“I'm not sure you understand, I have plenty of money, money is not an issue here, so I want a half decent apartment. Nothing over the top and I will know if you're fleecing me, but can we please step out of the student apartments now?” Blaine raised his whiskey coloured eyes allowing just a hint of puppy into his expression.

“I'm just trying to fit the demographic here, you're a young man wanting an apartment in New York. Unless you're a millionaire -” Her steel coloured eyes raked over his sneakers and cotton hooded jacket before she continued.”- this is really as good as it gets” Blaine leaned forward placing his hands firmly on the opposite counter and smiled to himself slightly.

“Okay, enough for today, but how about you go back to the office and google my surname and get back to me with some other apartments as soon as you can.?” Blaine led the way to the door hearing the clack of the realtor's heels hurrying after him. Ever the gentleman, Blaine held the door open for her and bid her farewell. He made his way back to the hotel with a skip in his step. Everything was starting to feel real, like things were starting to come together. He had a job in a local music store, only a few days a week, but that suited Blaine fine, he figured he had more time to spend on his own music now.

His father's company was being taken care of by Louis who had been at the firm longer than Blaine had been alive. This evening Blaine had a Karaoke date with Kurt, the first of their 'lets get to know each - other' dates. After their talk a few days ago they had agreed to take it slow, learn about each - other again, most of all support each - other and help each - other and help each - other overcome the pain of the last few years.

As Blaine entered his hotel room he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He fished it out while kicking the door shut behind him.

“Hello?” Blaine listened to a hectic background before a familiar voice answered him.

“Hello Mr Anderson, my name is Belinda Collins, I'm ringing on behalf of your mother, are you available to talk?”

“Um, yeah I guess.” Blaine realised he was still stood in front of the door, so he moved to sit at the small round table against the far wall.

“Excellent, I'll just connect you.” Blaine perched on the end of the chair, his fingers fiddling with the seam of his shirt nervously. It had to be three years since he had seen his mother, he spoke to her briefly at his father's funeral of course, but other than that he hadn't heard from her. What on earth did she want?

The line crackled a little

“Hello, Blaine?” His mother's voice was crisp and business like as ever. Blaine found himself sitting up straighter at just the sound.

“Hi Mom.”

“Ah, yes. Good. I hear you've settled back in New York?” Did she have people watching him or something?

“Yes, I'm still at the Michelangelo at the moment, but I have a realtor looking for apartments for me.” Blaine subconsciously smoothed out a crease in his jeans.

“Ah, lovely. Well I am in town for the week, I thought we could have dinner, how's tonight?” Blaine snorted. Typical, why would she wait for an answer or think that possibly Blaine already had plans?

“I can't, I have plans for dinner with Kurt. Perhaps you should give me more warning.” He tried to contain the irritation in his voice, but found himself speaking through gritted teeth.

“Oh? I thought you were done with him? No matter, how about Friday?” Her tone was indifferent and only annoyed Blaine further.

“That should be fine.” Blaine figured keeping his answers as short as possible was best at the moment.

“Lovely, I'll have Belinda send you the details OK?” Blaine made a non – committal noise.

“Right, I must fly, see you Friday.” The call disconnected and Blaine just sat there for a minute. His mother was in town. His mother.

He shook his head gently as if the action would somehow shake the knowledge away. His phone vibrated again, but this time Blaine saw it was a text, from Kurt. He smiled a little giddily and opened the message.

Hey you, still on for tonight? K.

Have you ever known me turn down Karaoke? B.

Hmm. Good point, I'm going to live to regret this aren't I? K.

You'll see ;) Pick you up at 8? B.

See you then :) K.

Blaine placed his phone on the table feeling considerably happier for texting Kurt. Glancing at his watch he saw it was only four so he grabbed his guitar and continued working on his latest song.

**

Kurt positioned himself neatly in front of his vanity having completed his skincare routine in the bathroom. He began blow drying his hair focusing on the light brown strands intensely in an effort to stop himself from over thinking. His mind had been on one thing all day. Blaine. He wasn't nervous, but he wondered whether he should be. After all they had done this a thousand times, but they were both different people now. They had both been through life changing experiences. Kurt sighed and laid the hair dryer down. He wanted to do this, he knew he did. Maybe this date would clarify for Kurt where they stood, and where he and Brett stood. He hated leaving Brett hanging like this.

Back when Kurt had just moved to New York with Blaine it had all felt so right, so easy. Sure the classes were hard and making ends meet was hard and frustrating, but he had never doubted their relationship. It just seemed obvious that they would always be together through good and bad. Now it was a little uncertain and it definitely unnerved him how perfect it still felt for Blaine to be with him in his apartment. It didn't seem to matter where they were they just fitted. After all this time that scared Kurt a little. Surely it ought to be strange, perhaps even a little awkward. He began spraying his hair into place, the hand holding the hairspray swirling above his head for a few seconds. He needed to stop over thinking all this and just see where it took him.

He stood facing the clothes he had laid out earlier that day and smiled at the prospect of watching Blaine perform again, especially in a less formal setting. He would never tire of watching Blaine perform. The clock read seven fifteen leaving Kurt plenty of time to get dressed. Excitement began to flare in his chest. It was official. He was a teenager again.