Once he got over how different Paul was from his usual type he actually found himself growing fond of him for reasons beyond the physical. Oh, he was handsome, there was no question about that. But with his blond hair, tall frame and skin almost as pale as his, Paul was also nice. There was no other word for it. He was nice and right now, Kurt needed nice.

Kurt hadn’t told Paul the specifics, just that he was getting over a painful break up and he and his ex were trying to be friends. Paul didn’t press him for details, just smiled and commented how mature Kurt was. Kurt turned bright red and changed the subject.

It had been Paul’s idea to take things slowly and Kurt was truly grateful for that. Their physical relationship consisted of holding hands, shoulder nuzzles, cuddling when they watched a movie, and an occasional kiss on the cheek. They were affectionate, but nothing like he and Blaine had been.

February 13th found Kurt in Paul’s apartment, perched on a stool at his kitchen counter, sipping a glass of prosecco and feeling very grown up as he watched Paul make their early Valentine’s dinner. He and Rachel were headed to Lima the next morning for Mr. Schuester and Miss Pillsbury’s wedding so he and Paul were celebrating early. Plus, Paul’s job as a sous chef at a restaurant made celebrating on big holidays impossible.

“Are you sure I can’t help?” Kurt asked, finger running lazily along the edge of his glass. Paul was slicing peppers into thin strips and tossing them expertly into a pan with simmering water.

“No, I’m good, gorgeous.” He winked at Kurt, offering him a strip of pepper. Kurt leaned forward, biting off a bit of the pepper. Paul’s eyes lingered on his mouth as it closed around it. “Besides, you’re pretty distracting as it is. I don’t think I’d ever live it down if the first meal I cook for you isn’t up to par.”

“I’m sure that it will be delicious,” Kurt soothed, taking another sip of his wine. Paul smiled that crooked grin that made Kurt feel like a baby penguin again. He was acutely aware that Paul was a grown man and he was still a bumbling teenager.

But Paul liked him for some reason and he didn’t understand why. He had been unbelievably patient with him, letting him set the pace of their relationship. Rachel told him to not question it and sow his wild oats. Kurt was not too inclined to listen to her.

“Okay, dinner is served!” Paul said proudly, twirling a spoon dipped in sauce over one plate then another. He placed a plate in front of Kurt and sat down beside him to eat.

The food was delicious. Paul had made pan seared sea scallops with a salad of blanched julienned vegetables. Each bite made Kurt moan loudly, uninhibited by the wine. He wasn’t used to drinking yet and was still a bit of a lightweight. After his second glass, he was babbling and resting his hand on Paul’s thigh, caressing his knee.

As he finished his final scallop, Kurt made a decision. He was watching Paul’s Adam’s Apple bob up and down while his sipped his wine and suddenly he didn’t want to wait anymore.

“Paul?” he asked shyly. Paul turned in his seat to look at him but before he could say anything, Kurt’s mouth was on his.

Paul tasted like lemon vinaigrette, wine and… cinnamon? His lips were smooth and soft but a bit too thin. Paul’s hands came to his neck holding him closer and deepening the kiss. Kurt almost fell off his stool as his mouth opened, desperate for… something. Paul’s tongue eagerly entered his mouth and—

Kurt pulled away for air, standing up from his seat.

“Wow, Kurt, that was—”

Kurt cut him off, kissing him again just to make sure. Paul’s hands came to his waist this time, gripping him tightly. Kurt pulled away and looked at his sage green eyes. He knew.

Paul moved towards him for another kiss but Kurt’s hand flew between them to his chest, stopping him.

“Is something wrong?” Paul asked breathless.

Kurt backed away, his head shaking. He mumbled, “I’m sorry, I can’t do this.”

Paul looked at him thoughtfully. “Still not over your ex?”

Kurt shook his head again. “No, I’m not. And I won’t ever be.”