up through long eyelashes and for a second Kurt lowers the camera a little and just stares. He shakes himself out of his trance and snaps the picture, "Perfect."

Blaine gets the distinct feeling Kurt is talking about him and not the photo and this time it's his turn to blush. Kurt is quick to capture this as well, as Blaine attempts to hide his face behind his fingers. Kurt smiles to himself as he leans over and pulls Blaine's fingers away to kiss him gently. Blaine's eyes close reflexively, relaxing into the kiss as they fall backward against the pillows with Kurt angled over half of his body.

More alert now, Blaine's eyebrows furrow in confusion as something dawns on him. "When did you-have you brushed your teeth?" Blaine asks, finally noticing the slight hint of mint on Kurt's tongue.

"I may have anticipated a morning make-out session, yes. When I got up to use the restroom a few hours ago," Kurt says, answering Blaine's amused expression.

"I love you, you know that?" Blaine replies, his voice low.

Kurt laughs, "And I'm thankful for it every day." And he moves back, sliding his tongue over Blaine's slightly parted lips and sighing when Blaine's tongue meets his.

The heel of one of Blaine's feet runs itself up and down the back of Kurt's calf, enjoying the juxtaposition of Kurt's smooth skin and the smattering of rough hairs that cover it. Kurt inhales against Blaine's mouth as he runs a finger down his spine, causing the taller boy to straighten out a little and then lean all his weight against him in a wave of nerves and Blaine is tempted to do it again. Instead, his hand settles low on Kurt's back, pulling Kurt even closer. Kurt buries his face in the curve of Blaine's neck, inhaling deeply so that his mind is clouded with the familiar scents that cling to Blaine's skin.

For several minutes the two simply lay there, with Blaine's hand gently caressing the small of Kurt's back. Blaine's thoughts are slow, not really thinking about anything other than the warmth pooling low in his stomach and listening to Kurt's soft breathing in his ear. As he stares at the ceiling, his thoughts turn to the past few years. Ever since the two moved to New York, they've been stretched in so many different directions that they barely have time to really appreciate the fact that they are together. It's just a fact that has been taken for granted, and Blaine sort of hates that. Kurt should never be taken for granted.

There rarely is time for moments like this, where they can hold each other unburdened by life's demands and instead give in to so many neglected emotional and physical needs. Blaine sighs and feels Kurt nuzzle into his neck more. He closes his eyes, thinking about how comfortable they have always been with each other; always honest, always trusting the other to really listen. Slipping from friendship to something more was seamless, just like turning a page in a book to start a new chapter. Over the years they continued to discover new levels of being comfortable with each other and it excites Blaine to think about what they have yet to explore.

Lying there with Kurt, though, he is in no hurry to know everything. He loves how Kurt still manages to surprise him with a quirk or habit or pet-peeve every now and then. Like how Kurt likes to bake when he's upset and that the smell of cookies in the apartment is usually a warning sign. Or how he plays with his fingers when he's nervous or excited. And just the previous week Blaine had caught him reading an issue of Cosmo and Kurt was defensive, saying that there were excellent tips in there for skin care, not to mention other things. At the last thought, Blaine makes a mental note to ask Kurt if he's gotten any new ideas to try out over this break.

Kurt's breathing is low and even and for a moment Blaine thinks he's fallen asleep. But just as he is about to ask Kurt mumbles, "So... what is on the agenda for today?" He kisses at Blaine's collar bone idly, waiting for an answer.

Blaine rolls over on his side to face Kurt once more. "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm okay with just doing this all day," he says, pulling Kurt's hips toward him to lock with his own to emphasize his statement.

Kurt doesn't answer, but instead rushes toward Blaine to crush his lips against his once more, rolling his hips as he does so. Blaine inhales sharply in surprise before pulling Kurt on top of him so that he is straddling him. Blaine catches a glimpse of the smirk on Kurt's face before leaning up to run his lips over the curve of Kurt's shoulder, gently nipping at the soft skin there. Kurt shivers and Blaine can feel the goosebumps rise all over his skin. He temporarily lets of his grip on Kurt's hips to pull the blankets over their heads, casting a shadow over the two of them and trapping their heated breath. They hear a muffled thump as the camera falls off the bed onto the rug and Blaine just shrugs, returning to lightly suck at Kurt's shoulder.

Kurt rocks against Blaine, his teeth trapping one of Blaine's earlobes and worrying it a little before darting his tongue along the shell of his ear. Blaine gasps at the sensation and the sound of Kurt's jagged breath. For a second, Blaine is tempted to laugh as the thought that at one point Kurt's idea of sex extended to the touch of the fingertips. But as Kurt's fingers slide over the sides of his ribs to settle on his waist and his manicured nails dig into the hot skin there, Blaine is thankful that Kurt's take-charge attitude of life translates into everything he does. And as Kurt ruts a little harder against Blaine, moving his lips along his jaw, Blaine is rendered unable to remember much of anything. The sound of his heart is pounding in his ears and the air around them under the blankets is hot and heavy, enhancing the scent of sweat and lemon and roses and everything that smells deliciously like Kurt.

Kurt tugs at the band of Blaine's briefs and Blaine is more than obliging in lifting his hips as Kurt slides them over his legs. Kurt kicks off his own underwear before climbing back next to Blaine, gently nudging the boy to roll over. Blaine follows, his back is flush against Kurt's chest and he instinctively pushes his ass back toward Kurt. Blaine grinds against his Kurt's erection and Kurt pulls the blankets down, gasping in the cool air. One arm is tucked underneath Blaine's torso, gripping the spot just above his thigh as the other is flat against Blaine's navel. He sucks at a spot on the back of Blaine's shoulder as Blaine reaches back to hitch Kurt's thigh up by his hip, pulling them even closer together.

"Blaine, honey-" Kurt attempts to say, his voice broken.

"Already ahead of you," Blaine replies as he reaches for the bottle of lube waiting on the nightstand. Kurt takes it, spreading a good amount over his fingers before reaching down between them to graze between Blaine's cheeks. He hears a sharp intake of breath and Blaine's grip on Kurt's thigh tightens as Kurt pushes in one finger. As he does so, he continues to nibble on Blaine's back and Blaine squirms beside him, one hand on Kurt's leg and the other gripping the edge of the mattress.

When Blaine bucks backward hard, Kurt knows he's ready and quickly moves to spread a good dollop of lube over his hard-on before positioning himself and pressing in slightly. Blaine lets out a small whimper as Kurt slowly pushes in until his hips are flush against Blaine's ass. For a moment, the two just lay there on their sides, breathing hard with Kurt peppering kisses all over every inch of skin he can reach. Kurt finds Blaine's hand on his thigh and covers it with his own as he gently moves. He rests his forehead against Blaine's dewy back, taking rough breaths between his teeth and he can hear Blaine doing the same.

"Oooh, Kurt," Blaine moans, practically a whisper but it stands out in the stillness of their bedroom. The only sounds are that of their uneven breathing and the shifting of the blankets covering them as Kurt moves with a steady rhythm.

Kurt can only let out a small whine in response and he removes his hand from over Blaine's the stroke over the head of Blaine's cock. Blaine shudders at the contact-feeling almost too sensitive but wanting more. Kurt's hand tugs over Blaine's length in synchrony with the rocking of his hips, stepping up the pace a little and Blaine turns his head to bury his face in the pillows, eliciting another low groan.

Time seems to slow down and the couple wouldn't know if it's been thirty minutes or thirty hours, they are so wrapped up in each other. Finally, Kurt can feel all of Blaine's muscles tense as he comes over Kurt's hand with a long, broken moan. It only takes a few more movements before Kurt follows, grinding his hips into Blaine's ass even harder. For a minute, Blaine's hold on Kurt's thigh doesn't loosen but he releases him when Kurt tries to pull backward. They both roll over onto their backs, their breathing raspy and Kurt taking the time to meticulously clean off his hand with his tongue. Blaine watches as he does so, his eyes hooded and that adoring smile back on his face.

"How did I get so lucky?" he whispers, taking Kurt's other hand in his and squeezing it. Kurt turns his head to look at his lover and he scoots closer to him. "Just-you're... magnificent," Blaine says slowly, finally finding the word he was looking for.

"I know," Kurt says confidently, but Blaine can see the blush cover his face again and Kurt's eyes dart away for a second before looking back at Blaine. Blaine smiles softly and leans over to place a kiss on Kurt's forehead before rolling back against the pillows and staring at the ceiling, seemingly lost in thought once again.

Kurt watches him for a moment, letting his eyes grace over the contours of Blaine's profile. He turns toward Blaine, lying on his side once more. "So, um, what else is on the agenda for today?" he asks, the pad of his index finger absently rubbing circles in Blaine's chest hair.

Blaine laughs again, well aware that Kurt's question wasn't to break the mood, but to know that they aren't actually going to spend all day in bed. "Such a busy-body," he teases and he looks down at Kurt's eager expression. "Actually, I do have something in mind. I thought we could go to a museum today. Do the tourist thing, maybe."

"Hmm, I'd like that," Kurt says.

"I thought you would," Blaine places his hand on top of Kurt's, swiping his thumb over the web of skin there. "Are you in any sort of hurry to go, though?" And he rolls over again away from Kurt so that Kurt is the big spoon, just how Blaine usually likes it.

Kurt takes the hint and snuggles in against Blaine. "Not particularly," he says coyly as he snakes an arm around Blaine, pulling him closer. "This is the best Monday morning I've had in months," he blurts out and Blaine chuckles at his boyfriend's penchant for saying whatever is on his mind.

"No kidding," he says simply, settling his head into the soft pillows and lacing his fingers through Kurt's.

The two managed to stay in bed for a couple more hours, switching between talking about what they dreamed about and kissing until they dozed off in each other's arms. Just before 11oclock, Blaine's stomach had growled loudly, causing Kurt to jump since his head had been resting on Blaine's chest. After giggling at this for much longer than should have been normal, Kurt had pushed at Blaine's arm insisting that they get out of bed because it was making them stir-crazy. Blaine had reluctantly agreed and the couple began to get ready to go out for the day.

"Kurt, are you almost finished?" Blaine calls to Kurt from the living room where he is putting on his shoes.

"Very nearly. Just five more minutes," Kurt calls back and Blaine can hear the faucet turn on in the bathroom.

Blaine knows that five minutes is very rarely actually five minutes with Kurt. More often than not it means fifteen, and if they are pressed for time, twenty. He decides to take the time to check his email while he waits.

Five minutes later, Blaine closes his laptop, a smile spread on his lips that accentuate the laugh lines around his eyes, and asks Kurt again if he's ready yet.

"Okay. I'm done," Kurt calls back and Blaine moves to grab his keys and waits by the door. But he hears the blow-dryer turn on again and sighs, shaking his head but still smiling, as he walks into their bedroom.

Kurt has the blow-dryer at an awkward angle, attempting to set his hair just right. Blaine can't help but chuckle at the face Kurt is making in the mirror-he has his tongue between his teeth, his nose is scrunched up and his eyebrows are furrowed in concentration. Kurt's expression dissolves into one of mild embarrassment when he hears Blaine's laugh and sees him leaning against the doorjamb in the reflection of the mirror. He smiles sheepishly, the dimple in his right cheek standing out and Blaine has a sudden urge to kiss that spot.

Kurt sets the blow-dryer down on the counter. "Okay, now I'm done," he says, turning around to face Blaine and flashing him an innocent smile. Blaine arches an eyebrow and Kurt huffs, "I promise!"

Blaine just nods as if to say, Sure you are, as he closes the small space between them and rests his hands on Kurt's hips. He gets on his tip-toes to kiss that spot on Kurt's cheek before saying, "You do know you could go to the Met in a potato sack with bed-head and people would still mistake you for a Greek statue."

"Two things. One, that's sweet. Sweet, but incredibly cheesy. And two, I wouldn't be caught dead in last year's Prada collection much less a potato sack. I'm actually sort of insulted," Kurt replies, but there's a smile playing on his lips. Lips that Blaine can't seem to stop staring at and Kurt notices. He darts his tongue out purposefully, watching Blaine's eyes widen just slightly.

Blaine's eyes flicker back up to Kurt's then back to Kurt's lips, then back to his eyes, as if unable to decide which feature to focus on. He decides to take a step back, taking in all of Kurt as he lets his eyes travel up and down Kurt's long body. Kurt is dressed impeccably, as usual. His khaki Prada jacket is buckled snugly against his form over off-white tailored slacks that hit just at his ankles where Blaine can see the straps of Kurt's brown boots. "Oh, trust me, I'm not insulting you," he finally says, appreciating the way the jacket accentuates Kurt's broad shoulders and small waist.

"Well, you don't look so bad yourself," Kurt says as he brushes past Blaine to fully analyze himself in the mirror on the door. Blaine steps next to him and appraises the two of them. He's used to Kurt outshining him in the outfit department, and today doesn't seem to be any different. But his black double-breasted cardigan hangs just right over his plain white T-shirt and his dark-wash jeans are turned up at the cuff (out of necessity, but it's a nice bonus that the looks works). And he decided to sport the new pair of shoes Kurt had scored for him after a student fashion-show. 

"Amsterdam Shoe Company deck oxfords, Blaine! Do you know how hard it is to get a hold of these? And in purple, too!" Kurt had gushed, pushing the shoes into Blaine's arms. "I saw them and immediately thought of you. They're just your style," Kurt had continued before moving onto talking about the success of the show.

After many failed attempts of getting Blaine into couture, Kurt had finally adjusted to Blaine's understated style. Well, as Kurt put it, "sexy librarian chic." He'd finally managed to meld the two together by finding pieces for Blaine that he thought Blaine would like. And Blaine has to admit, the man is usually right.

Blaine checks the watch on his wrist. It's just past 1. If they leave now they would have about four hours to explore the museum before it closes for the day. "Ready now?"

Kurt sighs dramatically, but purposefully bumps his shoulder into Blaine's as he brushes out of the room.

Soon enough, the two find themselves a cab and are heading down 4th Avenue. Even after living in New York for a couple of years, the shine of the city still hasn't worn off. Kurt spends most of the ride looking out the window as he listens to Blaine strike up an animated conversation with the driver, as he always does.

They pass Union Square Park which is the first place he and Blaine had visited when they moved to the city. And Kurt laughs to himself as they pass the corner at 23rd Street where they had gotten lost soon afterward, realizing too late that the street numbers were going up and not down. Blaine turns to look at him and squeezes his knee, and Kurt knows he's remembering, too.

After about twenty minutes, they pull in front of the building. The area is bustling with people, but not as crowded as Kurt has seen it in the past. The sun peeking in between the clouds left from the rain over the weekend is reflecting wonderfully off the façade of the building. A group of teenage girls are sitting on the steps eating lunch and all seem to stop talking as he and Blaine pass. And at first Kurt bristles and readies for the defense until he realizes they're all staring at Blaine. Of course. Kurt pulls Blaine past the pattering group, rolling his eyes when Blaine smiles sweetly at them as they make their way up the steps. "I can't take you anywhere," Kurt teases, threading his arm through his boyfriend's.

The step into the cool atmosphere of the lobby and Blaine turns to Kurt, his face set in innocent confusion, "What?"

"It's worse because you don't even know," Kurt laughs, dragging Blaine toward the reception desk where a large group of tourists are hovering. Blaine is quickly distracted, pulling out of Kurt's grip to take a map off the counter and perusing through it, completely oblivious to the judgmental look Kurt is giving him.

A girl in front of them is jostled backward, accidentally bumping into Kurt and she apologizes, but her voice trails off a little when she catches sight of Blaine, his nose still buried in the folds of the map. Kurt watches with mild amusement while she turns back around and nudges her friend, who gives Blaine a sideways glance and immediately starts giggling. So it's going to be that sort of day, Kurt thinks. Kurt sighs, realizing Blaine really isn't noticing and pokes him in the shoulder, directing his attention toward the teenagers.

"I was thinking we could check out the European Art first... What?" Blaine asks again, looking a little irritated. And this is why Kurt can't even bring himself to feel jealous. And when he realizes this he can't help but feel a little proud of himself-he knows that the world isn't composed entirely of Jeremiahs and delusional Rachels.

"You-European Art is my favorite," Kurt says brightly.

The couple breaks away from the group, with Blaine placing a hand on Kurt's shoulder and leading him forward lightly. Kurt forgets about the two girls still giggling behind them.

The next hour is spent with them wandering between statues and contemplating artifacts. Blaine listens patiently and with genuine interest as Kurt spouts off his surprising knowledge of French Renaissance art and how it is completely superior to that of the Italian Renaissance.

They're standing in front of a large tapestry in the Vienna hall and Kurt is tutting judgmentally at the cloth before moving on much more quickly than he had done in the French wing. "You're just biased," Blaine says, staring at a particularly ornate urn. "You're in love with anything and everything that comes out of France."

"Not true," Kurt says, turning on his heel to join Blaine in front of the glass display case. "I don't like Brocciu cheese."

"That's it? One kind of French cheese," Blaine looks surreptitiously around the room before twining his fingers around Kurt's, their clasped hands hidden between their bodies.

"This coming from the man who has an unhealthy obsession with Italy," Kurt clicks his tongue, "No, who claims to have an obsession with Italy."

"I'm in love with Italy just as much as you are with France," Blaine squeezes Kurt's hand before letting go and the two move on to another display.

"Loving the food doesn't mean you love the country. It makes you a carb-addict. And pizza isn't even Italian, Blaine." Kurt smiles as they settle into their usual banter. They've teased each other about this before; bickering over where to travel on their first out-of-country trip together. Right now, though, it's great just to poke fun at Blaine.

"I stood there and listened to you prattle on about how superior the French Renaissance was to the Italian one and this is the thanks I get?" He glances sideways at Kurt, smirking a little and as always Kurt is glad the man understands his sense of humor.

"I feel like I've been thrown into a Jane Austen novel," Kurt wonders aloud as they walk down a red-painted hall and turn through a doorway. The room has high ceilings and ornate furniture lining the walls that are certainly reminiscent of the era, but Blaine keeps mum about how it's not quite the right time period. Instead he plays along and the two wander the halls of the Annie Laurie Aitken Galleries quoting Pride and Prejudice.

Kurt has his back turned to him as he admires a painting. With all the pretense of doing the same, Blaine sidles up behind him, but leans in over the boy's shoulder, "I love you. Most ardently," he whispers close in Kurt's ear, touching his fingertips to the small of Kurt's back lightly.

Kurt turns and the look on his face is not what Blaine was expecting. What Blaine sees is a mixture of happiness and surprise. And... mischief? Kurt quickly attempts to hide the latter as he speaks, "You do know that those words are followed by a marriage proposal?"

Oh. Okay, Kurt's voice totally just gave it away. Blaine's smile falters slightly before immediately returning and he quickly recovers. "But she refuses him," he replies, taking up the same playful tone that had betrayed Kurt just seconds before. "There's no way I was going to set myself up for that sort of heart break. Pretend or not."

Kurt's gaze on him is steadily observant, but his eyes are bright. Yet Blaine feels uneasy. And he feels uneasy about feeling uneasy at that moment. But Kurt practically bounces to his side again once Blaine finishes speaking, dipping his knee and smirking up at Blaine, "I would never reject you."

And just like that, the uneasy feeling is gone. "I certainly hope not. You know too much," Blaine winks at Kurt, who laughs because really Blaine is not very good at it.

"You look like him," Kurt says thoughtfully, a finger placed on his chin as he looks up into the face of a Greek statue not unlike that of David.

Blaine looks up into the marble face and practically scoffs. No, he does scoff. "We... both have curly hair. That hardly makes me comparable to a famous symbol of virility."

It's Kurt's turn to scoff. "Virility? You forget that I've seen you rock out to I'm a Barbie Girl in your bunny slippers. No, I was commenting more on the quiet wisdom the two of you seem to share, but I'm seriously considering retracting that thought now that I'm being bombarded with images of that again."

"That was for the slumber party with Rachel, Tina, and Mercedes and you know it! I was coerced! And I know for a fact that you liked it because I definitely recall your request for an encore performance the next day," Blaine is leaning in to Kurt, trying to keep their voices low because this is not exactly the sort of conversation you have in the middle of a very echo-ey room.

Kurt swats at his arm and Blaine can only chuckle in response. They continue making rounds of the Greek and Roman Art wing, taking every opportunity to subtly and sometimes not-so-subtly brush against each other as they admire the pieces.

They cross paths with the tour group from before and decide to tag along as they head upstairs. Blaine has already somehow managed to make friends with an elderly couple and is currently nodding his head politely as the older gentleman makes small talk. Kurt, however, is decidedly ignoring the looks from the teenage girls, who have managed keep to the back of the group as well, and instead tries to focus on what the tour guide is saying.

But that is easier said than done. Kurt is trying really hard not to revert into his old insecure self. But something about having not been able to spend so much time with Blaine lately and the fact that he is still bitter about not being able to be as publically affectionate with him as he'd like and then even Blaine's complete lack of reaction to any of this is slowly building up inside of him. After such a perfect weekend, and with their 3 year anniversary looming ahead on the upcoming Saturday, Kurt does not want anything to ruin their break.

So he takes a deep breath and smiles tightly at the girls before leaning in to brush his shoulder against Blaine's, hoping to catch his boyfriend's attention. Luckily, Blaine breaks away from the elderly couple just at that moment and smiles warmly at Kurt and the two follow the group through the Chinese Art wing.

At some point, the two lose the group after Blaine absently wanders through a doorway, with Kurt following him out of habit, and find themselves in the American Wing. Kurt drags Blaine toward an empty bench just outside the entrance to the area, complaining about his boots hurting his feet.

"You'd think at this point you would be used to wearing shoes like that by now. Those aren't even that bad. I've seen those Gaga heels," Blaine comments while Kurt stretches his legs out in front of him.

"These are new, though. I always have issues with new shoes," Kurt sighs and leans back against the wooden frame of the bench, surveying the large atrium in front of them, bustling with people. "Her," Kurt says, pointing at a short, blonde girl sporting a gift store bag and hanging out at the bottom of the stairs by herself

Blaine immediately catches on and sits up, eyeing the girl from his vantage point. "She's visiting New York from Texas. There's a souvenir in that bag for her boyfriend, probably something that both represents the Met and New York. He was supposed to come with her on this trip but had to stay back because he could not afford it," Blaine says quite sadly.

"Oh?" Kurt prompts.

"Yes. But the reason he couldn't afford it is because when she gets back he plans on proposing with a fantastic engagement ring he's been saving up for since last year," Blaine blinks sympathetically down at the girl, as if believing his own story. He would, though.

"Always the romantic," Kurt says, and he says it warmly without sarcasm because Kurt gave up being cynical about love a long time ago. Well, probably roughly around this time exactly three years ago, at least.

Just twenty minutes before the museum is set to close for the day, the couple head for the Met Store and look around, not really intending to buy anything. Blaine immediately moves toward the children's section mumbling something about coloring books and Kurt sincerely hopes the man is joking.

Kurt peruses the jewelry, inspecting price tags and debating whether or not it's actually worth it to become a member just for the discount (Kurt Hummel is not one to pass up a good deal) when something catches his eye. The jewel-encrusted peacock feather brooch is right up Kurt's alley, and immediately he knows exactly what outfits to pair with it. He's about to ask the man behind the counter to get it for him when he remembers to check the price. It's a little more than he would normally spend on something but maybe if he pouts enough he can convince Blaine...

It is their anniversary soon, after all. 

He heads toward the children's section of the store, searching over the shelves for the mess of curls but finds Blaine seated on a tiny stool, a ukulele in his lap and an audience of two small children in front of him sitting Indian-style on the floor. Blaine is singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow quietly to the two enraptured kids and Kurt leans against a bookshelf as he waits for the song to come to an end. When it does, the little girl and boy clap furiously and Blaine gives a dramatic bow, blowing kisses at them as they are called away by their parents.

When Blaine catches Kurt's eye, he grins. "Whatever it is you want, we can't afford it," he says smoothly, idly plucking at the strings of the instrument still in his hands.

Kurt pushes out his bottom lip. It's a move he doesn't usually like to utilize-begging doesn't really belong anywhere outside of the bedroom. But he thinks he deserves it after all the hard work he's done the past couple months. "But I was thinking, what with our anniversary coming up this weekend and all..." Kurt purposely lets the sentence trail off, opting instead to look at Blaine with wide eyes.

"That's true. You're adorable when you're trying to be persuasive, by the way. But no," Blaine hates saying no to Kurt. And normally he would be willing to indulge his boyfriend but like Kurt had just said, their anniversary is coming up and sacrifices must be made.

"Then you can't get that ukulele," Kurt replies, and he's being half teasing, half serious.

"You're right," Blaine says, placing the instrument next to a red plastic banjo on the floor. "Because you forget that I already have one."

That peacock feather brooch is still calling to him and Kurt is too stubborn to let this go that easily. "Blaine, you haven't even seen it. It's this gorgeous jewel-encrusted pin and I already have outfits lined up for it and you know that I never do that unless I really, really like a piece," he's bordering on whiny but Blaine is just standing there with that stupid smirk on his face and Kurt knows he's fighting a losing battle.

"If you really want a souvenir, I think I saw the perfect thing for you over there," Blaine walks over to a shelf along the wall filled with arts and crafts kits and picks up a pastel-colored box.

Kurt's face is stony, his lips slightly pursed. "Oh, you think you're so funny," he tugs the Design By You Special Occasion Fashion Kit complete with sparkle paint, and shoves it back on the shelf. Just then, a voice cuts off the classical music playing over the speakers announcing the closing of the museum and store. Kurt sighs, but Blaine is talking about going to this new little café that he'd heard about recently for dinner and so all he can do is stare lovingly at the brooch as they pass it on their way out.

"Blaine," Kurt says tightly, shifting in his seat and narrowing his eyes at a point just past Blaine's left ear.

They're just finishing up their food at the café in a part of the city still relatively unknown to them. Up until about five minutes ago, Kurt had thought it was a fantastic end to their wonderful day.

"Kurt you have to try this. It's delicious," Blaine pushes his iced drink toward Kurt, either ignoring or completely oblivious to Kurt's tone. 

"Are you kidding me right now?" Kurt replies, his head titled downward and still not looking directly at Blaine.

"I'm sorry," Blaine always apologizes too much and Kurt knows that. But right then Kurt mistakes it for condescension. Blaine follows it up with a confused, "What?"

"The waiter totally made a pass at you," Kurt huffs, fingers gliding anxiously over the side of his own iced coffee.

Blaine shifts in his seat to turn to look at the man behind the counter. He has short, blond hair and his gray eyes ware kind, but Blaine just smiles awkwardly when the man winks at him (again!) as he rubs down the surface of the counter. When he turns back around, Kurt's arms are crossed, making the already tight shirt across his chest pull at the buttons.

Blaine can't help but laugh at the expression on Kurt's face. But Kurt's eyes widen and he promptly stands up and grabs his jacket. Blaine will always remember hearing rather than actually seeing Kurt leave, because he is gone so fast. The wooden chair screeching against the ceramic tiles on the floor, the clipped sound of the heels of Kurt's boots and then the tinkling of the bell over the door all seem to happen simultaneously. It takes Blaine a moment to process what had happened before he quickly strides out of the shop with the intentions of chasing after Kurt.

Except Kurt isn't very far. When he'd left the café he'd had every intention of hailing a cab and leaving Blaine stranded in this unfamiliar part of the city. But instead he'd purposefully slowed his walking in the hopes that Blaine would catch up to him. And he does. He always does.

Of course Kurt would never actually admit to playing such a game so when he feels Blaine touch his shoulder he instinctively thrusts his nose up in the air and quickens his pace a little. He thought he could deal with people hitting on Blaine; the incidents with all the girls earlier today seemed to be just that-incidents. But the moment that waiter had focused solely on Blaine, had touched Blaine on his upper arm, had winked at him Kurt could not suppress the feelings of jealousy resurfacing. The weekend had been so perfect. They had been wrapped up in their own little world that it was like a culture shock to come outside into the real one. The one where he couldn't touch his boyfriend whenever he wants to and the one where other women and men hit on his boyfriend.

"Kurt you aren't being serious," It isn't a question. Blaine states it simply as he grabs Kurt's arm, stopping them in the middle of the sidewalk as people pass. For a moment, Kurt thinks Blaine could read his mind and is commenting on his thoughts.

"Blaine, does it look like I'm joking?" Kurt's arms are back across his chest and he is resting all his weight on one leg. He's looking Blaine straight in the eye though now, almost as if in a challenging manner.

"You're jealous," Again, not a question.

Kurt blinks, but he doesn't avert his gaze. "Yes."

"Of... the waiter," Blaine says it slowly, still not entirely understanding what is going on. Okay, Blaine definitely could not read Kurt's mind. This has been apparent from day one.

Kurt stamps his foot and Blaine isn't sure if he should find that childish or adorable. "Yes, Blaine. Excuse me for getting upset that my boyfriend just got hit on in a café and he doesn't even seem to care."

Blaine can only stand there, dumbstruck. "You're mad at me?" Finally a question, because he still doesn't understand. Kurt is standing there in front of him, practically fuming and while seeing Kurt like this is oddly arousing Blaine hates being the cause of Kurt's anger.

"Well at first I was just mad at Rico Suave back there but then you just kept on acting like nothing happened. You just smiled that smile of yours and you didn't say anything to deter him or anything!" Kurt's voice rises a little at the end, his arms pulling apart to gesture wildly and his jacket nearly hits a passer-by. Blaine can only stand there in awe and confusion-a feeling he'd become quite familiar with at this point with Kurt Hummel.

Kurt's arms lift again, signaling he is about to continue but Blaine stops him by grabbing onto his forearms. "Kurt," he says with as much sincerity as he can muster. "Would you listen to what you are saying? Are you honestly mad at me for not reacting for somebody hitting on me?" 

Kurt's eyes soften a little but his mouth is still set in a tight line. The moment Blaine grabbed his arms he had trouble holding on to any jealousy or anger he was harboring. But he is determined to say what he needed to, because they are always honest with each other and he might as well get it over with. "I don't know," Kurt admits.

Blaine watches as Kurt fights to hide the hurt and humiliation on his face. But it is physically impossible for the boy to hide his emotions; they flash across his face at a mile a minute and the more he tries to hide it the more obvious they are. It's a trait he admired and often envied. And though he knows Kurt is being ridiculous he still can't keep from kicking himself from completely missing Kurt's signals, despite how obvious they always are.

Kurt continues talking after a deep breath, "I don't know, Blaine. I could handle all the girls because, really, who are we kidding. But when he touched you and you didn't make a move to stop him or to stake your claim on me or anything like that-" Kurt can hear himself saying these things and he knows the moment he started talking that it sounds silly. He realizes that he does not really mean what he was saying. He's never before felt the need to have their relationship reaffirmed for anybody, why today? Why now? Kurt's suddenly very aware of the fact that they're arguing on a busy sidewalk miles away from their apartment.

Blaine is watching him with a steady gaze, his expression unreadable. But Kurt sees a muscle in Blaine's jaw flex and immediately he feels the guilt wash over him. "Blaine, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to question you-"

Blaine cuts him off, holding up his hand, palm facing outward. "Kurt, stop. I don't want to fight with you this week. In fact, I don't want to fight with you ever but we both know that's impossible," Blaine's tone changes from stern to warm and a corner of his mouth twitches in a half-smile. "You should know me better by now. It took me how long to kiss you after we met? Heck, after you even admitted your feelings for me? It's been 3 years and I still don't always pick up on your signals."

"You're learning, though," Kurt allows. What he wants more than anything right now is to kiss Blaine and while he doesn't need to reaffirm their love to anyone else he's still insecure and needs it for himself. They've already drawn attention to themselves, blocking pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk and a large part of Kurt doesn't care. He knows Blaine would not approve, though. They only got away with their shenanigans on Saturday because the park was empty and it was dark and there were crazy hormones and adrenaline pumping through their veins.

"You're a good teacher," Blaine did not originally intend for that (cheesy line) to come out low and gravelly, but it does. Something about seeing Kurt so flustered is making his blood run hot in the cool March air.

Kurt is trying his best to ignore the new timbre of Blaine's voice. "No, I've got things to learn as well," Kurt has every intention of turning around coquettishly to hail a cab, but just at that moment a group of party-hoppers brush by and he's knocked into Blaine's chest. Screw it, Kurt thinks, seizing the opportunity and pressing his lips to Blaine's. At first Blaine stiffens at the contact, but relaxes into the kiss, completely forgetting where they are for a moment. All he can feel is Kurt's lips translating feelings of near desperation and want. But much too soon a car horn jolts them both out of their reverie. Kurt pulls back, "Like impulse control," he says casually, pretending to smooth the non-existent collar of Blaine's cardigan.

Now he turns and sticks an arm out to hail a cab, leaving Blaine in the middle of the sidewalk, his mouth still hanging open a little. When a taxi pulls up to the curb, Kurt teasingly waves a hand in front of Blaine's face to get his attention, which Blaine promptly grabs a hold of before dragging Kurt into the vehicle with him.

When the couple gets back home, it's still relatively early. So instead of heading directly for the bedroom they end up tangled on the floor of the living room in their pajamas and under a fort of blankets singing lazily along with the Elvis record Blaine had put on.

Blaine is laying flat on his back looking up at the floral sheet above him, with one arm thrown over Kurt who is resting on his stomach, arms crossed underneath his head. He watches Blaine's profile, specifically his lips as he mouths the words to Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear. He isn't really singing, but there's a soft hum to his voice slowly that is lulling Kurt into that limbo between sleep and consciousness.

Baby let me be around you every night, Run your fingers through my hair and cuddle me real tight, Oh let me be, Just let me be, Your teddy bear.