“Ready?” Kurt cocked an eyebrow at Blaine while he shrugged his coat over his broad shoulders.

“Huh? Yeah, of course – yeah.” Kurt chuckled at Blaine's inarticulacy and locked the door before taking Blaine's arm and half dragging him out of the building. Neither man noticed someone step quickly into an alcove to avoid being seen. They both chatted casually until the elevator doors opened and Blaine indicated for Kurt to step ahead of him. When the doors slid shut again Brett stepped out of the alcove feeling his heart plummet. He glanced at the bright bouquet in his hands and threw them against the wall, the only sound in the hallway was that of rustling paper as the flowers slid to the floor. Brett tried to calm his emotions and think rationally. He turned away from the door and headed toward the elevator instead. He mentally chided himself, it had been he who suggested this, he who had told Kurt to figure out his feelings toward Blaine. He needed to stay calm, Brett had no right to get angry at him for it. He jabbed the ground floor button moodily and resigned himself to an evening in front of the television.

They were sat in the back of a taxi when Blaine's phone rang. He glanced at the number fully intending on just re-pocketing it when he realized it was Nick calling. He apologised to Kurt and answered.

“Hey Nick.” Kurt raised an eyebrow, but remained silent.

“Hey man, how're you?”

“I'm good on my way to Whinnie's with Kurt. What can I do for you?” Blaine flashed Kurt a grin.

“Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you, just thought you might want to come over this weekend, you busy?” Blaine could hear Maisie in the background and smiled to himself.

“I can do Saturday if that's OK, my Mom's in town on Friday...” Kurt listened to Blaine arrange his weekend, watching him closely. Blaine seemed to smile a lot, but if you looked closely you could tell it wasn't his true smile. Kurt thought back to before New York, the bright, wide, truly uninhibited smiles he used to see shine on Blaine. All teeth and starry eyes. Kurt missed those smiles. Blaine finished his phone call just as the taxi pulled up in front of a small red brick building, he paid the driver, oblivious to Kurt's scrutinizing gaze.

He stepped out of the vehicle helping Kurt out with a roguish smirk.

“Sorry about that, I bumped into Nick at the coffee shop the other day and he invited me round.”

“I was at theirs a few weeks ago, you'll die when you see Maisie, she's so big.” Kurt followed Blaine into the Karaoke bar and pointed to a round table right near the stage. They were early so not many people were there yet.

“Mmm, I'm looking forward to seeing them all, it's nice to have some familiar faces around again, drink?” Blaine remained standing so he could go straight to the bar.

“Surprise me.” Kurt said cheekily and watched Blaine head to the bar. He couldn't help admiring him from where he sat. It was obvious Blaine looked after himself, his back was toned and strong beneath the very well fitted purple polo he wore, which was tucked into dark jeans that hugged his slender hips just the right amount. Kurt had always loved the fact that Blaine always seemed to find clothes that fit him perfectly, a feat Kurt noticed most men their age struggled with. Blaine turned, clutching an orange cocktail in each hand. He walked steadily, his eyes trained on the glasses he was carrying, Kurt thought he looked adorable concentrating so hard. He moved the arm he had rested on the table while he watched Blaine as the two drinks were placed in front of him. On closer inspection Kurt noticed that the cocktail was two shades of orange graduated into each-other, a slice of pineapple had been perched on the edge of each glass.

“What on Earth is that?!” Kurt met Blaine's excited gaze with an incredulous one of his own.

“Tequila Sunrise.” Blaine said simply taking a sip of his through the rainbow coloured straw.

“Tequila? Are you trying to get me drunk Mr Anderson?” Kurt's eyes widened and he sniffed the drink.

“There's not that much tequila in it, it mostly tastes of orange juice, trust me, just taste it.” Blaine pushed Kurt's drink further towards him, the straw bumping into his chin. Kurt took a tiny sip and was pleasantly surprised at how sweet but refreshing it was. He noticed Blaine watching him questioningly.

“OK, it's not bad, it's sort of nice actually.” Blaine punched the air victoriously making Kurt roll his eyes fondly. He missed this – more than he'd thought.

“Right, how many songs d'ya want to sing?” Kurt thought for a moment.

“Two, I'm not sure I'll be capable of much more than that after a few more of these! Make one of them Broadway, Rachel would kill me if I didn't!” Kurt raised his glass as Blaine chuckled and went to put their names down. He returned a few minutes later to find Kurt chatting animatedly with an attractive brunette woman. He approached the table slowly, not wanting to disturb them. As soon as Kurt noticed him he grabbed his hand, dragging him into the seat next to him.

“Blaine! This is Cora, we went to college together, Cora, this is Blaine.” Kurt's eyes were positively sparkling.

“ 'The' Blaine?” Mysterious brown eyes flickered questioningly between Kurt and Blaine waiting to confirmation, Kurt once again rolled his eyes.

“Yes Cora, 'The' Blaine.” Kurt's hand had come to rest on Blaine's thigh. Blaine could feel the heat spread from where Kurt's hand lay and just smiled benignly.

“Am I famous now?” Blaine took a sip of his cocktail while Cora's eyes raked over both Kurt and himself.

“Hmm.” She made a non – committal noise and turned back to Kurt.

“Okay, I'll leave you to it, stick around, I'm going to be wowing you all with my amazing vocal abilities later!” Kurt giggled and returned the kiss she blew him before she went to the bar and rejoined her friends. Kurt turned to find Blaine staring at him with a thick eyebrow raised. Kurt clicked his tongue dramatically.

“I met Cora literally about a month after your Dad came to town. I – I was a bit of a mess and she gave me a good dose of reality and helped me find my feet. She's a bit of a character, but her heart's in the right place.” Kurt avoided Blaine's eyes and twiddled the straw between his fingers.

“In that case I'm quite surprised I'm still in one piece.” Blaine chuckled. Kurt raised his head to look at Blaine, who was smiling, his eyes crinkling in the corners. They talked amicably about their careers until the Karaoke started. They watched the first few people, laughing so hard their eyes watered at Cora's very physical rendition of “I feel like a Woman”. After the fourth person Blaine stood, weaving his way to the stage. Kurt turned to face him.

It doesn't matter if you love him.
Or capital H I M.

His eyes flicked to Kurt, he winked and threw himself into the performance, captivating as ever, but really just letting his hair down. Kurt watched in utter rapture as Blaine tossed his head around and danced goofily. Every now and then his eyes found Kurt's and Kurt's heart did a pleasant king of jump. He had never felt quite like this with anyone else. He knew he still loved Blaine, he was fairly certain that he would always love Blaine. He just didn't know how to overcome the last few years. One thing was for certain though, he was not going to let Blaine go again. He would fight for this feeling, he would fight for Blaine to be Okay again, he would fight for them.

I was born this way, hey.
I was born this way, hey.
I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way, hey.

Blaine finished the song of with an ambitious leap in the air, landing to tumultuous applause. Kurt bobbed in his seat, clapping enthusiastically as Blaine pointed at him. He understood this to mean it was his turn. When he reached the stage, Blaine handed him the microphone and winked at him before making his way back to their table. Kurt turned around, the bright lights hitting him full force and wiping away any nervousness he had. This was where he belonged. He turned his eyes upon the small screen and smiled happily.

I had a dream, a dream about you, baby.
It's gonna come true, baby.
They think that we're through, but baby,

Kurt turned his gaze on Blaine, moving his body to the music.

Now's your inning. Stand the world on it's ear!
Set it spinning! That'll be just the beginning!
Curtain up! Light the lights!
You got nothing to hit but the heights!
You'll be swell. You'll be great.
I can tell. Just you wait.
That lucky star I talk about is due!
Honey, everything's coming up roses for me and for you!

Kurt ran over the familiar lyrics in his mind, thinking how apt they were for how he was feeling right now. Regardless of the intended meaning, these lyrics took on a whole new life for him and Blaine. He whipped his head round to peer over his shoulder at his audience and put everything he had into the last few lines.

Everything's gonna be bright lights and lollipops!
Everything's coming up roses for me and for you!

The lights died as the music ended and Kurt bowed to the applauding audience, a bright, wide smile lighting up his face. He noticed Blaine coming toward him through the audience, motioning for him to stay on stage. When Blaine hopped up the few stairs he accepted a second microphone and turned to stand beside Kurt. He leaned close, his lips ridiculously close to Kurt's ears.

“Next one's a duet.” He pulled back grinning mischievously. As the music started up Kurt raised his eyebrows in surprise. Blaine took the first verse, circling Kurt on the stage as he sang.

I'm gonna ask you so you understand
What you done with your time
Oh think it over baby
Just keep walkin' on
Until you find your man

Kurt joined in on the chorus happily noting that their voices still blended beautifully even after all this time.

Don't it feel so bad?
Well I'm used to that
Don't it feel so bad?
Get used to that

Baby, please don't go to far
I swear I love ya
Just the way you are

They faced each-other on the stage, Blaine bopping along with the beat, Kurt using his arms to emote what he was singing. He knew it was true, and Blaine had obviously picked this song for a reason. He knew that Blaine wouldn't rush this, he just wanted Kurt to know. Kurt threw himself into the song like he never had before and hoped the message would get through to the gorgeous man stood just across from him. Yes I do love you. No matter what.

Don't push it baby
Please don't go to far
I swear I love ya
Just the way ya are
Oh skin and bones baby
Yes you are my star
I swear I love ya
Just the way ya are

They both belted out the final chorus, finishing to practically a standing ovation in the small room. Both men were breathing heavily, smiling broadly and feeling elated as they stepped of stage and returned to the table. Almost the minute Kurt settled in his seat Cora grabbed his arm and dragged him up.

“Um, I guess I'll be right back!” He called to Blaine who laughed, shaking his head slightly.
Cora dragged Kurt right outside the bar before spinning him round to face her. She leapt at him, gripping him in a tight hug. Kurt laughed and held her.

“Oh, Okay, what's this about? Not that I'm complaining, a hug is always welcome but was it really necessary to drag me outside to do so?” Cora finally pulled back and beamed at Kurt.

“It's just so nice to see you like this. You were amazing up there Kurt, you looked so... alive.” Kurt made a small 'aww' noise but Cora continued.

“He makes you so happy, I don't care if you're together or not, you were shining. I wish you could'a seen yourself. I'm assuming there was a real reason behind everything and that he has explained that to you if you're here singing and dancing with him?” Cora placed a hand on her curvaceous hip and stared at Kurt.

“Yes, things have been explained, we're not together though. It's complicated and messy and needs working through, but I think we can do it....” Kurt paused before adding the last word in a small hopeful voice. “... together.” Cora squeezed Kurt's hand gently before turning serious.

“And what about Brett?” Kurt took a deep breath noting the twinge of guilt in his chest.

“It was his idea for me to figure out my feelings for Blaine. I tried to argue that it wasn't fair but... I think I know what I'm going to tell him, even if Blaine and I don't end up in a relationship, I can't continue with Brett when my feelings for Blaine are as they are.” Cora nodded understandingly.

“Okay, I just had to check. It's been to long Kurt. I don't want to keep you from that gorgeous man in there, but call me, we need a gossip session! Okay?” Kurt nodded, a coy smile gracing his defined face.

“Promise?!” Cora help up her pinky finger, a stubborn look on her tan face. Kurt rolled his eyes but linked his pinky with hers non-the-less.

“Promise, now can we please go back inside, it's freezing out here!” They linked arms returning to the club.

Blaine looked up when he noticed Kurt approaching the table once again and smiled into those sparkling blue eyes. Kurt plunked himself in the seat, rubbing his arms and noticed Blaine had got more drinks. He reached into his pocket to retrieve his wallet when a warm hand on his free arm made him pause. He looked up into undeniably warm honey coloured irises ringed with long, thick black lashes.

“Don't even bother.” Blaine tilted his head indicating Kurt's wallet, the look in his eyes told Kurt he wouldn't be argued with so he shrugged gently and replaced his elbows on the table, leaning across the table ever so slightly.

“Thank you.” He looked at Blaine through his lashes, stirring his drink with the straw.

“For...?”

“Just, for this. I'm having a really good time.” Blaine beamed at him and they both turned to watch the last few people sing.

When that Karaoke was over a fair few people left the bar, leaving only a few groups behind. A piano sat in the corner of the room. Blaine crossed the room, glancing back to make sure Kurt was following, and sat himself at the piano. He flexed his fingers and played a few notes to nothing in particular while Kurt leaned against the piano, his legs crossed over one another as he watched Blaine play. They spent the rest of the night playing a few old favourites and swapping stories until the bar closed. Blaine said nothing when Kurt slipped his cold hand into his, but felt the corners of his mouth twitch and his chest fill with something that felt a lot like happiness. He could get used to this.