That cold miserable Wednesday, the inevitable happened. Blaine got sick.
He wasn’t able to go to the shelter, and even though he had wanted to, his teacher insisted he stay in bed, and not leave his room until he got better. The cold weather was back again, and he watched on the news as the reporter warned people to stay inside. When Wes came in the room he looked at Blaine with a glance “You look terrible Blaine,”

“Gee thanks,” Wes offered a smile. “Sorry,” Blaine stared out at the heavy snow in his window and sighed.

“Wes, I need to get out of here, Kurt….” Blaine began coughing “needs me,” and groaned but it sounded more like a choke. Wes stared at him sternly and crossed his arms over his chest like an authority after putting his bag down.

“No Blaine, you’re strictly told not to leave the room,” Sometimes he hated it when Wes followed orders. “Kurt needs me,” He repeated. Wes handed him some vapo rub and some tissues to blow his nose.

“Blaine, he survived without you before, he’ll do it again,”
Blaine sighed heavily taking his medicine when Wes argued him to do so. Wes didn’t understand. He hoped Kurt stayed at the Shelter that night.
Wes sighed “I know you’re worried Blaine, but if you’re not better by tomorrow, how about I go check if he’s there?” Blaine perked up that “You’d do that?” Wes rolled his eyes “Of course man, or else you’ll be or mopey,”

Blaine pouted “I would not,” Wes laughed. “Right, you wouldn’t happen to have a picture of you two would you?” Blaine looked at him with a frown. “No?” How come he didn’t think of that before? Having a picture would help his brain from trying to mesmerize him without seeming creepy.
Wes seemed to be thinking “How will I know him?”
Blaine smiled. “He’s …unique,” Wes scoffed. “You said that about Jeremiah,” Blaine winced.

“Let’s not remember that, please? He’s a lot better looking than Jeremiah for one, and he really is unique, he says he’s a countertenor and I believe him, his voice suits it,”” Wes chuckled as he came over and propped up Blaine’s pillows. Blaine teased him “You’re like my mom,” Wes punched him in the shoulder and Blaine yelled “Ow WES THAT HURT,” Wes grinned at him. “Now am I like your mom?” Blaine glared. “No, you’re mean, mean people hurt people, and my mom doesn’t,” Blaine always acted like a child when he was sick, and he knew it, and Wes knew it, but right now he didn’t know it, he felt hot, and feverish, and so so tired, and he kept thinking about Kurt. Kurt was so cute.

“Awww sorry Blainey Boo,”

“Shut it… Wesley…. Wes….Kurt has the most gorgeous eyes,” He was so much nicer and good looking than Jeremiah. Wow, how come he didn’t think this before? Maybe things made so much more sense when being sick, but right now Kurt’s eyes were on his mind, and his hair…and his creamy pale skin…oh he said those out loud didn’t he? Wes’s laughter was an indication that he did. “And you’re whipped,”

“Ha….you mean like cream?” Blaine asked so seriously that Wes snorted. Actually snorted “You seriously are clueless Blaine,” Blaine told him what Kurt looked like, he also talked about his personality, and how wonderful he was, and how his voice was so dreamy, especially when he spoke French fluently. “He’s so smart Wes, it’s such a shame he’s not in school,” Wes shook his head with a grin on his face “Alright man, I got to go back to Warblers practise, someone’s got to be in control of that crazy group, be good yeah?” Blaine nodded “Bye mom,”

“Shut up B, eat your soup,”

Blaine noticed the soup on his nightstand which miraculously had somehow gotten there while he and Wes had been talking, well mostly while he had been talking. The soup went cold though because Blaine drifted off under the warm blankets and thought of glasz eyes and a lovely smile, and the thought that he really needed to take a selfie with Kurt in future.

On Thursday Baine was still running a fever but it wasn’t as high as before. Which everyone that had been taking care of him was glad for. He kept mumbling Kurt’s name and Wes was worried. He had never seen his friend look so distraught in a fever before, but the fever must be the reason why Blaine was like the way he was.
When his classes finished, Wes told Blaine he had to be somewhere. Blaine was struggling to eat an apple and he kept talking in riddles about the shelter and helping people and his new found friend. When Wes came back an hour later, he still only had managed to eat half the apple. Wes sat by his bed and smiled at him. “Hey you feeling okay?”

Blaine glanced at the time with a cough. “Where have you been, it’s past 7?”
Wes waited until Blaine took a drink of tea because he suddenly had a coughing fit before answering. “I called the people at the shelter to see if they’ve seen Kurt,”
Blaine’s head looked up at the name and his eyes were alert, more than they have been during his illness. “He’s fine Blaine… I told Susie the situation, and she said he still came, and they fed him sandwiches, but he looked sad not to see you, but he’s okay, ” Blaine sighed in relief.

He started to feel better already.
Wes went to give him a fresh cloth for his head and made sure his blankets were tucked in tight.

“Now you can relax about Kurt yeah? He’s a strong kid, and he needs you to get better rather than worry about him,” Blaine nodded. “Wesley?”
“Hm?” Wes looked over his shoulder just while he was getting things organised in the room.

“Thanks man,” Blaine was sitting up on the many pillows Wes had provided him with as he addressed his friend. Wes had a twinkle in his eyes and Blaine knew that was not a good eyes as a slight grin formed on Wes’s face “No problem squirt,”

“DON’T CALL ME THAT,” Wes just laughed at him “Blainey Boo is more tolerable,” before leaving the room again saying he was going to get them some food.
By Friday his teachers still thought he should stay at school, but even his mom knew he was fine. When she come to see him, she spoilt him rotten and pretty much cured his illness.
Well most of it anyway. He went to the shelter though because he missed it. Some people greeted him, pleased to see he was well.
“Good to see you again Blaine, feeling better?” A guy named George asked. He always came in with a smile. Blaine liked George.

He was friendly, and when he wasn’t working on one Tuesday night at the shelter Rebecca had told him that George had seen Kurt sitting in a bench in a park lost in thought, and having recognised him, he offered him half his sandwich. Blaine liked him even more for that. George was in his late 40s but being homeless made him look like he was in his 50s. Mia behind him was the quiet one, she never said much, and she didn’t offer her story like some of them did when he sat down with them, but she respected him, or so he thought so because she gave him a hesitant smile as he welcomed her inside and told her Rebecca would show her to a bed and feel free to help herself to some food.

After Mia came Sally who had lost her job recently and then to top it off she lost her house to a fire. Her and her kids had to be at the shelter because they had no other choice. She divorced with her husband when finding out he cheated on her with his secretary. He didn’t even know she was homeless.
“Blam!” Little Liam yelled excited upon seeing him throwing his arms ups to be hugged. Liam was 3 and could never say his name right no matter how many times his sister Chloe tried to tell him “It’s BLAINE stupidhead!” Chloe was 6 but already knew communication methods quite splendidly. She rolled her eyes and Blaine laughed good naturedly but her mother scolded her for being rude to her brother.

“He missed you last week,” Sally told Blaine then as Blaine held Liam tight in his arms. “I missed him too, I missed all of you,” While holding the young boy and chatting to Sally, he noticed a familiar face. Kurt was behind them and smiling at him. It was the first time he’d seen Kurt smile. It was ….everything. He smiled back at Kurt and mouthed a Hi.

All these people, deserved a chance. Well that’s what Blaine thought, others disagreed. Others thought they wanted to be homeless and that they could change their life if they wanted to, but that wasn’t always the case. It was Kurt’s turn to greet him and Blaine called out to Rebecca who immediately took over “Hi Kurt!”

“Good evening,” Kurt averted his gaze from Blaine to smile at Rebecca who insisted he come in from the cold. She winked at Blaine and ask him to show Kurt to a bed. “Of course,” Blaine said in his professional voice and Kurt walked beside him in a comfortable and familiar presence.

“I was so worried when I heard you were sick,” It warmed Blaine to think Kurt was worried about him when he was worried about Kurt, or so from what Wes told him. He could barely remember the first few days, he felt like death had consumed him.

“You still look unwell, should you be here?” Kurt queried as he looked him over for any indications that he wasn’t put together. He pressed his palm against Blaine’s forehead and felt the warm temperature. “Blaine…” He said sadly when he retreated it but Blaine shook his head and put on a bright smile. He already missed the feeling of Kurt’s hand on his skin.
“I’m fine Kurt,” Blaine asked Kurt what he’d been up to and even though he could feel Kurt’s intent watch on him as though he knew something Blaine ignored it. He got their food and sat down at their usual spot.

“You say you worried about me Kurt but the truth is I hated not being here to make sure you got something to eat, or a bed…I mean we take everything for granted, and I hate it,” Kurt eyed him with a soft look of appreciation. He was in the middle of a mouthful of noodles when he dropped the fork and reached his hand out to squeeze Blaine’s usually tanned but now slightly pale ones.

“You aren’t taking anything for granted though Blaine. You recognise the difference, you see us the way we see ourselves, and you were worried about me even though you had every right to be worried about your own health and wellbeing. You’re one of the most selfless and kindest person I ever met Blaine,”
Blaine sighed “It’s not fair Kurt,”

Kurt pointed at Blaine’s noodles “Eat your noodles Blaine” Kurt sounded so gentle that Blaine smiled and did what he was told. When it was time to go to bed, Kurt looked down at him. “You can’t help everyone Blaine, what you’re doing is wonderful,” Blaine felt better at that and nodded. “Thank you Kurt,”

That evening as he lay on the floor in his sleeping position Blaine was shivering. The air con wasn’t working, and they planned on getting it fixed next Monday. Blaine always slept on the floor, even though it was uncomfortable, normally he didn’t mind when the air con was warm enough. He was given a spare blanket like everyone else so he couldn’t complain, but with the air con off, the floor was cold. It was like ice actually.

“Blaine?”

Blaine looked up at Kurt’s voice. Everything was quiet, everybody was asleep. Well except for some, but everyone kept to themselves when lights went out.

“Can’t you sleep with me?” Kurt was leaning over the edge of his bed looking down at him with a worried expression. Blaine frowned in the darkness. “Kurt that bed is hardly big enough for one person,” He whispered back.
“Well you’re pretty small, I’m sure you’d fit fine,” Blaine stared up at Kurt who looked at him quizzically, he let out a quiet laugh at that. Kurt patted the bed “Please Blaine, you’re still sick. It’s cold. I promise I don’t bite, and I don’t want you to get worse, I care about you alot,”

He couldn’t resist those eyes that were staring into his even in the darkness with the moon shining in the window he could just make them out. “Okay,” He whispered. He stood up carefully, and brought his blanket up with him. “What if I get you sick?” hesitating as he looked at Kurt.

“I’ve survived before,” Kurt answered surely patting beside him. “I’d rather take the floor otherwise if you don’t get up here,” Blaine wouldn’t have that. “Okay fine,”

The bed creaked as Blaine got in it when Kurt shuffled to the side and Blaine placed his blanket over him and Kurt so they were warm. It was better than the floor. Blaine hummed content as Kurt made sure Blaine had some of his blanket. They were facing each other and although Blaine could only see Kurt’s face in the moonlight, just barely. He saw a glimpse the smile he loved. "dors bien"

He wondered if Kurt was already asleep or in panic mode but then he heard a quiet “dors bien Blaine Warbler,” in return. Kurt had his hand limping at his side. Feeling brave Blaine held it in his under the blankets covering it from the cold like a caccoon. Kurt snuggled closer to him and he smiled. “Kurt?” He whispered. Kurt was asleep. So he allowed himself to fall asleep too.
Blaine didn’t know how long they were there like that but he was woken up by Sally tapping his shoulder. “Blaine…”

“Is something wrong? Is it the kids?” Blaine had reluctantly untangled himself from Kurt’s warmth to sit up and talk with Sally who was kneeling next to him and Kurt’s own personal space.

Sally shook her head. “No they’re sleeping,” She was being quiet and cautious. “I was on the way to the toilet and I saw the way you were sleeping with Kurt, now I have no problem with it Blaine, I think personally it’s cute, but if you get caught you could get in big trouble. It’s against the shelter’s policy. I read their policy before coming here because I was cautious where I wanted to take my kids, I’m just warning you before anyone wakes up to give you chance to think about it,” Blaine nodded in understanding rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He really hadn’t thought of that and if he got thrown out, he couldn’t help anymore. “Thank you Sally, I hadn’t thought of that,”

Blaine got of the bed and Kurt seemed to reach for him in his sleep. Blaine carefully placed his and Kurt’s blanket more snuggly around the taller boy to keep him warm. Sally said goodnight then while it was still dark in the shelter. Blaine got of the bed and back on his position on the floor. What happened to you Kurt? He wondered. Kurt was still asleep thankfully when Susie woke him up and said it was time for him to head back to Dalton.

“Say goodbye to Kurt for me?” He asked Susie chuckled “Of course, have a safe trip Blaine,”

Wednesday Blaine had brought his books again to work with Kurt. This time he shared his John Green book which was required in the curriculum and they read it together after eating dinner on Kurt’s thin cotton bed. Kurt had loved Looking for Alaska. His favourite quote had been “Thomas Edison's last words were "It's very beautiful over there". I don't know where there is, but I believe it's somewhere, and I hope it's beautiful.” Blaine thought about that all the time, when he was free to his thoughts. What an interesting quote to choose from, when that book had so many great ones. When he asked Kurt about it, Kurt simply said “I can’t remember the last time life has been beautiful for me, so I kind of relate to the quote in hoping that there is a time in my life wherever it may be that it will be beautiful,”

Blaine stared at Kurt. He had a thought in mind, but he didn’t want to ruin Kurt’s moment so he simply nodded in understanding.
His workload at school was under control, he got good marks on his recent tests in preparation for the final exams, and his weekend visits with his mom were highlights of his week as were the Warbler rehearsals and of course seeing Kurt. Kurt being in his life gave him something to look forward to after a busy week day.

On Friday his friend seemed upset. He was shaking as he sobbed coming to the door. Thankfully mostly everyone was inside already so Blaine could be on one on one attention with Kurt. He embraced the boy, holding onto his sides to look at his tearful face.

“Kurt what happened?” Kurt just shook his head crying harder. “Okay come on,” Blaine rubbed his back as he immediately took him inside and Susie took over the duty of issuing people in for beds. She told Blaine to look after the food section. Blaine sat down with Kurt on one of the spare beds.

“Hey…hey take deep breathes ….let it out,”
Kurt continued to sob, and Blaine held him. “I forgot my mum’s death anniversary….I saw the date on the newspaper that was chucked in the bin….her anniversary was 2 days ago,”

“Oh Kurt…” He held on tighter to the shivering tall boy. “I’m so sorry, were you two really close?” His arms rubbed up and down his back as he kissed Kurt’s hair.
Kurt shook his head. “I only remember singing and cooking with her from when I was little, she died when I was 7,”

“I’m sorry,” He hugged him again after wiping his tears with his thumbs.
“Not your fault. I just…I wanted to see you, I normally go to her grave, but this year I hadn’t been able to,”

Blaine wanted badly to ask Kurt then more about his family but he let Kurt take his time. One day he’ll tell him. He was sure of it, so for now, he just wanted to be there for Kurt. For that day he just held Kurt and listened as Kurt talked about all his favourite childhood memories.

He had made Kurt hot cocoa this time. Well he brought a massive 4 litres for everyone, but he made sure there was a separate bottle for Kurt in case he liked it. It was a special recipe, and they used the kitchen at the shelter to heat it up for everyone with additional marshmellows.

When Blaine went to get Kurt’s hot chocolate the boy had calmed down. He was no longer tearful and upset but he still had red cheeks from crying.

“Here, my mum taught me this special recipe when she went to Greece on a business trip,”
Kurt cautiously took the cup and thanked him enjoying the warmth on his hands, pleasure was seen on his face as he took a sip.

“Is that Vanilla?” He asked in amazement as Blaine grinned. “Yep, and honey, it’s very traditional apparently,” Kurt moaned and Blaine felt himself grow hot in the face at the sound. It was damn sexy and he couldn’t believe it but he was actually jealous of the cup. Kurt was pressing his face against it to feel warm.
The next wednesday night Kurt was a lot more cheerful and excited to see Blaine.

“Blaine!” He loved the way Kurt was particularly glowing. It was a far cry from when he first saw Kurt in that supermarket. The one with the dark bags under his eyes; he no longer hid his eyes under dark classes. He still wore clothes that looked like they belonged to someone else but he attempted to style his hair now and it

The following week was so close to Christmas, and Blaine had a plan; a plan which he hoped to talk to Kurt about that night at the shelter when he saw him. Kurt hugged the other boy and Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt in what was now a familiar scent.
“Hey! How was your day today?” Blaine asked taking a good look at him, definitely happier.

“Good….I walked around to keep warm and I bumped into someone I know yesterday,”

Kurt looked more healthier in his weight too which Blaine was really pleased to see.

“Really?” Blaine didn’t want to say but I thought you had no friends, because that might seem a little rude so he waited for Kurt to continue.

“Yeah, his name is Sam…he’s doing home schooling apparently, and his family can’t afford to live in a house anymore, so he lives in a shelter as well but he’s at a different shelter, I saw him waiting in cue and he recognised me, he said I looked sharp, sharp is a good thing right?” He never heard Kurt talk so fast. It was nice to hear him so excited, and the way his eyes were dancing with light from the building’s light that reflected from the window of the shelter.

“Yeah it’s a good thing. Does he know about you being here?” Blaine asked curious.

“No. I didn’t tell him all of it, but he bought me hot chocolate with the money he gets from being a stripper,” Kurt giggled. It was the cutest sound Blaine had ever heard. “He’s literally a stripper…he showed me his job workplace last night, and then I said I’d stay with him for the night at the shelter he was at, and he insisted I go home, but I wanted to catch up with him, and we played celebrity heads, it was fun, and his brother and sister are so cute, they’re younger than him,” Something about the way he talked about Sam made him uneasy. “I’m glad you had a good day,”

“I missed you though,” Kurt said with a sort of smile that made him melt inside.

“I missed you too Kurt, guess what my mom made today,” He grinned as he walked Kurt inside since other people were waiting to go in and Rebecca took over, as she always did whenever she saw Kurt come in. Blaine did that to her favourite customers too.

“My favourite?”
“You have to guess first,” Blaine insisted, Kurt pouted. Another one of Kurt’s expressions that Blaine loved. It was adorable. “It isn’t…”

“Guess Kurt,”

“Cheesecake?” Kurt held his breath and Blaine grinned. “Dun dun dun… we have a winner!” Kurt clapped his hands excitedly. Kurt had not changed shoes since they had given him a pair of joggers from goodwill. He had worn them ever since and he was glad to see that at least he had warm clothes. He even took his hoodie for Kurt to get it washed some nights and he let Kurt burrow his blazer. He did have 3 at the dorm.

“Yay! Kiss your mom for me, I love her,”
Blaine laughed at his enthusiasm and showed Kurt inside to a bed. Kurt didn’t come on the days Blaine didn’t work there because it wasn’t the same and he felt less safe. Susie had told Blaine that was a good thing it meant Kurt would always be able to claim a bed rather than if he came frequently. Even though it made Blaine wonder where he went the other nights.
When he laid down next to Kurt as he always did. They were inseparable at night time he popped his head on his hand as he over at the boy who had been staring at the ceiling…

“Kurt?”

Kurt turned his head to smile at him. “Yeah?”

“How about I take you to your mother’s grave this weekend?” He asked carefully because he wasn’t sure if it was a sensitive topic or not.

“Really?” Kurt sat up to look at him with wide eyes.

“Yep. I have a car, so I can drive to wherever you need to go,”

“Blaine I …that would mean the world to me,”

“On one favour,” Blaine took Kurt’s hands so if he freaked out he could squeeze them and stop him from running. “What?” Kurt looked intrigued and he was staring into Blaine’s eyes. Blaine didn’t look away from Kurt’s eyes either.
“Come home with me on Saturday. I want you to meet my mom please?” As predicted Kurt went to pull away but he held on.
“She...I don’t know Blaine, why would your mother want to meet me?” Kurt hesitated and bit his lip. “Kurt…she’s been dying to meet you, she loves that you appreciate her cooking and she insisted I invite you over, also because you’re a wonderful man or at least I think so. Please?” Kurt looked overwhelmed. “What about your dad?”
“My parents are divorced, and have been for a long time,”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Kurt looked genuinely sorry but he shrugged. “Don’t worry I barely spent enough time with him anyway. He was always working. Please?” Kurt was watching him after he particularly brushed of the topic

“I… okay,”

“Great! Will you meet me at the front here, and I’ll come pick you up okay?”
Kurt nodded. Blaine was excited. “Now wait here, I got to do my job, there’s a lot of people tonight, but give me 20 minutes then I’ll bring you some food as well.
Kurt smiled that dangerous smile of his that always got to Blaine “Okay,”
Blaine wanted to count the amount of smiles he could make from Kurt, because they were the most precious thing in his world.

“My mum made Lasagne tonight, it’s been very popular, I hope you like it, he also had a bit of cheesecake on a paper plate which he handed to Kurt with the dinner”

“Your mum is a great cook,” Kurt praised and Blaine beamed “You can tell her that on Saturday,” Kurt remained quiet as he ate the lasagne.
Kurt appeared much better than before.

“How’s our favourite customer?” Rebecca asked Kurt but winked at Blaine.
Blaine blushed and told her to knock it off Rebecca laughed as Kurt said hello. “I’m good thank you, yourself?”

Rebecca looked pleased by his manners.

“Great! I love doing these shifts, they take my mind of everything at home,” Kurt looked interested in what she was saying.

“What do you mean?”

“There’s just so much pressure with work, and school, and your family have high expectations, but then we meet people like yourself who appreciate the kind gesture of just having food and a warm bed, and It gives my mind some peace knowing I’m helping others who are worse of, so it shuts myself up from complaining,”
Kurt nodded in understanding “You guys do a great job, and I’m very grateful, but you’re allowed to be stressed by your own life too,”

“Oh thank you Kurt that’s nice of you to say and Blaine often tells me his favourite part of the week is getting to see you,” Blaine chuckled then but secretly he wanted Rebecca to be quiet …Kurt won’t find that cute but then Kurt was looking his way with a different expression.

“What?” Blaine asked when Rebecca left.

“You have a nice laugh,”

Blaine never felt so ridiculously flushed before at such a simple comment. “Thank you?”

How does one respond to that? Blaine wasn’t used to THOSE type of compliments, but it was nice…

“You have a nice smile,”
Kurt smiled then and Blaine grinned.

“You don’t have to compliment me back Blaine,”

“I mean it though,”
Kurt didn’t answer to that, instead he changed the topic. “Blaine?”

“Mhm?”
“Why do you do volunteering?”
“Because I like helping people,”
“Oh,”
“And because I couldn’t get my mind of you,”

Kurt looked surprised then. Blaine sighed as he edged closer to Kurt and faced him crossed legs on Kurt’s bed like they often did when having a deep conversation.
“When you ran away…I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I was worried you’d be out in that weather…and Wes eventually told me to shut up about you and do something that would occupy my thoughts other than you, so he brought me brochures about homeless shelters, and this was the closest one to the supermarket I saw you at…so I asked to volunteer as part of my credits for being at Dalton, when they saw how impressive my marks were, they agreed to give me a job for night shifts since I still had to study and I have weekends to catch up on school work,”
“You worried about a stranger you barely knew?” Kurt moved closer to him because it made him comfortable. Or so that’s what Blaine thought was the reason. Blaine shrugged and looked at him with a caring glance.
“It sounds a bit creepy if you put it like that, I don’t know…I felt like I knew you, even if I didn’t, does that make sense?”
Kurt laughed. It was the most beautiful sound in the world “Not really Blaine,”
“Kurt?”
Kurt looked at Blaine with question in his eyes “Yes?”
“Will you take a selfie with me?”
Kurt laughed out loud and Blaine loved it. “Yeah, on one condition,”
“What?” Blaine moved in closer to the other boy as he got his phone out.
“You get me a copy of the picture,” Kurt had a smirk on his face as Blaine laughed. “I think that can be arranged,” He reached his phone over their heads and just as he was about to click he said “Now smile,” When he did click it he quickly kissed Kurt’s cheek.
Blaine was smiling ear to ear though, because laughter is what he loved creating. He watched Kurt sleep that night, usually he feel asleep before Kurt, but this time he was too excited about the fact that Kurt would come over to his house, that he couldn’t sleep. He smiled as he watched the way Kurt nuzzled his head into the pillow with a content look on his face. He shivered though so Blaine took of his blazer, feeling the warmth of the air condition anyway with his extra tshirts and placed it over Kurt. Kurt snuggled into the material and he slept peacefully. Blaine smiled at his friend.
He was beautiful. “I’m glad you came Kurt,” He whispered and fell asleep himself.