Shortly after Sebastians unwelcome show the other Warblers burst through the front door, faces pink from cold and voices full of laughter. Kurt managed to relax and return to dinner, determined to keep his cool for the rest of the evening. He refused to give Sebastian the satisfaction of seeing his irritation take any form beyond narrowed eyes and biting remarks delivered in even tones.

Blaines face lit up when he heard his friends returning, grateful that their presence would ease most of the tension currently strung tight between the kitchen and bathroom. Jeff and Trent were first to come into view, noses sniffing the air.

"Oh my god, I dont know what that is but it smells incredible," moaned Jeff. "What did you guys make?"

"Pasta-less lasagna with ground turkey," Kurt answered, not looking up from the salad he was tossing.

"That sounds deceptively healthy," said Trent, nose wrinkling. "How do you even make lasagna without pasta?"

"You use slices of zucchini instead. It cooks faster, too," Blaine explained.

"Whatever, it smells good and Im starving," Wes said as he rounded the corner, unwinding his scarf.

Kurt finished his task and rejoined the conversation.

"We made enough for everyone to have a large helping first, but you savages get to fight for whatever might be left over."

"Its ok. We can always fill up on beer," came Nicks voice from near the door, followed by a loud THUMP and a pained "fuck!"

"Nicky, honey, youre falling over trying to get your boots off and youre still sober. Id take it easy on the booze," Jeff chided, attempting to sound stern, though the act was betrayed by the affectionate look on his face.

Thad appeared in the living room followed by David who asked,

"So how long do we have until theres food?"

Blaine checked the timer on the oven.

"About 20 minutes. It might need another five or ten more than that, but it wont be too much longer."

"Cool," Jeff exclaimed before turning to face the boys stripping off snow clothes and rummaging through their suitcases for something warmer to change into. "Anyone want to help me bring some of the beer in from the garage fridge?"

Already clad in sweatpants and long-sleeved shirt, Wes raised a hand.

"Ill come with you. Since I actually get to drink tonight it only seems right to help."

Blaine threw a confused look at Thad and David, who sulked near their suitcases. Thad caught the unasked question lingering in the air and supplied an answer.

"Wes bullied us in to splitting up babysitting duty. He has tonight off, then David and I are free men tomorrow."

Wes scoffed as he followed Jeff.

"Yeah, I get one night and you two get an entire day, so be grateful. You both owe me a lot more than that for the four years I spent saving your drunken asses."

David and Thad grumbled quietly but let it go while everyone else laughed, tossing around comments like "he has a point" and "you guys will live."

"As if you two wont make the best of your sobriety tonight by plotting revenge," Trent pointed out, still giggling.

Chatter became muddled and indistinct as all of them broke off to do whatever they needed to before dinner. Blaine and Kurt focused on setting the table and adding other finishing touches to their meal. Sometime during the hullaballoo Sebastian emerged from the shower. Kurt didnt notice this reappearance until after pulling his lasagna out of the oven. At the sight of Sebastian, his eyes widened. Everyone else in the house wore warm, comfortable clothing, but Sebastian favored a pair of well tailored jeans and tight black tank top. "Unbelievable," Kurt thought, shaking his head and placing the warm dish on the table.

With everything finally in place, Blaine called out that food was ready. Less than 15 seconds later all of the boys were seated, serving themselves and pouring glasses of water after Kurt strictly forbade them to ruin his cooking with beer or badly mixed drinks.  Kurt and Blaine purposely sat at the opposite end of the table from Sebastian, thereby separating themselves from any conversations including his involvement. While Blaine, Nick and Jeff nattered on about superheroes, Kurt enjoyed a pleasant discussion with Wes about college and the joys of leaving Ohio. Five months previous Wes moved to Seattle, WA for school. While it wasnt where Kurt wanted to end up, it was still a major city and he clung to every word describing a life of independence and being surrounded by more liberal minded folks.

To Kurts pleasant surprise, Thad and David volunteered for clean-up duty as people finished eating. Once clear, the table became a makeshift bar. Jeff and Sebastian set out a staggering array of liquor, mixers and beer along with almost every cup remaining in the kitchen. Everyone either grabbed or poured their drink of choice and relocated to the living room, waiting for the group to decide on a movie to watch. Kurt claimed his spot in the same armchair he occupied before starting on dinner and Blaine resumed his own place snuggled into his boyfriend. Their margaritas sat on a small table beside them.

True, Kurt only drank once in a blue moon. However, before meeting the guys that morning he and Blaine agreed that they would make one strong cocktail each to nurse slowly. This was, of course, before they knew that Sebastian was coming along. Now Kurt found himself wishing that he hadnt agreed to a one-drink maximum. Tomorrow was still negotiable, however.

Kurt didnt recognize the title of the movie chosen, but didnt bother arguing about it. In this den of nerdy testosterone he understood that it would not be a fight he stood any chance of winning. He wasnt exceptionally interested in the plot, preferring to sip his drink while focusing on the weight and heat of Blaine against him. To his right Jeff and Nick were similarly positioned on a loveseat. Trent, Thad, David and Wes squished together on the main couch, leaving Sebastian sequestered in the chair furthest away from them all.

Book in hand and a gin and tonic placed nearby, the lone boy ignored his surroundings throughout most of the film. The only exceptions were the few times Kurt glanced over and caught Sebastian staring at Blaine. At these moments, Kurt tightened his arms around the waist of the body seated in his lap. With his eyes adhered to the television screen, Blaine seemed blissfully ignorant of the situation, responding to these protective motions with a satisfied sigh.

About ¾ through the movie, Kurt shifted out from underneath Blaine to take their empty glasses into the kitchen. As he stood at the sink rinsing them out, he heard an unpleasantly familiar voice behind him.

"You dont have to cut off the circulation to his legs like that, you know. Im not about to jump over and bite him. That is, not unless he asks me to."

Kurt gritted his teeth and turned to find Sebastians obnoxious face a mere foot away from his own. Eyes blazing, he seethed,

"Why are you even here, Smythe? The only time you dont seem completely bored is when youre antagonizing me and my boyfriend."

Sebastian smirked, releasing one of those short, breathy laughs that Kurt couldnt stand.

"You have to admit, there are some pretty spectacular views out here." His mischievous eyes slid back to the living room, landing on Blaine.

Setting his glass in the sink in order to avoid smashing it over Sebastians head, Kurt placed his palms on the counter and leaned forward, taking a steadying breath before speaking.

"Look, I know you dont like me. Youve made that perfectly clear on multiple occasions. But for Blaines sake, and for the sake of our friends, I am trying my best to be civil and reasonable. Cant you do the same?" He pushed himself fully upright and looked over, waiting for a response.

Sebastian appeared to consider this request, though Kurt instantly recognized that the thoughtful expression was entirely false. Sure enough Sebastian smiled brightly a moment later, saying,

"No, actually, I dont think I can.  After all, Im here to have fun, same as you."

With that, the blatantly malicious Warbler walked back toward his seat, leaving Kurt to glare at his retreating figure. Kurt took a moment to calm down before returning to his chair. Blaine resettled into his lap, leaning in to kiss him briefly, utterly unaware of the recent altercation in the kitchen.

By the time that the movie ended everyone, except David and Thad, were anywhere ranging from pleasantly buzzed to actually drunk. It was a bit after 11:00pm when Jeff suggested they all move to the hot tub. Already beginning to feel tired after a mentally taxing day, Kurt looked at Blaine and the two briefly held a silent conversation.

"I think were going to shower and go to bed," Blaine told the room.

When Sebastian neither glanced up from his book nor made any movement whatsoever, Jeff directed a look to him.

"What about you, ‘Bas?"

Still not lifting his gaze, Sebastian shrugged.

"I already took a shower today, so Ill pass on the chlorine."

Kurt snorted. Sebastian rolled his eyes at the page he was on.

"Awwwww," a clearly drunk Wes whined, "cmon, you guys are no fun."

Despite his exasperation with Sebastians attitude, Kurt couldnt suppress a smile.

"Dont worry. Well stay up with you tomorrow."

Wes pouted but didnt press the matter.

While most of the boys took turns changing into swim trunks in the bathroom, Blaine and Kurt cleaned up the dining room, not trusting the intoxicated bunch with glassware or bottles. When finished they headed to their room to gather pajamas and toiletries. As they passed Sebastian he finally tore his eyes from the book.

"What, no goodnight kisses?"

Ignoring him, both boys continued walking. They collected all necessary items quickly and left for the bathroom, opting to shower together for the sake of time. Normally this would not be such an innocent affair; however considering that Jeff granted them a private room, the least they could do was respect the "no sex in shared areas" rule. Though difficult not to watch each other, they struggled through it, avoiding eye or skin contact as much as possible. Afterward they dressed swiftly, moving on to share the mirror for their individual moisturizing routines. Skin properly cared for and teeth brushed, it was back to the bedroom. Thankfully they made the return without any more commentary from the living room.

With everything back in its place, Blaine turned to his boyfriend.

"Do you want to watch an episode of Downtown Abbey or something on my laptop?"

Kurt shook his head.

"Not really. Is it ok if we just get in bed?"

"Yeah. Im tired, too. Its been a long day."

The couple crawled underneath the covers. As soon as the comforter fell on top of them they moved close together. At first Kurt held Blaine so that the shorter boys face rested in the crook of Kurts neck, content to simply lie there feeling the steady rise and fall of their chests. A few minutes later he began dotting Blaines face with kisses, beginning at the hairline and slowly working downward. It wasnt long before he was licking and nipping at Blaines warm earlobe, waiting for the small whining noises this action always elicited. He was unprepared for what he actually heard.

"Kurt... Kurt, stop, please, just stop."

Kurt pulled back before the hands pressed against his chest had an opportunity to push him away. Alarmed, he released Blaine completely, backing off far enough that he could see his boyfriends face. Blaines eyes wouldnt meet his.

"Sweetheart, whats wrong? Youre worrying me."

"I... well, its just," Blaine stammered before releasing a shaky sigh. "Can you hold me again before I answer?"

"Of course," Kurt said softly, pulling Blaine close once more so that the curly haired head lay pillowed against his chest. This soothed the younger boy considerably, though he still wasnt excited about voicing his concerns.

"Do you think, I mean, does it bother you that I - that Im never able to..." This was more difficult than he anticipated.

"Baby, I cant read your mind. You need to give me a little more to work with here." His fingers skimmed through the freshly washed curls, trying to calm Blaine down as much as possible. Obviously whatever was going on affected him deeply.

Blaine took a deep breath.

"Does it bother you that whenever Sebastian says, well, things to me that I just get flustered and struggle to respond? That I never tell him off or call him on it? I know it makes me look bad, but you know me, Kurt. Before you I never had a guy really notice me, let alone talk to me like he does. I just dont know how to deal with it. And other than that first time I met him youve always been with me when hes around. Youre so much better at dealing with him than I am and you know I hate conflict and, I dont know, I just get so nervous that Ill say something stupid and hell just keep going and I wont be able to think of anything witty enough to shut him up like you can and," he rambled nervously.

Kurt pressed a finger to Blaines lips, indicating that it was time to stop talking and listen.

"I understand why you feel that way about interacting with him. Honestly, yes, sometimes it does bother me that you stand there and take it. At first I mistook your blushing for flattery but youre right, I do know you, and I know thats your bodys natural reaction to discomfort of any kind."

"But... you dont hate me for it?" Blaine sounded genuinely worried.

"Blaine, I dont know how I could ever hate you." He kissed Blaine reassuringly. "But I do think you need to stick up for yourself more, even when its difficult for you. I cant always be around to play the possessive boyfriend, you know."

For the first time since the beginning of this conversation, Blaine smiled.

"Its kind of hot when you are, though."

Kurt returned the grin and raised an eyebrow.

"Really now?"

"Mhmm."

Their next kiss lasted much longer and went far deeper than the previous ones shared since they retired. They continued to make out languidly for a few minutes before pulling apart, chest heaving and lips curled upward. Foreheads pressed together and gazes lovingly locked, Kurt reached to lace their fingers together.

Blaine broke the silence.

"I know we should take advantage of being alone, but do you think we can just do this tonight?"

Kurt pulled away to nod and kiss the tip of Blaines nose.

"Whatever you want. Im just happy to be here with you, knowing that youll be right there when I open my eyes in the morning."

There was another silent beat as they looked at one another, eyes slightly glazed and dopey in that certain way only those of lovers can be.

"I love you so much," Blaine sighed happily.

"I love you, too."

They spent an indefinite amount of time exchanging unhurried kisses, hands lazily roaming the space between the others neck and waist. Eventually the touches slowed before stopping completely. The boys slipped easily into slumber, their final thoughts full of the peace and security that accompany falling asleep in the arms of someone you love.