It was Monday afternoon and Kurt had just returned to the relative coolness of his apartment.  He loved New York City, but the humidity in July was not its best feature.  He was standing in front of his window air conditioning unit, thinking about giving up and taking another shower, when his phone beeped with a text.

From Blaine:  Any plans for tonight?

Kurt smiled.  Although they hadn't discussed it, he and Blaine had been seeing each other almost every day lately.  At first he was a little worried about it, thinking that they ought to continue to “go slow” as he had originally intended.  But then he realized that despite the amount of time they had been spending together, they were “going slow” as far as their physical relationship was concerned, while giving themselves plenty of time to get to know each other again emotionally.  He felt so comfortable with Blaine now.  Whatever they had done to get to this point, he thought they were doing it right.

From Kurt:  Not yet.  Any suggestions?

From Blaine:  Rachel's still here.  

Oh.   Kurt felt his whole body pulse as he realized what Blaine meant.  It was almost comical how their attempts to spend time alone together had been thwarted so far.  He had spent the night at Blaine's after their beach day, but they had been so wind burned and exhausted from their day in the sun that they literally fell asleep on the couch without even putting the leftover pizza away.  But today he was well rested, if a bit damp, and could do this properly.

From Kurt:  Can I make you dinner at my place, maybe around seven?

From Blaine:  I'd love that.

Kurt paused, thinking.  Was there a subtle way to say “and plan on spending the night?”

From Kurt:  Bring your stuff and we can go straight to NYADA in the morning if you want.

Kurt had reserved the round room for a few hours early on Tuesday so that Blaine could rehearse before the concert Wednesday night.  He really couldn't wait to hear Blaine sing again.

From Blaine:  Sounds great.  I'll bring dessert.

Blaine rang Kurt's doorbell just after seven.  Kurt quickly checked his hair in the bathroom mirror, smoothed his hands over his outfit, and went to get the door.  He had kept the air conditioning on high all afternoon, finally getting the temperature down to something that allowed him to pair one of his favorite gray vests with a short sleeved shirt underneath, along with tight dark jeans.  It was challenging to dress fashionably during the summer.

Blaine was dressed to impress too, wearing dark red jeans that clung to him just right, a navy button-up with a darker navy stripe running through it, and a navy bowtie with touches of red and gold.  The colors of his outfit reminded Kurt a bit of Dalton.  The nostalgia only intensified as Blaine held out the flowers he had behind his back.  “These are for you.”  Blaine's voice was soft, and his expression hopeful.

Red and yellow roses.  This was the first time their traditional flowers had made an appearance since they had reunited, the first time either one of them had given them to the other since before the accident.  Kurt's hand shook a little as he reached out to take the bouquet, automatically bringing the flowers up to his face and inhaling deeply.   “Thank you, they're perfect.”  He put his free hand on Blaine's waist and leaned in for a kiss, considering for a moment whether they could just skip the whole dinner thing and go straight to the after party.

Blaine wobbled a bit, off balance, and Kurt pulled back and laughed, steadying him.  “Maybe I should let you come inside before knocking you over?”

“That might be wise,” Blaine agreed.  Kurt took the bakery box out of Blaine's hand and pointedly did not ask him how he managed to walk over here holding the box, the roses, his cane, and his backpack. 

“Wait here, I'll be right back to give you the tour.”  Kurt quickly deposited the box and the flowers in the kitchen and turned back to Blaine – not difficult given that the front door and the kitchen table were approximately three feet away from each other.  He couldn't help reaching out to touch him again, letting his hand rest on his shoulder and graze down his arm.  “You're remarkably dry for someone who walked through the tropical swamp out there.”  He helped Blaine slide his backpack off and set it down gently by the door.

“I walk slowly,” Blaine said with a hint of a smile.  “It does have its advantages.”

Kurt chucked.  “Okay, ready for the big tour?”  He loved his little apartment, but it was, by any measure, quite tiny.  This was the trade-off for living alone in the village, his gift to himself when he landed the Book of Mormon gig the year before. 

“Ready.”

Kurt stood next to Blaine, one arm around his waist, and pointed to his right.  “There's the kitchen.”  He had managed to fit a bistro table and two chairs in the small space, and he had two more folding chairs in the hall closet in case of additional guests.  Chairs that he had just purchased last weekend. 

He waved his hand in front of them.  “Here's the living room.”  The small sitting area had a love seat sized couch, a dark wood coffee table, and a television, with a tiny bookcase under the window.  A rich gold and crimson rug warmed the room, and the throw on the couch and the curtains picked up the warm tones.  Kurt loved this little space, and he spent most of his time here when he was at home.

“Down the hall is the bedroom and bathroom.”  Kurt wasn't sure if showing Blaine his bedroom was too forward, but Blaine didn't seem worried, and walked over to peek in the door. 

“It's all beautiful, Kurt.  I love it.”  Blaine wandered back into the living area, rubbing the textured throw between his fingers, and admiring the framed photos on the bookshelf, including the one of the two of them Sam had taken the night of the NYADA fundraiser.  Kurt realized with a sigh that the colors of the room were perfect for Blaine – he could have modeled them after Blaine's favorite gold pants and dark red polos.  Kurt allowed himself a moment to feel ridiculous, and then imagined the crashing waves at Jones Beach, and cast the feeling away.  He didn't need to feel bad about unconsciously missing Blaine, if that's what had driven his interior designing choices (in addition to the conscious missing, which had obviously been there too).  And in any case, Blaine was here right now – that's what was important.

“Why don't you sit down and I'll bring you a drink,” Kurt suggested. He took the bottle of pinot grigio out of the refrigerator and poured two glasses.  Although he generally preferred red wine, the meal he had prepared and the sticky weather called for something fresh and light.  “Wine okay?”  he called out to Blaine, forgetting to check before he poured.

“Sure.”

Kurt put the glasses on a tray along with a small dish of crackers he had topped with monchego cheese and a summery fig spread.

“Kurt, this is great!  You didn't have to go to all this trouble,” Blaine said enthusiastically, looking at the tray of goodies.

Kurt settled himself on the small couch next to Blaine and handed him a wine glass.  “It's my pleasure.  I've been wanting to do this for a while.”  It's not often you get to make your boyfriend dinner for the first time.  Although this was actually the second time.  The very first time had been at his house in Lima, on a night Burt and Carole were in D.C., and Kurt had bribed Finn to stay over at Puck's.  He had made lasagna and garlic bread (rookie mistake), and while his cooking hadn't been perfect, the night had been wonderful.  Kurt had considered making lasagna again for symmetry, but the day was way too hot to have the oven on for hours.  Tonight would be wonderful, too, just different.  Appropriately so.

Blaine smiled and turned, pulling his left leg up under him to face Kurt, and held his glass up.  “To us.”

“To us.”  They clinked glassed and sipped, Kurt enjoying the crisp flavor of the wine.  He watched Blaine taste it, and then, apparently deciding that he liked it, take a few more sips.  Before Kurt had a chance to think very hard about it, he was kissing Blaine, tasting the wine in his mouth and on his lips.  Kurt pulled back, giggling at Blaine's expression, eyes wide and happy, still holding his wine glass out to the side in surprise.  “I had to check and make sure it tasted good,” Kurt explained.  “I wouldn't want to serve inferior wine.”

“And?”

“Excellent.” 

After a little while they moved into the kitchen, Kurt putting water on to boil while Blaine sat and chatted with him.  Kurt refilled their wine glasses and set his next to the stove, taking occasional sips as he stirred the pasta. 

"So how long is Rachel staying with you guys, anyway?  I thought she found an apartment?" Kurt asked.

"Her lease starts August first.  Shes going to be here until Thursday, go back to L.A. for her stuff, go to Lima to visit her dads, and then come back here."

"So shell be here for your performance?"

"Yup."  A brief flicker of nervousness passed over Blaines face.

"Its going to be fine."

Blaine looked up at him and relaxed.  "I know.  But Id rather not think about it tonight.  Plenty of time for that tomorrow."

"Okay.  But before we leave the topic, can I just say that I am really looking forward to seeing you perform."

Blaine smiled.  "I think thats allowed."

"In any case, it is definitely convenient that Rachels still hanging out at your place."

"Very true."  Blaine fiddled with the stem of his wine glass.  "I went to see Sams new therapist with him today."  It wasnt a complete change of topic; Kurt knew exactly what Blaine was talking about.

"Oh?  Howd it go?"

"Okay, I guess.  Its weird, though, talking to a stranger about our relationship."

Kurt wondered if Blaine realized that he called it a “relationship” rather than just a “friendship.”  "He doesnt get Blam?" 

"Im not sure yet.  Sam has only seen him a few times."

"Is he uncomfortable with the gay guy and the straight guy being so close?"  Blaine didn't reply; his hesitation made Kurt nervous.  "Maybe hes not the right person for Sam?"

"I dont think thats it.  I mean, Betsy talked to this guy - Betsys his therapist from Kentucky."

"I know."

"And Betsy thought hed be good for Sam."

"How does Sam feel about it?"

"Im not sure.  Things have been different with Rachel around.  Shes kind of always underfoot and we havent really had a chance to talk about it."

Kurt gave Blaine a look. 

"I know, I know.  Ive got to talk to him first."  Blaine made a face.

"Maybe you guys could also talk to Betsy about it.  Youve met with her before, right?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, on the phone.  Sam is still talking with her, too."

"Maybe you could call her, if Sam was okay with that, and tell her your concerns?  Im not saying that this guy is necessarily homophobic-"

"Yet," Blaine muttered.

"But not every therapist is cut out for every situation."

"Exactly," Blaine said glumly.  "But it's just so frustrating.  It was so hard for Sam to ask for help with this at all, I hate to think of it not working out.  And if this guy makes him feel like his friendship with me is wrong..."

"Sam would never believe that, Blaine."  Kurt sat down in the chair next to Blaine's and took his hand.  "Sam loves you.  He trusts you.  If this guy seems off to you, I bet he seems off to Sam too.  Just talk to him."

Blaine nodded. "Do you mind if I send him a quick text?  Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow, just the two of us."

"Good idea.  How about I take Rachel to lunch?  It will keep her out of your hair, and we can do a little more bonding before she heads out."

Kurt sent Rachel a quick text and then busied himself with the last of the dinner preparations as Blaine texted back and forth with Sam.  He ripped some romaine lettuce into small pieces and added some shelled pistachios, and tossed it all with a light vinaigrette.  Kurt mixed the pasta with the fresh tomato, brie, and basil sauce he had prepared, watching the pieces of cheese melt onto the warm pasta.  Then Kurt spooned out some of the pasta and a helping of salad on to each plate, and put a bowl of crusty French bread on the table.  "Enjoy!"

Blaine immediately took a bite of the pasta.  "Kurt, this is delicious," Blaine moaned, licking his fork.

"I think of it as grown up mac and cheese," Kurt explained.  He had gone easy on the garlic this time, although it still had a little bit of a kick. 

Blaine speared one of the grilled peaches from his salad and held it out to Kurt.  "You have to try this," he said excitedly.

"I know what it tastes like, silly, I made it!"  But Blaine insisted and so they began feeding each other bites of their identical meals, Blaine creating perfect little tidbits for Kurt with a chunk of tomato caught inside a cheesy pasta shell, and then a bite size morsel of bread with just a touch of olive oil.  When Blaine held his wine glass up to Kurt's lips, he couldnt help laughing.  "That is just asking for trouble."

Blaines eyes grew dark and he paused, considering.  "I think I can handle it."  Blaine slid closer to Kurt, keeping his eyes locked on his, and slowly tilted the wine glass into Kurts mouth.  Kurts heart was racing and it was all he could do to keep swallowing the tiny sips of wine Blaine was feeding him.  "More?" Blaine asked, his voice low.  Kurt nodded, and Blaine tilted the glass higher, the wine filling Kurts mouth and spilling out on to his lips.  Suddenly the wine glass was gone and Blaines lips were on his, licking and sucking each drop of wine.  Kurt brought a hand up to Blaines cheek and leaned into the kiss, opening his mouth and letting Blaine in.  Blaine had one hand on the back of Kurt's neck and his other on Kurt's waist, his fingers pulling up his shirt and sliding under it to stroke his bare skin.  They were both breathing heavily when Kurt pulled back, smiling at the way Blaines eyes lazily came open.

"Any chance we can continue this in the bedroom?" Kurt asked lightly.

"Assuming no one interrupts us this time, I think we can."

Kurt stood and held out a hand to Blaine, and led him slowly back to his room.  Blaine leaned in the doorway as Kurt folded back the duvet.  He returned to Blaine, placing his hands firmly on his slender waist.  Blaines arms came up around his shoulders, and Kurt gazed into his warm eyes.   He knew what he wanted to say, he was dying to say it, but he couldnt decide if now was the time.  And then Blaine was planting heated kisses on his neck, and pushing him backwards until Kurt was sitting on the bed, Blaine straddling his lap, and the time for deep thinking was over. 

Blaine unbuttoned Kurt's vest slowly and took it off him, then started on the buttons on his shirt, kissing each newly revealed bit of skin as his shirt came open.  Kurt was tingling, paralyzed as Blaine kissed him everywhere.  Blaine came back up to his collarbone after his shirt was unbuttoned, nuzzling and licking. Kurt gave himself over to it and just let Blaine caress him, loving the feel of his lightly calloused fingertips as they slid over his skin.  Finally Kurt made himself move.  He untied Blaines bow tie and slid it off, the sound of the silk moving through Blaines collar going straight to his cock.  It has been years since he had heard that noise in this context, but apparently his body still recognized it as a precursor to his boyfriend getting naked, and responded accordingly.  He quickly unbuttoned Blaines shirt and then they were pressed together, glorious skin against skin.  Kurt ran his hands up and down Blaines back, and then over to his chest, running his fingers through the dusting of dark hair there.  Blaine gasped as Kurt flicked at a nipple, then soothed it with his tongue, repeating the process on the other side. 

"What do you want?" Kurt panted against Blaines neck.  They were still perched on the edge of the bed, Blaine sitting on Kurts legs, his hips pushing and searching.

"Bed?" Blaine breathed out.  "Clothes off?" 

Kurt gave Blaine a hard kiss in response, and then eased him off his lap, unbuckling his belt as he went.  They stood, Blaine clutching Kurts shoulders as Kurt carefully pushed Blaines tight pants down, taking a moment to cup and caress his ass on the way.  Blaine leaned into Kurt in response, breathing hard against his neck, letting Kurt touch and explore.  Then Kurt sat Blaine on the bed and pulled Blaine's pants off the rest of the way, kissing down his legs as he went, Blaine watching, eyes wide and pupils blown.  Kurt made quick work of his own jeans and climbed on to the bed with Blaine, following him as he moved to the center of the bed, and then settling himself next to him.  Kurt kissed him, more gently this time, not wanting this to be over too quickly. It had been far too long since he'd had this. But Blaine apparently had other ideas.  He rolled toward Kurt and pulled their bodies together with a hand on the small of Kurt's back, their hard cocks brushing against each other through the thin cloth of their briefs.  "Oh, fuck, Blaine," Kurt heard himself moan, moving his hand down to Blaines ass to pull him closer.  They rutted up against each other for a few minutes, Kurt losing himself in the sensation of soft skin and the smell of his boyfriend, citrus and spice and sweat, kissing and touching and rocking together.

Just when the feel of his briefs was starting to get uncomfortable, Blaine pulled back, catching Kurts eye, his fingers ducking under the waistband of Kurts boxer briefs.  "May I?"

Kurt nodded, and Blaine gently pulled his briefs off and set them aside.  Blaine was still for a moment, then, just looking at Kurt.  He blushed when Kurt caught him staring.  "Sorry.  Youre just so gorgeous, Kurt."  Blaine came back up and pulled Kurt into a hug, his arms and legs wrapped around him like an octopus.  "I missed you so much," he breathed into Kurts neck. "I didnt think wed ever be here again.  I cant believe this is real." 

"Missed you too."  Kurt kissed Blaines forehead and laced his fingers in his hair, soothing him.  "It is real, though.  I promise."  It had been so long since he held this man in his arms.  It was almost overwhelming, how good it felt, how safe.  He waited for Blaine to relax, then began kissing him again, moving down to his neck, licking his collarbone and then his nipples until Blaine was practically writhing below him.  "Hey, what are these still doing here?"  Kurt murmured and let his fingers slide under Blaines red briefs.  He teased for a minute, dipping and stroking, loving the sounds that were spilling out of Blaines mouth. 

"Please, Kurt," Blaine begged.

"Please what, baby?"

"Take them off.  Touch me, please."

Kurt complied, pulling Blaines briefs over his swollen cock, and down off his legs.  He found the lube where he had left it under a pillow, and then moved over Blaine, both of them gasping as they touched.  Kurt squeezed some lube into his hand and reached down to stroke Blaines cock, then his own, then both of them together.  "This okay?"

"Mmm, yes, so okay."  It felt so good, Blaines body up against his own, both of them thrusting and shivering, Blaine alternating between kissing him and just panting against his shoulder.  Blaine moved his hand down Kurt's back, then to his ass, cupping and squeezing.  Kurt could feel Blaines breath coming faster and faster, his muscles clenching.  "Kurt, god, yes, please," Blaine babbled, his hands grasping at Kurt.  Kurt knew he was close, too, his body tightening in anticipation, and he increased the pressure on their cocks, moving faster and faster.  Blaine slipped a finger down Kurts crack and rubbed it against his hole, and Kurt exploded, come shooting out between their bodies.  He kept his hand moving and felt Blaine follow a moment later, moaning and sighing.  They lay there trembling, letting their hands slide over heated skin, coming back to themselves, together.

After a few minutes Kurt gave Blaine a light kiss and then rolled off the bed, returning quickly with a damp towel.  He wiped Blaine off, and then himself, loving Blaine's soft smiles.  Kurt scooted back next to Blaine, pulling his fluffy comforter over them both, now cool in the breeze of the air conditioner.  Blaine reached out for him, lazily tracing circles on Kurts chest, relaxed and happy.  "I adore you, Kurt Hummel," Blaine said softly, gazing into his eyes.  Kurt was pretty sure this was Blaine code for “I love you.”  He didnt know why they were both so shy about saying it, but it didnt matter.  They had plenty of time. 

"I adore you too, Blaine Anderson."  Kurt ran his hand down Blaines side, ghosting over the scars on his thigh.  "Shit, are you okay?  I wasnt even thinking about your leg."

Blaine grinned.  "Me neither."