Moments later the door opened and Finn's face appeared, smiling at first but then looking confused. Kurt smiled politely back at him. 'Hey, Finn!'

'Hey, Kurt ... um ... what are you doing here? I thought you and Blaine were seeing each other tomorrow ...'

'Uhhh - nope. It was definitely today.' Kurt frowned slightly.

'Oh god, I'm really sorry, man - he's not here.' Fin shrugged apologetically

Kurt's face fell ... had he really gotten the dates mixed up? He hoped he didn't look like too much of an idiot in front of Blaine's stepbrother.

'Oh ... well ... uh ... OK then. I guess I should maybe ... um ... go, then.' Kurt said, hanging his head in the hopes of hiding any more of his disappointment.

'He's kidding, Kurt.'

Kurt's head shot back up at the sound of the new voice, and he was met by Blaine's beaming grin, poking out from behind Finn's back. He heaved a huge sigh of relief and tried not to laugh.

'Jesus ... you made me think I was going senile or something.'

'Haha - sorry, man.' Finn laughed, opening the door wider and gesturing for Kurt to step inside. Blaine was playing safe and still taking cover behind him.

'Thank you, Finn.' Kurt drawled sarcastically, wandering into the apartment and taking in his new surroundings. He smiled to himself as he tried and failed to count the vast array of musical instruments dotted around the living room, stopping beside the shiny, black grand piano. He took a moment to think back to being serenaded so sweetly by Blaine and Jayda just a few days earlier. He felt a hand on the small of his back and his smile widened.

'I'm sorry. Couldn't resist.' Blaine said quietly, stroking Kurt's back and laughing gently. Kurt turned to face him and stuck his tongue out.

'Oh, it's like that, is it?' Blaine laughed, leaning towards Kurt's lips and watching him squirm playfully away from the kiss.

'Uh ... guys?' Finn's voice chimed from behind them. They both turned to look at him, a little embarrassed but not half as red-cheeked as Finn was. 'I think I'm gonna head out ... catch up with some buddies.'

'Oh, please don't leave on my account, Finn.' Kurt offered.

'Nah, it's been planned for a while. I just wanted to let you know in case you thought I'd just disappeared ... cos you were kinda ... um ... engrossed in each other for a sec there.'

'Haha. Sorry.'

'No problem, man.' Finn said as he made his way into another room.

'Is he OK with us, d'you think?' Kurt asked quietly when Finn was out of earshot, noting that Blaine's gorgeous eyes were transfixed upon his neck.

'Huh? Who ... Finn?'

'No Blaine, the Queen of Sheba.'

Blaine snorted. 'Sorry ... distracted.'

'I noticed. What's so interesting about my neck all of a sudden?'

'What isn't interesting about it?' Blaine sighed, and a blush rose in Kurt's cheeks. He slapped Blaine on the arm.

'I'm serious, Blaine!' Kurt growled through gritted teeth. 'He doesn't have a problem with you seeing guys, does he?'

'Well he hasn't seen me with many, to be honest. Just one in fact. But no ... god, no. Finn's always been totally supportive of me and all the ...'

'... gayness?' Kurt smirked.

'Yes, Kurt ... all the gayness.' Blaine rolled his eyes and suppressed a grin of his own. 'And besides, he thinks you're great. He's always asking how you are and stuff.'

'Awww ... that's sweet.'

'What's sweet?' Finn's voice knocked the boys out of their own little world.

'You are.' Blaine crooned, sidling over to Finn with a goofy grin and throwing his arms around his torso, pinning his arms by his sides.

'Blaine! Jeez ... what are we, nine?!' Finn yelled, looking highly embarrassed yet again.

'Ah, you love me really.' Blaine replied, giving Finn one last over-exaggerated squeeze before letting go.

'Hmmmm.' grumbled Finn. 'Alright, well ... you guys have fun being weird.'

'We will.' Kurt nodded with a grin, receiving a bemused half-smile from Finn as he opened the front door. Kurt waved excitedly. 'Bye!'

'See you later, guys.' Finn laughed, and disappeared out of sight.

Kurt frowned a little at Blaine. 'You sure?'

'I'm positive. He'd be just as awkward if he caught me having a threesome with two busty blondes.'

'Well that's hardly surprising.' Kurt teased.

'You know what I mean.' Blaine laughed. 'He's just kind-of shy and never quite knows what to do around people when they're all ...'

'... all what, Blaine?'

'All affectionate ... Kurt!' Blaine mimicked Kurt's suggestive tone and grabbed at Kurt's waist, tickling his fingers over his sweater and making Kurt giggle. 'You look great, by the way.' he said, running his eyes over the taller man's frame as he moved in closer.

'Why, thank you.' Kurt said, bringing his face to within millimetres of Blaine's and smiling over his lips. 'You're not so bad yourself.'

'This old thing?' Blaine breathed, catching Kurt's bottom lip between his teeth and nibbling gently, relishing the delicious moan that escaped from the man as they kissed.

Kurt pulled away and smirked. 'You taste like salsa ... and something smells amazing!'

'Oh god, sorry.' Blaine grimaced. 'Had to do a little taste-test to make sure it was up to your standards. I can only cook two dishes, to be honest - tonight, it's enchilada time!'

'Yum. And I'm absolutely sure it will be very tasty. Just like you.'

Blaine tilted his head and grinned. 'Awww ... well I hope so.'

'I know so.' Kurt smiled, causing Blaine to scoff and look away shyly.

'Actually, I'd better check on the food.' He said quietly, gesturing towards the doorway to their left.

'Can I help with anything?' Kurt asked as they made their way into the tiny kitchen.

'You could maybe fix us some drinks.' Blaine nodded towards the fridge. 'I even pushed the boat out and bought vodka and cranberry juice. But if I try to mix them, I'll probably give us both alcohol poisoning.'

Kurt laughed and opened the door to the refrigerator, suddenly feeling an arm snaking around his waist and having Blaine's curls obscure the view as he snuck in and quickly grabbed something from the top shelf.

'Sorry. As you were.' Blaine said, squeezing Kurt's waist again before returning to his place at the stove. Kurt smiled to himself, very sure that he'd never tire of feeling those nimble fingers caressing him.

***

About an hour later, the two men were sitting together at the small dining table in the corner of the lounge, happily full and talking softly, their fingers intertwined in the small space between their chairs.

'I spoke to my dad earlier.' Kurt said, smiling down at Blaine's hand as his thumb brushed across his knuckles. 'He really wants to meet you.'

'Uh-oh. Should I be worried?' Blaine frowned.

'Oh god, not at all. He looks a little scary, but he's an absolute pussy-cat. You'll love him.'

'I already do ...' Blaine broke into a smirk, and put on his most cringe-worthy voice '... because he gave me you.'

'Hey!' Kurt laughed. 'Watch it, buddy. I'll have you know I'm a catch.'

Blaine smiled and squeezed Kurt's hand, gazing deep into his eyes and causing Kurt's breath to hitch in his throat. 'And I still have no idea how I managed to reel you in.'

The lingering stare continued and Kurt felt his head begin to swim.

'So ... um ... dessert?' Blaine offered nervously after a while, never taking his eyes from Kurt's.

'Huh? Oh, yeah ... love some.' Kurt smiled, instantly regretting his choice as Blaine rose from his seat and collected their dinner plates. 'Can I help?'

'Nope, you've done quite enough for tonight, thank you. Just make yourself at home.'

Kurt shrugged reluctantly and took a sip of his drink, taking it with him as he walked slowly around the room. 'Can you really play all of these instruments, Blaine?' He called in the direction of the kitchen.

'Huh?' Blaine's head appeared around the doorframe. He looked slightly perplexed. 'Oh ... uh - yeah.'

Kurt shook his head in disbelief. 'Amazing. Everything OK?' He offered, concerned with Blaine's strange expression and distracted manner.

'Uh ... I think Finn ate our dessert.' Blaine frowned.

Kurt laughed warmly. 'Haha ... Rachel told me he likes his food.'

'Yeah. And other people's, evidently.' Blaine sighed. 'God ... I'm sorry, Kurt.'

'Hey, don't be. I'm stuffed anyway.' Kurt said, stopping in front of the piano stool and peering over at the sheet music which was perched in front of the ivory keys. 'Oh wow, Blaine - do you write too?' he said, squinting at the scribbled notes and lyrics hashed out on the paper.

'Don't look at that!' Blaine exclaimed and ran quickly over to the piano, grabbing the papers before Kurt could get any closer. Kurt pouted.

'Awww ... why not?'

'... Because it's ... not finished yet.' Blaine replied timidly, zipping the sheet music away inside a leather pouch and placing it on the small bookcase near the front door.

'I can still reach that, y'know.' Kurt smirked.

'Please, Kurt. I haven't written anything in so long and I'm really unsure about it.' Blaine said uncomfortably.

'Oooh - you could play it for me!' Kurt bounced on the spot.

'No, really ... can we just forget about it for now? Please?' Blaine frowned and looked to the floor.

Kurt rushed over to Blaine's side and gave his shoulder a rub. 'Oh sweetie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push you ... you don't ever have to do anything you don't want to for me.' Blaine raised his head and quirked his eyebrows, and Kurt giggled affectionately. 'Even that.'

'Thank you, Kurt.' Blaine breathed, and planted a gentle kiss on Kurt's lips. 'I promise you'll hear it soon.'

Kurt couldn't help but smile, and broke into a huge grin as he was willingly led to the plush corner-sofa at the other end of the room. 'Ooooh, comfy.' He sighed as he sank into it beside Blaine.

'Well, don't get too comfy.' Blaine smirked as he put a hand to Kurt's chest, seeing the other man's pupils dilate in the soft light. Kurt instinctively reached out and stroked from Blaine's knee up his thigh, loving the look he was given in return. It was clear that both men were still hungry, but not necessarily for food.

Kurt's mind reeled as he took advantage of some newfound confidence, adjusting his position on the couch and pushing Blaine down into the cushions, resting between his raised knees and pinning his free hand beside his head. Blaine's other hand raked across and around Kurt's stomach and sides eagerly through his sweater.

Kurt held his face just out of reach of Blaine's, moving back further still when Blaine arched upwards , straining to get close enough for a needy kiss. He let out a whimper and Kurt felt a surge of pleasure race through his body, blood flowing quickly to his crotch. He couldn't hold back any longer, smothering Blaine's mouth with his own and feeling Blaine's tongue urgently probing past his teeth. Kurt pressed Blaine's hand deeper into the couch, the other running through his curls, while Blaine gently lifted the hem of Kurt's sweater and under-shirt with his free hand before dragging his fingers across the bare skin of Kurt's lower back. Both men searched one another's mouths for several minutes, breathing hot and heavy and letting out the occasional moan, before Kurt pulled away with a giggle.

Blaine looked confused. 'You OK?' he sighed breathlessly.

'Yeah ... I just ...' Kurt sat up and close his eyes, his chest heaving and his puffy, red lips gleaming with moisture. Blaine noticed a line of sweat gathering in Kurt's hairline and chose to resist the urge to run his fingers through it while his beau wasn't looking. Kurt opened his eyes and swallowed hard as he caught Blaine's wanton stare. '... I'd kinda forgotten what this feels like.'

Blaine lifted his pinned hand and gently pushed himself out from beneath Kurt, angling his body to the back of the couch and pulling Kurt steadily downwards so that they were lying face to face across the cushions. 'It's not something I've done in a while ... or even that often.' Blaine whispered.

Kurt nodded with a sigh. 'Tell me about it.'

Blaine leaned his forehead against Kurt's and brushed their lips together, feeling Kurt smile against them again. 'What's funny now?' he chuckled softly.

'You still taste like salsa.' Kurt giggled, stroking his hand up and down the sleeve of Blaine's shirt.

Blaine smiled and shrugged. 'Well, what can I say? I like salsa.'

'What do I taste like?' Kurt asked with a smirk.

'Awesomeness.' Blaine grinned, and Kurt let out a loud, husky laugh. 'Seriously though, should I go freshen up?'

'Absolutely not. You're staying right here with me.' Kurt said, clutching at Blaine's collar. 'Luckily I'm very partial to salsa.'

The two men fell into another slow kiss, this one tenderer but no less passionate. Blaine rested his hand on Kurt's outer thigh and sighed into his mouth, unable to ignore the increasing tightness of Kurt's jeans and that tantalising feeling that he was the cause of it. The hairs on the back of his neck stood to attention as Kurt ran his fingers from his collarbone up his jawline, finally resting them on Blaine's cheek and stroking the soft hairs in front of his ear. Blaine wriggled momentarily, and Kurt took this as a cue to move his lips down to his jaw, nibbling gently before settling just below Blaine's ear where he lightly licked and sucked at the smooth flesh. Blaine growled like some kind of caged animal and bucked his hips instinctively, the resulting friction between them both causing his eyes to roll back in his head.

'Jesus, Blaine.' Kurt whispered, fighting back his own unadulterated moans. The sound of the other man panting into his hair was slowly becoming too much to bear ... but he loved it!

'Kurt?' Blaine whined. 'God, Kurt ... please ... please don't stop. Don't ever stop kissing me.'

Kurt lifted his head and looked deep into Blaine's dark, lust-filled eyes. 'That could be difficult.' he purred.

'I don't care!' Blaine gasped, grabbing hold of Kurt's ass and being rewarded with a tongue searching his mouth yet again. Blaine's hand travelled up Kurt's back and he lightly dragged his nails along the skin above his waistband. Kurt moaned and intensified the kiss even further, all of his previous inhibitions seeming to have melted away as he savoured every touch, sound, taste and smell of the man in his arms. It was like every silly crush and lustful fantasy over a person he could never have had all been planned in advance somehow, all leading up to this incredible feeling of fitting so perfectly with another human being, wanting to touch them, hear them talk, make them laugh, feel their breath against his skin. It felt like ...

'Home.'

'Huh?' Blaine jolted and pulled away with wide eyes. 'Noooo. Why?'

'What?' Kurt laughed, trying hard to focus even though his vision had become decidedly blurry all of a sudden.

'You said 'home' ... did I do something wrong? Please don't go just yet.'

Kurt tipped his head back and let out noisy laugh. 'Did I say that out loud?!' He said when he'd composed himself.

'Uh ... yeah.'

'Haha ... well, I ... um .... didn't mean to. And I don't want to go home ... not unless you're coming with me.'

Blaine still looked puzzled, but couldn't help but grin at that last comment. His lips were set upon once again and he gave a heavy, satisfied sigh.

The sound of the front door being pounded upon repeatedly startled the couple, Kurt almost biting down on Blaine's lip in shock. 'Shit!' He exclaimed. 'God, sorry ...'

'It's OK.' Blaine said, licking his lips and putting a finger to Kurt's, listening out for any more signs of life outside the door. 'If we're quiet they'll hopefully just go away.' He whispered.

'But it could be important, Blaine.' Kurt said quietly.

'And it could also be kids having their idea of fun ... and I'm liking our version better.' He smirked suggestively. Kurt's mouth curled into a smile under Blaine still-pressed finger.

The knocking began again, louder still.

'Blaine!?! Finn!?! ANYONE??!!'

Blaine's brow furrowed as he struggled to recognise the young voice.

'Sounds like Josh.' Kurt offered.

Blaine nodded. 'How in the hell?! You met him for like five minutes several weeks ago ... and he said about three words.'
'I remember everything about that day, Blaine.' Kurt smiled. 'And I really think you should see what he wants.'
'Oh ... god, yeah!' Blaine jumped up as Josh's pleading voice rang out one more time. 'Fuck!' He hissed, pulling at the front of his jeans in an effort to relieve the crippling tightness around his crotch. Kurt grinned despite himself, and straightened himself up on the couch, running a hand through his hair and grabbing hold of a throw pillow to protect his own modesty. 'Alright for some.' Blaine said, rolling his eyes and jogging to the door.

'Josh, buddy ... what's wrong?' Blaine said gently as he opened the door, addressing the agitated young boy with blotchy, damp cheeks and more tears brimming in his eyes.

'It's my mom, Blaine - she won't wake up!' Josh cried.

Blaine threw a frightened glance across the room in Kurt's direction, took the keys from the door and grabbed his boots from the nearby shoe rack. Kurt ran over and instinctively did the same, and all three males raced out of the apartment and down the two flights of stairs to the open door of Josh's home.

The sight that met them when they entered Dana Barnes' kitchen wasn't for the faint-hearted. Dana was slumped face-down on the floor with a small pool of bloody saliva beside her mouth. She was completely motionless. Kurt quickly dialed 911 on his phone while Blaine sank down beside the woman's head.

'Dana? Can you hear me?!' He urged before looking up at Josh, still panicked and quietly sobbing. 'What happened, buddy?'

'I don't know! I was watching TV and she was talking to me while she washed the dishes ... then all of a sudden there was this big crash, and I found her like this. She was kinda shaking for a few seconds, and then she stopped. She dropped a plate.' Josh gestured to the broken shards that he'd obviously placed back on the counter-top. 'I didn't want her to hurt herself on it.' He whimpered.

'That's OK, Josh. You did good.' Kurt said as he joined Blaine on the floor beside Dana, checking her airway and feeling for a pulse in her neck. Blaine looked almost as scared as Josh as he caught Kurt's eye, and Kurt nodded in Josh's direction in the hopes that they might be able give each other a little comfort. Blaine instinctively got up and joined Josh in the doorway, hugging him close and stroking his head as Josh buried his face into Blaine's chest.

'Is she dead, Blaine?' Josh mumbled nervously. Blaine looked down to Kurt who shook his head and mouthed 'I think she'll be OK.'

'No, buddy. She's not.'

'But why is she bleeding?' Josh looked up into Blaine's eyes pleadingly. Again, Blaine looked to Kurt for an answer, and Josh glanced quickly over at him too.

'I think she maybe bit her tongue when she fell. Josh, do you remember your mom ever mentioning anything called epilepsy to you? Or maybe diabetes?' Kurt asked gently.

'No.' He whined. 'Oh god, please don't let her die!'

'Hey, hey, hey ...' Blaine said, pulling Josh into him again and rubbing his back. 'She's gonna be alright, man. We're here - and you did an incredible job coming to get us.' He looked down at Kurt who was still keeping a check on Dana's pulse, and had taken a tissue from a box on the counter to clean her mouth. Blaine was overwhelmed with pride for his wonderful friend.

'I don't think we should move her, cos that might cause more damage.' Kurt whispered as he got up. 'She's pretty pale though, and kinda thin.'

'Yeah, I noticed that she's been losing weight for a while now.' Blaine replied, deliberately masking Josh's ears as he stroked his hair. ' I think it's the stress of being a single parent ... she gets no help from Josh's dad, and money's pretty tight right now.'

Kurt nodded sympathetically, never taking his eyes from Dana's small, limp frame. 'Well, I think she's probably just suffering with exhaustion but ... I mean ... I only know basic first aid so I'm by no means an expert.'

'Well, you've handled this way better than I ever could, Kurt.' Blaine breathed in a shaky voice. A loud knock at the door made Josh leap from Blaine's tight grip, and he ran out into the hallway to lead the paramedics to his ailing mother. Kurt and Blaine stepped backwards out of the small kitchen and watched intently as they worked on Dana, answering any questions that they were able to. Kurt did most of the talking. Dana was moved gently onto a back-board and strapped in, a plastic oxygen mask being manually pumped over her mouth and nose. Josh never left her side.

As she was loaded into the waiting ambulance a few minutes later, Kurt and Blaine were asked which of them was going to ride in the ambulance with Josh and his mum, as there wouldn't be enough room for all of them. Blaine frowned as he turned to face Kurt.

'Go. There's no need for me to hang around like a spare part, and Josh really needs you right now.'

'But ... our evening ...' Blaine whined with big, emotional eyes.

'Our evening was wonderful. And there will be many more, I don't doubt.' Kurt smiled, adding, 'Just remember where we left off, OK?'

'Oh god, I think I'll be remembering that for a while.' Blaine laughed gently, taking both of Kurt's hands and looking intently into his eyes. 'Seriously though, Kurt. Thank you. For everything.'

'No problem.' Kurt replied, pulling Blaine into a tight hug and rubbing his back lovingly. 'Call me when you get some news?'

'I will.' said Blaine as he pulled away, those sad eyes apologising again for such an abrupt end to what was shaping up to be a glorious night. He gave a small wave as he clambered into the back of the ambulance, the doors being quickly shut behind him. And then he was gone.