“So he really didn't say where he was taking you?” Sam asked.

“Nope, he said he wanted it to be a surprise.”  Blaine pulled his blazer on and looked in the mirror over his dresser, then turned to Sam.  “What do you think?”

“You look awesome.”

“You're not going to tell me to lose the bowtie?”  Blaine was wearing one of his favorites, light blue with dark blue polka dots.  Kurt had given it to him back in the spring of Blaine's senior year, when Kurt was home from New York for a visit.  That was when they got the good news about Burt's cancer being in remission.  Blaine figured a little light blue for good luck and good memories couldn't do them any harm at this stage.  He paired it with a nicely fitted navy button up and a tailored dove gray jacket, but had decided on jeans instead of slacks, not wanting to be overly formal. 

“Nah.  You are dressing for Kurt, after all.  Know your audience, and so on.”  Sam was typing away on Blaine's laptop, and groaned.

“What?”

“Do you know how many restaurants there are around NYU alone?  Man, this is a crazy place to live.”  Sam shrugged.  “I don't think I can figure out where he's taking you.  There are just too many options.”

“There are a lot of people in New York, I guess they need a lot of restaurants?”

“Guess so,” Sam commented, losing interest in his search.  He came over to where Blaine was standing and rested his head on Blaine's shoulder, looking at their reflection in the mirror.  “You okay?  ‘Cause I'm going to head over to the gym, if you're good.”

Blaine turned and stroked Sam's biceps, squeezing a little until Sam grinned.  “Didn't you work out already today?”

“Yeah, but there's a class I was thinking of taking.”

“What kind of class?”  Blaine was pretty sure Sam hated exercise classes.

“Um, something with bicycles?”

Blaine sat down on his bed and pulled Sam down next to him.  “You don't want to be here by yourself.”  It wasn't really a question.  Sam seemed completely healthy and together from the outside.  He didn't have any lasting physical injuries from the bus crash, and he was coping pretty well with normal life.  But the truth was Sam was still affected by it.  He had terrible nightmares, he got panicky in small spaces, and he didn't much like being alone, especially at night. 

“What?  No, Blaine, I'm totally fine.”  Blaine gave Sam a quizzical look.  “Okay, I'm not totally fine, but I'm mostly fine.  It's okay.  You've got a hot date, and I can entertain myself for one night.  It doesn't matter.”

“It does matter, Sam.  You matter to me.”  Blaine put his hand on Sam's shoulder and looked him in the eye.  “More than anything.”

“Not more than anything,” Sam mumbled, shifting his gaze away from Blaine.

“Sam?  I'm not dumping you for Kurt,” Blaine said firmly.

“That doesn't make any sense.  He's Kurt.  And we're not anything.”

Blaine wasn't sure how to fix this, but he had to try.  Sam had been there for him not only through his first break up with Kurt, but in the past few years, he had become closer to Sam than he had been with anyone ever before.  Not in the same ways as he and Kurt had been close, but in ways that were still really important.  He and Kurt had been high school sweethearts, but they had broken up before they ever had a chance to live together, to go to school together, to experience so many of the things that he and Sam had been doing for a long time now.  And he and Sam had gone through a painful and traumatic experience, which, clichéd as it might be, brought them even closer as they each struggled to heal.  What Blaine had said to Kurt the other day was true – without Sam, he never would have made it to New York.  Hell, he might never have made it out of bed.  Blaine couldn't stand that Sam thought he was going to ditch him now that Kurt was back in the picture, although he understood exactly why he felt that way.

“Don't say we're not anything.  You know it's not true.  We're Blam.”  Blaine smiled as he said it, hoping it would cheer Sam up.  “We may not be dating, but we're never splitting up.  You're my best friend, Sam.”  Blaine put his arms around Sam and pulled him close, tugging harder when Sam resisted. 

“But you and Kurt….”

“It doesn't make a difference what happens with me and Kurt.  You and I, we're a package deal now.  If Kurt wants me, he gets you too.”  Blaine hoped Sam would take the bait, and, not surprisingly, he did.

“Kurt would like that, wouldn't he,” Sam giggled into Blaine's hair.

“I imagine he would.”

-----

A few hours later, Sam left for the gym, and Blaine was organizing the silverware drawer to distract himself as he waited for Kurt to arrive.  He was nervous, there was no doubt about it.  He didnt know why, it wasnt as if he and Kurt hadnt been on dates before - dozens of them, in fact - but that was ages ago, and this seemed different.  He thought to himself that most people probably didnt get even one chance to be with someone as special as Kurt, and now he had the tremendous good fortune to be given a third chance.  He didnt think a fourth chance was in the cards, and so he really, really couldnt screw this up.

Blaine was just debating whether the grapefruit spoons belonged with the teaspoons or in the other drawer with the miscellaneous kitchen tools when he finally heard a knock on the door.  He stepped carefully over to the entranceway and checked the peephole.  Yup, it was Kurt.  Blaine opened the door, his heart racing.

"Hi, Kurt.  You look great."  And he did, Blaine thought, taking in the way Kurts dark purple suit jacket emphasized the broadness of his shoulders. 

Kurt leaned in and quickly kissed Blaines cheek.  "You do, too.”  Kurt reached up and touched Blaine's blue bowtie with a fingertip.  “You still have it,” he said softly.

“Of course,” Blaine held still as Kurt gently tugged on the tie, despite the fact that it most likely was perfectly straight already.

Kurt let go of the tie and stepped back, then gave Blaine a quizzical look.  "Whats with the spoons?"

Blaine looked at his hand to find that he was still holding on to two grapefruit spoons.  "Oh, sorry, just, um, organizing."  He dropped the spoons unceremoniously in the little bowl on the hall table, on top of his spare keys.

"Is that their new home?" Kurt teased. 

"Maybe."  Blaine took a deep breath, begging his stomach to stop fluttering.  "I thought Id leave them there for a while, test it out.  You never know when you might want a grapefruit on your way out the door, and it wouldnt do to have to go back to the kitchen to get the right spoon."

Kurt laughed, and a sudden warmth filled Blaine.  This was really happening.  Kurt was right here, with him, and they were going on a date.  Together. 

"Here, these are for you."  Kurt pulled a bouquet of daisies and lavender sprigs out from behind his back and presented them to Blaine.  Blaine didnt know how he had missed them before, other then maybe the fact that he was having trouble looking anywhere but into Kurts sparkling blue eyes.

"Kurt, thank you.  Theyre beautiful.  Let me put them in some water."  Blaine turned into the kitchen and quickly arranged the flowers in a simple vase.  Kurt stood close to him as he filled the vase with water, the citrusy smell of his aftershave blending with the aroma of the lavender. 

Kurt took the vase from Blaine and set it on the table.   "They look nice here."  He smiled shyly at Blaine.  "I wanted something different.  These made me think of seeing you sitting at that cafe the other day, wiggling your toes in the sun."

Blaine blushed.  "You know how I feel about toe freedom," he joked. 

"I do.  But socks are not cruel and unusual punishment for toes, Blaine, no matter what you say." 

"You say potato, I say potahto," Blaine sang, grinning. 

"Fine, Louis Armstrong, but youre going to have to put something on your delicate tootsies so we can go eat."  Kurt nudged Blaines bare foot with his leather oxford.  "Im sure you have just the right pair of boat shoes to complement your outfit."

Blaine teased Kurt by pretending to choose a pair of Sams sneakers that were lying in the hall, then slipped on his boat shoes.  He grabbed his cane from where it rested by the door, and took a steadying breath. 

"Ready?"  Kurt asked.

Blaine nodded.  They left the apartment and Blaine locked the door behind them, taking Kurt s arm with his free hand.

"Hows your leg feeling today?" Kurt asked seriously as they came out to the street.  "The restaurant isn't too far, but we can get a cab if youd like."

Blaine knew Kurt was just trying to be helpful, but he hated focusing on his leg.  "Im okay to walk it.  Ill, um, Ill let you know if I ever need help, or need a break or anything.  You dont have to ask."

"You dont like talking about it, do you?"

"That obvious, huh?"

"I dont want to make you uncomfortable," Kurt began.  "But I dont know what does and doesnt bother you unless you tell me."  They paused at a corner to let a group of enthusiastic teenagers get past them.  “You can tell me, you know.”

"I know, Im sorry," Blaine said, concentrating on avoiding a bumpy section of sidewalk.  "Can we maybe talk about this after we get there?"   Blaine felt bad shutting Kurt down, but he also didnt want to trip and land on his face.  A second later he almost did just that as a guy on a messenger bike swiped past him as they crossed the street, Kurt grabbing him around the waist and tugging him back up as he started to fall.

They sat down on a bench for Blaine to catch his breath, Blaine giving thanks once more for the many cafes that littered his neighborhood, providing emergency seating when he needed it.  Blaine could feel his face burning as Kurt waited, his hand warm on his back. 

"See how much fun it is to go for a walk with me," Blaine mumbled, but instantly regretted it.  A negative attitude wasn't going to help anything, and it certainly wasn't a very good way to start off their date.  "Im sorry, Kurt, I try not to be so touchy about this.  Im just so freaking embarrassed."  He buried his head in his hands. 

After a moment Kurt giggled, and Blaine looked up, confused.  "Did you just laugh at me?" 

"No, no, not at you.  At me."  Kurt giggled again.

Blaine smiled - he couldnt help himself, Kurt's laugh was infectious.  "Care to enlighten me?"

"I just had the cheesiest thought.  More cheesy than those gourmet grilled cheese monstrosities your dad used to make for us."

"Cheesier than the cheese breadsticks with extra cheese at Breadstix?"  Blaine asked.

"Exactly."  Kurt giggled again.  "And Im not telling you anything else until we get to the restaurant."  Kurt stood up and held out his hand.  "Come on.  I promise not to ask you any more deep questions while youre trying to survive the New York City streets."

-----

They made it to the restaurant without any further drama.  It was a cozy little Italian place, candlelit and romantic.  They were seated at a small table in the back, and as they looked over the menus, Blaine felt Kurts foot wind around his calf.  His left calf.  Romantic and clever, Blaine thought.  Blaine stole a glance at Kurt, who was apparently still reading through the pasta choices, but who smiled softly as he wiggled his foot out of his shoe and rubbed his socked toes over Blaines bare ankle.  Blaine shivered, and saw Kurts smile get infinitesimally wider.  Blaine could tell that Kurt was enjoying himself, being here with him, and the thought made his heart soar.

Blaine blushed when Kurt looked up and caught him staring.  "I cant help it, the way you look in the candlelight, Kurt... Its like something out of a dream."

Kurt blushed.  “Guess I'm not the only one being cheesy today.”

“Don't deflect.  You're beautiful,” Blaine insisted softly. 

“So are you.”  Kurt gazed at Blaine, a serious look in his eyes.  “I never stopped thinking about you, you know,” he said intently.

“I never stopped thinking about you, either,” Blaine whispered, his heart pounding.

The moment was interrupted when the waiter came over, giving Blaine a much needed chance to try to calm himself down.  “So, what was the super cheesy idea you were having at my expense on the way here?”  Blaine asked once they were done with ordering.

Kurt bit his lip and rubbed his hands on his thighs.  “It might be more stupid than cheesy,” he admitted.  “Can I hold off on it for a while?  I promise it's not anything bad.”

“Okay,” Blaine agreed.  “But it sure cracked you up before.  Let me know when you want to share.”  They busied themselves with the warm bread and olive oil for a moment, Blaine being careful not to drip anything on himself.  At least he had the foresight to order tortellini, he thought.  It's already in bite size pieces and you don't even have to cut it. 

"So, how was your trip to Lima?" Blaine asked. 

Kurt looked confused for a minute.  "Oh, I didnt go to Lima.  Just New Jersey."

Now was Blaines turn to be confused.  "But I thought you said you were visiting your dad?"

"I was."  Kurt frowned, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.  "Hes staying with his brother in South Orange.  It's less than an hour away, you can take a train straight there."

"Oh," Blaine said, still confused.  Something doesnt seem right.  Kurt had pulled his foot away from Blaine, and crossed his feet primly under his chair.  "Is your dad okay?  Is it his heart again?"

"No, nothing like that."  Kurt pressed his lips together and shrugged.  "He and Carole arent doing so well.  Theyre not officially separated or anything, but they decided to spend some time apart.  At least thats what my dad told me."  Kurt looked like he was about to cry.

"Kurt, Im so sorry."  Blaine reached out and set his hand palm up on the table, and Kurt took it. 

"No, Im sorry.  This was going so well, and I had to ruin it."  Kurts voice was tight.

"You?  Have you already forgotten the great messenger bike scare of earlier this evening?  You cant take credit for all the drama, much as you like to steal focus."  Blaine watched Kurts face closely as he joked, and was relieved when Kurt looked up at him, smiling wryly.

"We make quite a pair, dont we," Kurt said, shaking his head. 

"Send in the clowns," Blaine responded. 

Kurt laughed then, surprising Blaine.  "God, Ive missed you.  No one else gets me like you do. How the hell is it that you always know what Im talking about?"  Kurt squeezed Blaine's hand and relaxed, his posture loosening again as he leaned forward.  “Whatever's going on with my dad and Carole, it's really hard for me to talk about.  Obviously.”  Kurt took a deep breath. "I think we should make a list of all the difficult and emotionally crappy things that are going to come up, that are going to make us stutter and choke and pull our hair when we try to talk about them.  And well just agree that well do the best we can with it.  Because I want this, Blaine.  I want us.  And if were a little more fragile than we used to be, a little more ragged around the edges, I dont care.  Im okay with it if you are."

"Im okay with it, Im definitely okay with it."  Blaine put his other hand on top of where his and Kurt's were already together, and Kurt did the same.  They were kind of a mess, but that was exactly what Kurt was getting at, and it could still work.  "So to be clear," he said, "what were saying is that you wont mind if I burst into tears every once in a while, and I wont mind if you do, is that the plan?" 

"Thats my cunning plan, Mr. Anderson."

“Ooh, I can't believe you made a Blackadder reference!”  Blaine grinned.  Talk about zigging when he expected Kurt to zag.

“Well, Sam's not the only one who watches BBC shows.”  Kurt smiled.  “Although it is a bit ironic that Sam is channeling the Earl of Grantham while I'm quoting Baldrick.”

"Well, I approve of the plan, cunning or otherwise.  Although I may need to ask my mom to send more handkerchiefs in her next care package."

"Can you ask her to embroider those little Bs on the corner?  Those are my favorite."

Blaine snorted out a laugh, tugging his hands away from Kurt's to cover his face.

"Oh, very attractive, Blaine.  Whats so funny?”

“Well, it turns out you don't know everything about me yet.”  Blaine continued to giggle.  There was still so much more for them to learn about each other, so much that they could learn together.  And it was really going to happen.  Blaine felt his heart swell with delight at the potential of what could be.    

“What do you mean?”  Kurt asked.  He looked adorable, his face open and curious.

“My mom doesn't embroider my handkerchiefs.  I do.”