Blaine

Once Kurt had disappeared, Jeff whistled low. “Kurt is hot! 

"Sooo, Blaine...care to share with the class how you convinced one of Santa's sexiest elves to spend his post-Christmas furlough bowling in New York City?" Trent asked with a smirk.

Blaine’s body heated up at the thought of Kurt. When Burt had shown him the Christmas photos, he noticed that Kurt was attractive, but nothing had prepared him for the sight of Kurt in the tightest red trousers he had ever seen. He was like a Greek god. 

“You’ll never believe it. His parents showed up last week, looking for a place where Kurt could start bowling again. I mentioned The Slingers on Thursday nights and said I would take care of him. I was shocked when Kurt actually showed up!”

“Like a late Christmas present,” Nick sniggered.

“I like him,” Jeff admitted. “Kurt seems like he could be a lot of fun. Plus, he’s gay.”

“He never said that,” Trent reminded him.

“Puh-leeze, I know what I’m talking about. Didn’t you see the way that he kept checking out Blaine’s ass,” Jeff retorted.

“He was practically drooling over Blaine’s bubble butt,” Nick teased.

While his friends roared with laughter, Blaine dropped his head and couldn’t suppress a smile. It had been a very long time since an attractive man looked at him that way. He hoped that they were right because he was very interested in Kurt.

“I can’t believe that Kurt hasn’t bowled in a long time. He’s an excellent player,” Trent remarked.

“Since Trent is out of commission with his back for a while, why don’t we invite Kurt to join our league team? Then we wouldn’t have to pull out of the winter competition,” Nick suggested.

Jeff nodded. “Kurt would be our secret weapon. No one has seen him bowl before.”

Blaine looked up, mulling the idea over. He usually only bowled during their league night, and this would be a good excuse to spend more time with Kurt. “Why don’t we ask him?”

He saw Unqiue walk their way and he flagged her over. “Is everything all right?”

Unique pressed her hand on Blaine’s shoulder. “Relax. Everything is fine. A customer’s credit card was declined, but his girlfriend paid for the meal. The number of new people arriving has slowed down, but the bar and restaurant are very busy. Nothing that the staff can’t handle.” Unique looked around. “Where’s Kurt? Have you scared him off already?”

“He’s gone to the restroom, probably recovering from the sight of Blaine’s ass,” Jeff chortled.

“It’s a mighty fine ass,” Unique sassed back. 

After a beat, she said, “Hey Kurt. Did you have fun tonight?”

Kurt appeared before the others. “Sure did, although I was a bit rusty at the beginning.”

“You’re a much better bowler than I am,” Trent admitted.

Blaine could tell that Kurt had spent time fixing his hair into a quiff. He liked a man who cared about his hair. Lord knew he spent enough time trying to tame his baby-fine frizz.

Unique interrupted his thoughts. “Blaine, you haven’t had a night off since we opened. Spend some time with your friends. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thanks, Unique. That would be great. Just let me know if you need any help.”

Ever since he reopened the alley, he’d spent every waking moment making sure that everything went smoothly. He was grooming Unique to take on a management role, and this would be as good a time as any to put that in motion. 

Blaine turned to Kurt. “Are you up for a drink and something to eat?”

“That sounds great.”

Unique piped in. “I’ll let Marley know to free up a table for five.”

Trent shook his head. “I have to go. My back is starting to ache. It’s time for me to take some more medication.”

Nick coughed. “Jeff and I are heading home. We’ll see you on Tuesday.”

Blaine knew his friends were making excuses so that he could spend some time alone with Kurt. He only hoped that Kurt hadn’t figured it out.

“Right then. I’ll get a table for two ready right away,” Unique said before departing.

Jeff faced Kurt. “We’re in the Tuesday night league. We don’t take it too seriously, but we’re currently in the lead. With Trent out of commission, we need a fourth player. Would you join our team?”

Kurt looked a bit dazed. “Are you sure? I’m not that good.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. You were fantastic. We’d love to have you on our team,” Blaine said.

“Well, sure. I usually work at a diner on Tuesday nights, but I can switch with my roommate. She’s been trying to offload her Saturday night shift. I had been planning on doing it anyways. The tips are way better on the weekends.”

“Great. We’ll see you on Tuesday night,” Nick replied. He grabbed Jeff’s hand. “Come on, let’s go.”

Blaine and Kurt walked to the restaurant area, passing by the busy arcade game section. Blaine smiled to himself, knowing that the arcade accounted for roughly 25% of the income. 

Marley greeted them and immediately showed them to a booth that gave them a view of the entire premises. She set down the menus, and asked, “What would you like to drink?”

“May I please have a decaf coffee?” Blaine asked.

“I’ll have the same,” Kurt added.

“We have a full bar service. We’ve got some great signature cocktails.”

Kurt smiled shyly. “I have a dance class tomorrow at nine. The teacher always knows when someone has had a drink the night before, and she makes sure that they suffer through the class.”

While Kurt looked at the menu, Blaine’s eyes darted around, making sure that everything was going smoothly. The alleys were still busy and the bar area was packed. Maybe this was a signal for him to relax and enjoy getting to know Kurt better.

“This is a great menu for a bowling alley. It’s got the classic burgers, wings, and nachos plus lots of healthy options.”

“Thanks, Kurt. The flatbread pizzas are pretty popular. I’m still tweaking the menu.”

Marley arrived with the coffee and they both ordered chicken Caesar salads. 

“Burt mentioned that you’re in your final year at NYADA. How are you enjoying it?”

Kurt’s face lit up, then began to talk about his classes and the recent Winter Showcase. Blaine was mesmerized by Kurt’s enthusiasm about musical theater. He could listen to Kurt’s melodic voice all night. “I’d love to hear you sing sometime.”

“That’s easy to arrange. I work at the Spotlight Diner. The servers also sing and dance for the customers.”

“I’ve been there. It’s a fun place.”

“Fun for the customers, but it’s hard work for the staff.”

“I bet it is. That’s why I always leave a decent tip.”

Marley served them their salads, and judging by Kurt’s happy expression, he was enjoying it.

“How old are you? Kurt asked.

“I turn 25 years old next month. How about you?”

“I’m 22.”

Blaine was relieved that their age difference was so small.

“What’s your deal? You’re pretty young to own a business,” Kurt remarked.

Blaine related the story of his great-uncle, and the time he used to spend here after school and on vacations. He then explained that he had inherited the business, decided to make a go of it, and completely renovated the bowling venue. Kurt seemed genuinely interested, asking questions about the business. It was obvious that Kurt was smart and inquisitive. Good looks were one thing, but Blaine was more attracted to someone intelligent.

Just as they were finishing their meal, Kurt’s phone pinged several times. Kurt discreetly looked at his phone, then let out a deep sigh. “That’s my dad asking how the bowling went. I better reply before my phone explodes with more texts.”

While Kurt was texting with his dad, Blaine waved at Marley, who immediately came over. “Can we please have more coffee and a few cupcakes?”

“No worries, Blaine. I’ll be right back.”

Kurt rolled his eyes. “My dad wants to know if we met up.”

Blaine got up from his side of the booth and slid next to Kurt, picking up the phone. “Let’s take a selfie.”

Blaine squished his face against Kurt’s, smiled, raised his arm, and took a few photos. Kurt sent the best one to his dad.

Blaine glanced at Kurt’s phone when the new message arrived.

Burt: Carole wants to know if you think Blaine is cute. 

Kurt’s face turned an adorable shade of red. “My dad couldn’t be more embarrassing if he tried. He likes you. A. Lot.”

Blaine placed his hand over Kurt’s, enjoying its soft feel. “Don’t worry about it. Your dad is great.”

Marley arrived at their table with a fresh carafe of coffee and dessert, and Blaine noticed Kurt texting again. 

Kurt’s face lit up. “Ohh, baby cupcakes!”

Blaine pushed the plate toward Kurt, pleased that he had ordered the perfect dessert.

“What do you do on your time off?” Kurt asked, picking up a cupcake.

Blaine laughed. “I hardly get any time off. I love music. I play the piano and guitar. Nick, Jeff, Trent, and I went to high school together. We’re in the alumni a capella choir here. We meet up once a month to perform for charity events or retirement homes.”

They spent the next hour talking about their favorite musicians, their high school glee clubs, and their favorite karaoke bars. Blaine lost track of time until Unique came to their table.

“I hate to break things up but we’ve closed. I’ve counted and reconciled the cash.”

Blaine glanced around to see that all the customers had left. When did that happen?  “Go home, Unique. And thanks for everything. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Enjoy the rest of your night,” Unique replied before leaving.

Kurt pulled out his phone to check the time. “Yikes, it’s one o’clock! I better get going. I have a class tomorrow.”

Blaine glanced at Kurt’s phone and noticed his last text to his father. 

Kurt: The cutest.

Blaine tried to suppress his smile but was unsuccessful. No man had called him cute before, and he loved the compliment. 

Blaine slid out of the booth, and Kurt followed. “How much do I owe for the meal?” Kurt asked. 

Blaine waved his hands in dismissal. “Absolutely nothing. I’ll see you on Tuesday?”

“You can count on it. Is there anything special I should wear?”

“Black trousers. I’ll have a league shirt ready for you.”

Blaine walked Kurt to the front door. “Thanks for coming tonight. I really enjoyed meeting you.”

“Same. Bowling was one of my dad’s better ideas.”

“Do you live nearby? I could walk you home.”

Kurt shook his head. “It’s about a 15-minute walk. I’ll be fine.” 

Blaine gave Kurt a quick hug. “See you Tuesday.”

“Goodnight, Blaine,” Kurt replied, then left the alley.

Blaine waved at Bruce, who was working the night shift to clean the premises. He quickly scanned the cash reconciliation that Unique had performed, and it all looked in order. He placed the cash in the safe in the office before heading up the backstairs to his apartment above the alley. He quickly showered, changed into his pajamas, and climbed into bed.

When Burt and Carole entered the bowling alley, he had not expected them to have a son quite like Kurt. Even after one night, he knew that Kurt was very special. Someone whom he could fall in love with. 

Blaine tossed to his other side, hugging the extra pillow. Sure, he had been on plenty of dates and had had a couple of boyfriends, but things had never worked out. He was pretty clueless when it came to relationships. He didn’t want to screw things up with Kurt. He vowed to himself to take things slow, hoping that Kurt would be the special person he had been looking for forever.