Blaine's heart was pounding with excitement as he tapped on the door. It had taken some time to find the room in the numerous hallways of the ship, and he'd gotten a few looks, feeling a little out of place.

The door opened, and Kurt gave him a wide, happy smile before dragging him into the tiny cabin and shutting the door.

A quick glance around showed they were alone, at last, and Blaine swooped closer to capture Kurt's lips. Like the other times, their kisses were hungry and deep, and Blaine felt a jolt of excitement when Kurt pushed him back against the door.

Kurt's mouth had Blaine moaning loudly, as he kissed and nibbled down his neck, rocking his body against Blaine's. He felt surrounded by Kurt, totally at his mercy. Never before had he been as so aware of Kurt's extra few inches of height, and the strength of his body. It was such a masculine energy, being pinned against a door, Kurt's aroused body pressed against him so firmly. Desire crashed over Blaine like a tidal wave, and he was helpless against the elemental force of it. Blaine let out a whimper, tipping his head back in total surrender. Wanting everything. Anything.

Yes yes yes…Blaine thought when Kurt’s hands went to the fastening of his pants. With his lips kissing down Kurt’s neck, Blaine returned the favor. It had been so long since Paris, and it was hard to hold back, not wanting things to be over before they even started.

Backing off slightly, Kurt looked down at Blaine, his eyes so dark with desire and need. Blaine was sure his own expression matched Kurt’s, and when Kurt pulled him towards the narrow bunk bed, he went eagerly. Kicking his loosened pants off, his heart pounded as he watched Kurt strip off his pants in a quick motion, and crawled onto the bed beside Blaine.

Blaine tugged downwards on his shoulder until Kurt was half-lying across his chest on the narrow bed, and unbuttoning his shirt to kiss near his collarbone.

“Lie on top of me...,” Blaine sighed, too aroused to play around, needing more contact.

Kurt didn’t question the request, but moved a leg between Blaine’s and settled their chests together. Blaine’s arms were around him, his hands running down his back. The warm, delicious weight of this man he cared so much about was over him, and it felt so right. They got more comfortable with their closeness, sinking into each other, and Blaine hugged him tight.

A slight shift made them both moan, and Kurt pressed his hips down until they found the position with the best contact. Blaine arched upwards with Kurt’s motions, breathless and closing his eyes to savor this sensation. It was almost too much, but far too delicious to ever stop. Grinding together, he could feel Kurt’s warm pants against his neck, and knew he was getting just as close.

He felt Kurt tense against him, and then his head fell to Blaine’s shoulder as he shuddered in his arms. It sent Blaine over the edge, and he groaned as he rutted against Kurt’s hip, the orgasm seeming to go on for a breathless eternity.

Kurt’s chuckle had Blaine turning his head to catch his gaze. They were both a bit breathless.

“Around you, I’m more like a fifteen year old boy than a man of five and twenty.” Kurt’s eyes were a sparkling blue, full of affection and sated desire.

Blaine let out a little snort, and the noise sent Kurt into peals of laughter that Blaine couldn’t resist joining in on.

Nodding, Blaine smiled widely. “I’m the same. Half the reason I was so sleepy at the gym earlier was that I was thinking about you, just like you told me to, many times last night.”

“Many times? Hmmmm…. I’m impressed.” Kurt grinned, and leaned down to give Blaine a light kiss.

Blaine shrugged. “I find you very ….inspiring…” He waggled his thick triangular eyebrows at Kurt, trying to keep him giggling. The happy sound made his heart skip a beat.

Pulling back, Kurt scrunched up his face a little. “Well, next time we’re feeling ‘inspired’ together, we should really take the time to undress fully.”

He crawled out of the bed and went to the wardrobe. He pulled out a couple pairs of underwear and a washcloth. Dampening the washcloth, he passed it to Blaine.

Getting out of bed, Blaine cleaned up and slipped the clean underwear on, feeling a little naughty at the thought that he was wearing Kurt’s underwear. It was a strangely intimate thing to do. And so was watching Kurt as he did the same actions on himself, in the close confines of this small room.

“So, is this your plan for the night? Because, if so, I heartedly approve of it. Come back to bed and let’s cuddle some more.” Blaine laid back on the bed and patted the space beside him.

Kurt scoffed lightly, shooting a teasing glance his way. “No, this is not my plan for the night. You distracted me. Now, get up and take off your clothes.”

Those words sent a pang of desire right into Blaine’s core, the urge that had been satisfied so recently perking up in interest.More, already? And Blaine found himself out of the bed and pulling off his shirt in record time.

Chuckling, Kurt settled his hands on Blaine’s upper arms. “Down, boy, down. It’s not for that, not now anyways. But you need to change clothes for what we're doing tonight.”

Blaine stood there in only his undershirt, Kurt’s underwear and his socks. His shoes were over near the door where he must have kicked them off earlier.

Digging in the wardrobe again, Kurt emerged with some clothes over his arm and set them on the bed. “First off, let’s take care of your hair.”

Realizing it was probably sticking up everywhere from when they had been in bed, Blaine self-consciously tried smoothing it in place with his hands.

Kurt pushed past, going to the sink and turning on the water. “Don’t worry about that, Blaine. We need to get the pomade out of your hair.”

Blaine’s eyebrows rose at that, but he was going along with everything Kurt suggested tonight, as much as he was able. He had worn pomade in his hair since becoming a teenager. He didn’t even know what it would be like without the styling agent.

Leaning over the sink, Kurt rubbed something through Blaine’s hair. “This is just some olive oil to break the pomade up.” Once it was worked through, he urged Blaine under the warm water coming from the tap, rinsing it thoroughly. A rich, lathering shampoo was next, and Blaine sighed as Kurt’s strong fingers massaged his scalp in firm circular motions. The scent reminded him of Kurt, and it was nice to have another piece of the puzzle that was this man.

After another thorough rinsing, Kurt toweled Blaine’s hair until it was almost dry and combed it, his fingers playing through the strands. Blaine felt pampered and sighed in contentment at Kurt’s touch and his nearness.

“OK, now let’s get you in your costume for the night.” Kurt smiled as he looked Blaine over assessingly, his mouth quirked up on one side slightly.

The fabrics Kurt passed him were of thicker, rougher material than he was used to, fabrics woven for durability rather than fashion. The pants were a little long, and Kurt knelt down to pin up the hems skillfully. The shirt was a little snug across the chest, but he doubted he’d rip a seam unless he moved his arms vigorously or something.

When Kurt nodded in satisfaction and pulled Blaine over to the vanity mirror, he couldn’t get over the difference. He was in a bulky, brown tweed suit that seemed boxy over his frame. He looked heavier, larger. The biggest change was his hair though. Instead of slicked back close to his scalp, there was a puffy cloud of curls surrounding his head. It felt so messy and unruly, Blaine’s hands immediately went up to try to smooth it down.

Chuckling, Kurt pulled his hands away. “Leave it, Blaine. I like it. You look natural.”

“OK.” Blaine shrugged. It was fun to play dress-up. Try being someone else for the night. He could easily slip into his own clothes and put pomade in his hair tomorrow.

Kurt fussed around with his own hair next, erasing the signs of their earlier dalliance, and then looked through his clothing and pulling out a few things.

"Do you have a book you've finished that I could borrow?" Kurt asked, out of the blue.

Blaine nodded his head. "Um, sure. I brought a few along for the trip."

Kurt smiled. "Would you be a dear and fetch it now from your room? There are a few things I'd like to get ready for us later, and it could take a little while."

The possibilities of that sent Blaine's mind whirling in anticipation, and he nodded in agreement, heading off in the direction of his room.

He didn't get very far though.

"You there! What are you doing in this part of the ship?" A stern looking steward rushed down the quiet hallway right towards Blaine, his glare already judging Blaine's clothing and hair, and finding him lacking.

It took Blaine aback. Never before had he been stared down this way, like he was a lowly cockroach that was about to be stomped by a large boot. "I, um, I...," he stammered, blinking fast as he tried to think of a clear answer.

If he said he was going to his own cabin, the steward wouldn't believe him. Trying to explain would be futile.

"A gent in the smoking room gave me a shilling to fetch a book from his room. Look, he even lent me his key." Blaine pulled the key from his pocket, trying for his most honest expression.

The steward looked between the key and Blaine's face, weighing the truth of the words.

"Please sir, I shouldn't delay doing this. You can escort me if you want. Watch as I get the book and then leave the area." Blaine suggested, just wanting to get out of this awkward situation before the steward dragged him in front of Captain Smith or something. His father would surely hear about it if things went that far.

Finally, the steward nodded curtly, still keeping a close eye on Blaine as they walked down the hall, in case Blaine tried to make a break for it or something. It was so strange to be treated with such distrust, like he was already charged with a crime.

Blaine made a point of looking for the room number, acting like he'd never been there before. When he unlocked the door, he turned on the light.

"Um, the gent said it was called 'Tom Jones', just like my last name.” Blaine mumbled as he pretended to scan the room, and then walked over to the writing desk. “Oh here it is, just as the man said.” He picked up the thick book, and waved it towards to steward.

Exiting the room, he quickly locked up and bowed slightly to the steward, then walked away swiftly before he had a chance to say anything else. The steward trailed behind him, keeping a watchful eye, but once Blaine got to the stairs, he fell back.

Blaine’s heart was pounding still when he went around a corner, and leaned against a wall. He was back in the 3rd class cabins area now and it was a relief to have people nod politely as they passed him, instead of eye him with distrust. Slowly, the adrenaline-fueled fight-or-flight response settled down, his heartbeat and breathing going back to normal and his hands unclenching. He walked slowly the rest of the way back to Kurt’s cabin.

Once at Kurt’s door, he took a few deep breaths, trying to put the incident behind him and focus on the present. He pinned a smile on his face and knocked softly. The door opened quickly, and Kurt looked him over thoroughly before pulling him inside.

“Something happened, didn’t it? It took you far too long. Sit on the bed and tell me.” Kurt’s tone was no-nonsense, and he led Blaine back to the bunk.

Sinking down, Blaine let the façade slip, and passed Kurt the book. “It was really nothing, but…,” he paused, not really sure how to describe it. “Um, a steward saw me and thought I didn’t belong there. I had to let him watch as I got the book and then left the area again. I guess I looked like trouble or something.” Blaine shrugged, trying to act like it wasn’t a big deal.

Kurt nodded, and wrapped an arm around Blaine’s shoulder. Blaine let his head tip to rest against Kurt’s. After a minute or two, Kurt shifted away to help Blaine remove the suit jacket. Blaine realized that they were both in just pants and button-up shirts, with a couple buttons undone. Strangely, he wasn’t grabbing Kurt like he normally would, being alone on a bed like this. He didn’t question it when Kurt laid down and encouraged Blaine to lie in front of him, being the little spoon.

Feeling Kurt holding him, feeling warm and secure in his arms, Blaine finally felt the tightness in his belly loosen. He felt a bit drained, and was surprised when his eyelids were drooping. But he didn’t want to waste a precious second of being alone with Kurt with sleeping.

Rolling over so they were face to face on the single bunk, almost nose to nose, Blaine leaned closer to lightly kiss Kurt. But before he could sink in and pursue that more, Blaine pulled back with a smile. “I think I earned at least twenty questions when we were in here earlier.”

Kurt’s eyebrows rose, and he gave a small smile. “I’d say fourteen questions, tops.”

Blaine had been expecting the haggling, so he had slightly inflated his number of kisses. Fourteen was a pretty good number of questions to work with.

“How did you get so good at doing accents?” Blaine asked, picking up Kurt’s hand to play with his long fingers.

Kurt gave a little shrug. “I’m a pretty good mimic, I guess. I’ve had to perform a lot of roles over the years, so whenever I’m around someone with an interesting accent or mannerism, I try to learn it so I can use it for a future character.”

Blaine nodded. “Tell me about your family.”

Shaking his head, Kurt laughed softly. “That’s not a question.”

Lifting Kurt’s hand, Blaine laid a few soft kisses on the back of it. “Please, Kurt? I just want to get to know you better.”

Perhaps he was swayed by the kisses, perhaps not. “Hmmmmm, OK. But ‘tell me’ requests count as five questions each.”

Smiling, Blaine nodded.

“My family….hmmm…. Well, it’s a little unusual in that my parents only had me. No brothers or sisters, although I asked for them all the time. And then my mother died when I was eight…” Kurt’s eyes dipped down, his long eyelashes hiding his expressive eyes.

“Oh, that is so sad.” Blaine stroked his fingers over the back of Kurt’s hand in a comforting motion.

Kurt looked back at Blaine and gave a little nod. “It was the Russian Flu. It took her so quickly.” His lips pressed together tightly, and Blaine could see it was a hard memory. “But my father and I got along alright, just the two of us. I am a pretty good cook and kept up the house OK. He works for Lima Machine Works, which builds locomotives.”

Kurt fell quiet then, and Blaine wondered if that was five questions’ worth of information. He was thinking what question to ask next when Kurt continued.

“He remarried before I left Lima, a lovely widow who had a son my age. We were very different, but grew to be true brothers by the time I’d finished school. But barely a year after I had left, he was in a tragic accident. I’m just glad my stepmother had my father there to comfort her. I was too far away to come to the funeral. I didn’t even get my father’s letter about it until a month later.” Kurt said softly, his eyes not meeting Blaine’s, but trained on his shirt collar.

Shifting closer, Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt, running his hands up and down his back. Kurt sunk into his embrace, and Blaine hugged him tighter. Even though it must have been many years ago, Blaine could tell Kurt was very affected by the memories. “I’m sure you would have been there if you could. Have you ever been back to visit his grave?”

He felt Kurt’s nod against his chest. “Just once. I’m going to visit it again when I get back to see my father.”

“Where did you go when you left Lima?” Blaine asked softly, hoping to bring up some happier memories. He wanted to get to know Kurt better, but was already surprised at all he had been through at a young age.

Leaning back, Kurt shifted to move a pillow to be under his head. He gave a small smile, which Blaine felt relieved to see. “Growing up, I liked school, and spent a lot of time at the machine works, tinkering around with any spare parts the men didn’t need. But my mother took me to my first Vaudeville show when I was about six years old, and I was hooked since then. After my mom passed, my father took me almost every week, maybe trying to cheer me up at first or as a reward for all the work I did. I loved it all. The comedians, the acrobats, the contortionists, the actors, the animal acts. But my absolute favorite were the singers.”

Blaine smiled as he saw the difference that came over Kurt as he talked about the shows. His passion for it shone so clearly from his animated face, and he looked more beautiful than ever. Blaine was tempted to steal a kiss or two, but he didn’t want to interrupt Kurt when he was talking so freely.

Chuckling, Kurt rolled his eyes. “This is turning into a five-question answer too. Well, when I was old enough, I got a job at the Vaudeville theatre, sweeping, selling popcorn or tickets. Whatever they needed. My father didn’t mind as long as I kept up with my studies. When he re-married, I had even more time to work down there. I got to know all the touring companies, and was as helpful as I could be. Sometimes they even let me be on stage in a small part as a reward.”

He shrugged then. “I’m sure you can guess what happened after I finished school.”

Blaine gave Kurt a small, delighted smile. “Ah, instead of running away to join the circus, you ran away and joined a touring Vaudeville company?”

Kurt nodded. “Although it’s hardly ‘running away’ when you are an adult. It was fantastic. We were only a few nights in each town before we would move on. We were a big family, always together, supporting each other. I learned from everyone, soaking up every skills I could, working my ass off. I was in all sorts of different acts.”

“But how did you end up in Paris as a female impersonator?” Blaine was beginning to piece things together, but it still seemed such a strange thing for a boy from Ohio to end up doing.

Rolling his eyes, Kurt gave a little sigh. “I think you used up all your questions long ago, but I’ll give you credit for this one. After touring around the United States and parts of Canada for a few years, a close friend of mine was returning to England, and encouraged me to come with him. They called the theatres ‘Music Halls’ there, but it’s basically the same type of thing. Entertainment for the whole family."

"After a couple years in England, I went to Paris and fell in love with the Montmartre area. It’s full of artists of all types and very open in its attitudes. It has many theatres, like Le Chat Noir and Moulin Rouge. It was good to live in one place after spending so many years travelling around. And the theatres there were a little more raunchy than Vaudeville or Music Hall, with the Can-Can Girls and all that, so my little female impressionist act was quite welcome.”

Even with all Kurt had said, there were still dozens of questions Blaine wanted to ask. When had Kurt learned French? Why was he going back to the US for good? Where had he learned to kiss so well?

----

-Disclaimer: I own nothing.

-A/N: Finally some of Kurt's backstory many of you have been clamouring for. ;). Their date will continue in the next chapter.

-Fun fact time:

-Pomade: This greasy, or waxy substance used to style hair, giving it a slick, shiny appearance. Original formulations from the 17th and 18th century contained a lot of bear fat or lard. Yummy. By Titanic times, it was usually petroleum jelly, beeswax and lard. Brilliantine was a scented hair oil created by a French perfumer Edouard Pinaud and presented at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, and is likely what Blaine would have used. Brylcreem wasn’t invented until 1928.

-Tom Jones: The book is actually called “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” by Henry Fielding, published 1749. It is on some lists as one of the ten best novels in the world. I would recommend the 1963 film version staring Albert Finney (sexy as fuck in this movie!) that won Best Picture that year. It is a great adventure comedy that is very true to the book.

-Russian Flu: A worldwide flu pandemic that killed about 1 million people. The main outbreak was in 1889-90, with recurrences during 1891-1894.

-Lima Machine Works: This company started in 1877 to make agricultural and sawmill equipment. The next year, they made the first Shay type locomotive ( a ‘super-powered’ type of steam engine) and did really well with it, eventually becoming Lima Locomotive and Machine Company in 1892.

-Vaudeville: Before movie theatres, Vaudeville was the main entertainment from 1880s to 1930s, in the US and Canada. A typical performance was a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill, like singers, dancers, comedians, magician, acrobats, one-act plays, and musicians. It was designed for the whole family, with language and content strictly policed by the managers. Vaudeville theatres were in every city and town, with touring groups travelling around large circuits of 36 cities or more.

-Music Hall: Basically the British version of Vaudeville, popular from 1850-1960. Variety entertainment with popular songs, comedy, specialty acts.

-Music Halls in Paris: Folies-Bergere (1869), Moulin Rouge (1889), Alhambra (1866), Olympia (1893) were music halls that sprang up during the Belle Epoque period (1872-1914) when many notable artists lived and worked in Montmartre, with it's low rents and bohemian atmosphere. Artists included Renoir, Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec. The music hall performances could be a little racier there, like the Can-Can girls at Moulin Rouge, or Josephine Baker, who rose to fame in 1925 for being almost nude in her erotic dancing act.