Even though regionals aren't until February, we have our soloist picked out in December. That's a classic Wes for you. Thankfully though, he doesn't plan on starting to work on them until after break. I'm sitting in the study room, thinking about all this, and I'm really glad I got a lead. I was hoping for a solo, but a duet with Blaine is great too.  I do get a chance to shine soon though, because on Friday Nick, Blaine, and I all get to sing a solo in the holiday assembly for one song. I'm going to be singing O Come All Ye Faithful for mine.

            I'm also excited because in three days I get to head home for winter break! I love Dalton and all my friends here, but I am always missing my dad. It's nice two have two whole weeks with him. I try and focus back on my history book, when someone taps me on the shoulder.

             I turn and see a smiling, hazel-eyed boy. “Blaine! Geez, don't scare me like that.”

            He smirks, obviously pleased with himself, which causes me to pout. “Hey now. I was just wondering if you wanted to practice.”

            “Already? You realize we have almost two months.”

            “Well, I didn't say we would be singing Candles. I talked to Wes about the assembly on Friday, which the Warblers are performing at as you know, and I asked him if maybe he could add in a duet for us? So we are prepared for Regionals and all,” Blaine says, looking at me a little uncertainly.

            I smile at him and ask, “What did you have in mind?”

            He walks over to a boom box he must have brought with him and says “Baby It's Cold Outside?” before hitting play. As the opening bars of the song play, he motions to me, signaling that I should go first. I sit up straight and begin. Luckily, it's one of my favorites so I know all the words.  I really can't stay…

            Blaine makes cute little facial expressions as he sings, so I decide to as well. He even acts out the song a bit, so I follow along. As I start walking away, he follows me, and I turn to laugh at him. Watching him act everything out is adorable! And his voice sounds really good.  I walk back over to him and he grins, but then heads towards the couches while he sings. As he walks away I can't help but check out his ass, which is quite nice, but no! Why am I thinking that? I should stay focused on the song.

            I head in Blaine's direction, and sit on the couch across from him. As Blaine sings Your eyes are like stars right now, I giggle, because he makes a cute hand gesture. But I get up and head to the back of the couch, continuing our tag like game.

            Blaine sits down next to me, scooting in as he sings Mind if I move in closer and I realize we are definitely taking the flirty path with this duet. I remember what Nick said earlier, and if this is any indication, he's right Blaine does like me in that way. So I decide to get up and move to the piano, not wanting to lead him on or something.

            But once again he follows me and starts playing along with the instrumental. I watch him play and smile, because he's just so cute. I really need to get my feelings sorted out.

            Once it's time for me to sing, I get up and lean on the fireplace and Blaine stands across form me. His voice is so amazing I feel like it is melting away all that is bad. I move to the couch again, trying to focus back in on the song.           

            Blaine goes across from me, and leans in a little bit. I feel myself lean in too, and I sneak a peek down at his lips, thinking if I only move in a little closer… But no. I pull away quickly. Because I can't kiss him. Thankfully the song is almost done, so I plop down next to a defeated looking Blaine on the couch.

            There's a somewhat awkward pause before Blaine says, “I think our voices sounded great together.” I nod my head in agreement, before responding.

            “Yeah, but even for Dalton, having two guys sing a flirty duet might be too much. I don't want to push the limits or anything.”

            He looks at me for a second, before standing up. I can tell he's upset so I quickly add “But I always sing something for my dad around Christmas, so maybe you can come over and this can be the performance?” He smiles and nods.

            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Before Baby It's Cold Outside*

            “So, Jeff, I was thinking” I say as we head our room after the Warblers meeting, “I should be more flirty with Kurt? So, um, any ideas?”

            He immediately breaks out into a grin. “Ok, well you two have that solo together so that's going to give you lots of alone time. Which is good! So, how about you start with that?”

            This sounds logical to me, so I nod. But I feel confident after getting the lead, so I want to do something now. “I want to maybe try something out today, I was thinking maybe trying to sing with him?”

~~~~~~~~

            Not long after talking with Jeff, I found Kurt in a study room, reading some sort of textbook. I walk behind him and just watch him study for a minute. He is just so beautiful, I don't think I've ever seen a prettier human in my life. Kurt finally realizes I'm there though, and we start talking so I try to keep the heart eyes away, don't want to freak him out or anything.

            I have it all planned out. I will ask Kurt to sing with me, and then lead us into Baby It's Cold Outside, a fairly flirty Christmas duet. He is questioning practicing our duet this early, so I respond, “Well, I didn't say we would be singing Candles. I talked to Wes about the assembly on Friday, which the Warblers are performing at as you know, and I asked him if maybe he could add in a duet for us? So we are prepared for Regionals and all.”

             “What did you have in mind?”

            I smile at Kurt and walk over towards the boom box I brought and press play. As the song starts, I gesture to Kurt, so he knows he should start. I make faces as I sing my part and nonchalantly head my way towards Kurt. When I sing about his hands, I reach down and pretend I might grab them. Then Kurt gets up and starts walking around the room.

            It's hard to be flirtatious with someone far away from you, so I follow behind him slowly. I continue acting out the song but Kurt is still far away, until I make a begging sign and he comes back towards me. I get close to him as I sing my net line and I can feel myself smiling a bit. I go sit down on the edge of a couch and am pleased when Kurt follows.

            He sits across from me and keeps singing, so far he has known all the lyrics which is good. It would have been awkward if I chose a song he didn't know. His voice sounds so amazing, and I think ours blend well together, which makes it even better.

            As I sing about his eyes, I frame them with my hands. I really love this line because Kurt's eyes are one of the features I love most about him.

            He moves again and I follow, sitting a bit away from him on the back of a couch. As I sing Mind if I move in closer, I scoot in tight next to Kurt, and stay there until he gets up and moves. I watch him go, feeling a little upset because he keeps moving any time I get sort of flirty with him.

            He is now sitting at the piano bench and I decide to play along with the piece during the instrumental section. He smiles at me, so I smile too, but then he moves again. I quickly follow, and lean against the fireplace across from him. He leaves again and I'm frustrated, because I just want to get close to him.

            I do a half turn as I sing How can you do this thing to me? and laugh a little bit, because once again the lyric is accurate. Kurt does do something to me that no one else does, ever since I first saw him.

            He is facing me as a I come over and lean across from him, getting closer and closer. He makes a cute face, and leans in a bit more too. I close the distance so our faces are only a couple inches apart and look down at his lips.  I could kiss him, I think and almost do, but then Kurt leaves once again. I saw him looking at my lips too, and I know I didn't imagine it. Maybe he just doesn't think of me like that. I sing the line Get over that hold out as he leaves and realize I couldn't have chosen a more accurate Christmas song for my feelings.

            I feel a little defeated, but want to finish the song on a positive note, so I gesture for Kurt to come sit on the couch. He comes over and I plop down next to him,

            I sit close enough so that our shoulders are just brushing but nothing more. As we sing the last note I look at him with longing. After its over we both stare at each other for a moment, with somewhat awkward smiles.

I break the silence by saying, “I think our voices sounded great together.” Kurt nods his head in agreement, but then becomes serious.

            “Yeah, but even for Dalton, having two guys sing a flirty duet might be too much. I don't want to push the limits or anything.”

            I feel upset, because he obviously didn't like singing with me. So much for this relationship.  Kurt doesn't say anything more so I get up to leave because I don't want to say something stupid.

“But I always sing something for my dad around Christmas, so maybe you can come over and this can be the performance?” Kurt says quickly before I get too far.

I smile at him and nod.

~~~~~~~

Jeff and I discussed the duet over some ice cream and I told him how Kurt didn't seem to be interested in me in that way. Jeff told me that he probably is confused about what our relationship could become so not to worry, but I can't help it. I think about this as I head over to Kurt's house to sing Baby It's Cold Outside again with him. It's two days before Christmas, so we agreed to do it now. I'm leaving for Hawaii on the 26th, and eve though I've been home all break I haven't seen Kurt in a week. We've texted lots though, and I told him he didn't have to sing the duet with me,  but he insisted.

I'm nervous because this will be my first time meeting Kurt's dad.  Even though it's not that big a deal, I still really want him to like me. Over the summer I could see me and Kurt hanging out at his house a lot.

I pull up into the driveway and head towards the door, knocking twice. I wait a minute before it opens and I see Kurt, dressed in a tan suit jacket with a white shirt underneath, a matching plaid and tan hat, and a hippo brooch. I knew he liked fashion, but this is something else. Amazing.

“Blaine! Come in! I'd give you a hug but,” he gestures to the brooch on his shirt and I laugh.

“So, I know you said you had a thing for fashion and clothes… I guess I didn't realize it was so…” I trail off not knowing what to say.

His smile instantly disappears and I regret saying something. “No! Not in  a bad way at all! I mean, it's amazing! I'm speechless in a good way.”

“It's okay if you don't like my clothes Blaine. It doesn't make you a bad friend.”

“No Kurt, I don't think you get it. I love your clothes. They are amazing!” He starts smiling again and nods, then shows me into the living room, where his dad is sitting. He gets up and walks over to me.

“Hi sir, my names Blaine. Thanks for letting me come over today.”

Burt gets a bemused grin on his face before responding, “Sure kid, anytime. But cut the sir crap. Just call me Burt.” I nod and look over at Kurt who is setting up the piano. “How about you two sing your little song first and then we go eat the cookies Kurt has been making all morning?” Kurt and I both agree and I head over to the piano.

This time I'm playing the music and singing, so since I'm sitting at the piano bench I really don't have lots of flirting opportunities. And I don't think I would want to do that in front of Kurt's dad.

            The song goes well and Burt applauses good naturedly when we are done. He gives Kurt a hug and pats me on the back. Then we all head into the kitchen and enjoy cookies and milk.

~~~~~~~

            “Bye Blaine! And have a merry Christmas!” I call, as he heads down the driveway. We ended up spending all afternoon together, from singing the duet, eating cookies, then playing games and watching Elf. My dad popped stayed with us most the time, and he and Blaine got along really well. Once Blaine shared his love of football they were on a roll, and it took 15 minutes before I could get a word in edge wise.

            I head into the kitchen because it's almost time for dinner, and if I want to eat something substantial I will have to help my dad cook, not that I mind. He joins me and after I give directions we get to work.

            While the potatoes are cooking in the oven my dad clears his throat and I can tell he has something important to say. I glance at him as to say “go on.”

            “So, uh, you and this Blaine boy, just friends?”

            “Yeah, gosh dad, just friends. It's not like that at all, I mean, Blaine's gay too, but I'm not interested in him like that.”

            He gives me a skeptical look before saying, “Alright, if you say so. But the kids got it bad for you, Kurt. Try not to hurt him.”

            “What? That's crazy, we're-“

            “Just friends, I know, but that's for now. I saw the way he was looking at you all day, and I'm no idiot. I can tell when someone's in love. Or at least has a crush.”

            I groan and scowl at him, because what does my dad know? Even though he's right. “Yeah, I know, the others have told me he likes me too. I guess I just don't want a relationship right now and if I do have one, I'd rather have Blaine as a friend.”

            He gets a suspicious smirk again.

            “What now?” I ask, feeling irritated. Sometimes fathers can be so irritating.

            “Nothing, just I don't think you are as offended by the idea of you and Blaine together as you say. I also saw today the way you blushed every time Blaine's hand brushed with yours, or he gave you a compliment.”

            I don't know what to say, and dad seems to know he has me.

            “All I'm saying is, give the boy a chance. It's fine if you don't want to date him, but have an open mind.”

            I nod my head and sigh. If everyone keeps telling me this, maybe I should just realize it's the right choice.

~~~~~~~~

            It's been a week since I've seen Blaine and since he's out of the country we haven't been in contact since a “Merry Christmas” text on the 25th. It's now January 1st, and I'm feeling bored. We don't head back to school for a few more days and it seems like everyone is away but me.

            Right now I'm in my room moping, while half watching Rent, half browsing eBay for good deals. I hear a knock on my door and shout “Come in.”

            My dad opens the door and comes down into the basement room. He clears his throat and I turn my head towards him, giving my attention. “Kurt, I'm sick of you sitting in your room all day, so while I'm at the shop this morning I want you to get out of the house and do something.” I roll my eyes in annoyance.

            “But dad, I'm being productive! I've organized all my clothes by color and even got some really good deals!” This time he rolls his eyes.

            “Kurt, I'm only working a two hour shift, so even if you are just gone an hour, just go do something.”

            I agree and head towards my closet to pick out a suitable outfit. Even if I don't run into anyone I know, Kurt Hummel always looks his best.

~~~~~~~

            45 minutes later I'm at the Lima Bean, planning on buying a coffee then continuing my eBay search form my smart phone. When it's time for me to order I look up to see the obnoxious barista from when Blaine and I were hear a couple weeks ago.

            “Hey hot stuff. You're finally back. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me. Especially after you never called me.”

            I give him my “bitch please” look and order my drink, hurrying away quickly. I'm sitting at a table waiting when of course, he brings it over. But this time, instead of leaving with a wink, he sits down next to me.

            “Aren't you supposed to be working?” I ask, obviously annoyed.

            He smiles at me before responding, “I'm on break. So I thought I could spend it with your lovely face.”

            “Thanks, but I'm not interested in getting acquainted with a self-obsessed jerk.”

            “Hey now, that's no way to treat a stranger. Come on, give me five minutes of your time, and if you still want me to leave, then I'll go. Just let us talk. I want to know what lies behind the customer with the fabulous ass.”

            I groan, because for a minute there I almost didn't despise him. “Ok, well, if I'm going to talk to you, no comments like that.”

            “Fine. So, what's your name?”

            “Kurt.” I answer, trying to be reserved.

            “Kurt, I like it. I'm Sebastian Smythe. How old are you?”

            “I'm a Junior this year.”

            “Nice, I'm a Senior at Carmel High.”

            I widen my eyes at this. “Wait, the Carmel High that has Vocal Adrenaline?”

            He nods. “That's the one. I'm actually performing a solo at Regionals. How do you know Vocal Adrenaline?”

            “I'm in my high school's glee club, Dalton Academy Warblers. We competed against you last year at Regionals. You were actually really good. We lost.” I say the last part quietly, not wanting him to gloat.

            “That's too bad. But I didn't know you were a show choirboy. I imagine you must have a great voice? Also probably causes you to make amazing noises in bed.”

            He smirks and I feel my cheeks flush. “Ok, for one, I said no saying stuff like that. I mean it. And I like to think I'm a good singer, I am performing in a duet for our Regionals.”

            After that Sebastian apologizes and said it's a bad habit and we end up talking for the rest of his 15-minute break. A little while later he brings me over a biscotti and I notice on the napkin he has written his number again, this time the message saying. “I'd love to talk more, if you are interested let me know. Thanks for today. –Sebastian.”

            I take the napkin with me as I go, contemplating whether to text him or not. The rest of the day I try and figure out if I want to talk with him again. It's 7pm before I finally send a message his way. “Hey. It's Kurt :)”