Burt Hummel was awake but needed to stay in the hospital a couple days so that the doctors and nurses could keep an eye on him and make sure he was healthy enough to go home. Although his son insisted on staying by his side the whole time, Burt finally convinced Kurt that he should go get some fresh air, or at least a cup of coffee better than the crap they serve in the hospital's cafeteria. Burt was scheduled to do tests all day, so Kurt wasn't going to be able to see him anyway, much to his dismay.

Kurt sat in his Navigator and weighed his options. He could go to the Lima Bean and get a cup of coffee… or maybe Blaine wanted to get coffee. He hadn't seen his friend in weeks and wanted to thank him in person for all the moral support he had given Kurt throughout his father's coma. Plus, Kurt just missed Blaine. He missed seeing his smile. He missed his horrible wardrobe choices. He missed everything about the boy he had grown so close to over the past few months.

Kurt (Saturday 9:56am)

Good morning, Blaine :)

Blaine (Saturday 9:57am)

Morenig Krt

Kurt (Saturday 9:58am)

Blaine? Are you drunk?

Blaine (Saturday 10:01am)

Ha. No. Your text woke me up… my eyes weren't open yet when I typed that out. Sorry :/

Kurt (Saturday 10:02am)

No, I'm sorry! Go back to sleep!

Blaine (Saturday 10:03am)

No no no no I'm awake. Honest. I should be up anyway.

Kurt (Saturday 10:04am)

Since you just woke up, I'm assuming you aren't going to be at Easton today?

Blaine (Saturday 10:05am)

Nope. My mom insisted I take a day for mysekf.

Blaine (Saturday 10:05am)

*myself

Kurt (Saturday 10:07am)

My dad told me I had to leave the hospital and get good coffee.

Blaine (Saturday 10:08am)

Your dad is a wise man. Hospital coffee sucks

Kurt (Saturday 10:08am)

So true

Kurt (Saturday 10:09am)

So…

Kurt (Saturday 10:09am)

Now that you're up… do you want to get coffee with me?

Blaine (Saturday 10:09am)

Yed!

Blaine (Saturday 10:10am)

*yes

Kurt (Saturday 10:10am)

Okay. Cool. Um, you want to meet somewhere in the middle? Like, in Marion?

Blaine (Saturday 10:11am)

Yeah – how about Below Grounds?

Kurt (Saturday 10:12am)

Sure. I'll GPS it. 11:30?

Blaine (Saturday 10:13am)

Um, yeah. I should go put non-pajamas on. See you then!

Blaine threw his phone on his bed and looked around his room in a panic. He had about 15 minutes to pick out a Kurt-worthy outfit and do something with his hair before he had to be on the road.

After a mad-scramble, he picked out dark blue skinny jeans (which he had to cuff because his legs were always too short for his pants), a white Henley with thin black stripes and a cranberry cardigan. By time he raced into the bathroom to wash his face and assess the bed head, he only had a couple minutes left. His left hand furiously worked his toothbrush back and forth along his teeth as his right hand attempted to bring his slept-on hair back to life.

He ran out the door around 10:30, calling to his dad that he was going to meet a friend for coffee and would probably be back by dinner.

Even though Blaine was convinced he was going to be late, he was the first one to the coffee shop at 11:25. He promptly got in line, a smug smile on his face for remembering Kurt's coffee order. He planned on surprising his friend with hot drinks and a plate of baked goods by time he arrived. The line was long, so it gave Blaine ample time to survey the pastries on display.

Lost in thought over chocolate chip and banana nut muffins, Blaine did not hear the bell on the door clang a few minutes later when Kurt rushed into Below Grounds.

Kurt looked around the shop before getting in line, trying to see if Blaine got there before him, though he was pretty sure that even though he hit construction, he was the first one there. From the back of the lengthy line, Kurt craned his neck looking for his friend. When he didn't see any cargo shorts or crazy curly hair he smiled to himself, pleased that he would be able to buy both of their coffees and surprise Blaine with some biscotti.

Both boys were maybe ten feet away from each other, staring at baked goods but thinking about the other. The line moved and Kurt was startled by the person behind him who cleared his throat, wordlessly asking him to move forward. His cheeks flushed as he stepped up a couple feet to close the gap between him and the person ahead of him in line. As he faced forward, he caught site of a man who was next in line at the counter.

For just a fraction of a second Kurt forgot he was meeting Blaine and all of his attention was now on the backside of this man. His jeans and sweater fit perfectly. And Kurt marveled at the way his hair was styled to make it look like it wasn't styled; almost as if he had rolled out of bed and it just looked like that. The dark waves looked so soft that if Kurt were braver, he would ask this guy what kind of product he used to get his hair looking that touchable.

Kurt watched the mystery man place his order and then move down the counter to wait for his drink. Embarrassed, he looked down at his phone and saw it was almost 11:40. He thought about texting Blaine, but figured the other boy was probably still driving, so he didn't. Instead, he turned his attention back to Jeans and Sweater Guy. Kurt told himself it was okay to look, so he continued to watch from the line. He didn't know why, but he felt jealous when Jeans and Sweater Guy was handed two cups of coffee. Figures he would be here with someone. But then again, Kurt was supposed to be here with someone too. He looked around again, trying to see if Blaine came in yet. Nope.

The line inched forward and his eyes drifted back toward the pastries. Suddenly, his phone vibrated and it made the "incoming text" sound. He yanked his phone out of his pocket.

Blaine (Saturday 11:41am)

You're probably stuck in traffic or something. I got your drink already.

Kurt (Saturday 11:41am)

How? I'm in line and you're definitely not here.

Blaine (Saturday 11:42am)

Um… yeah. I just got our drinks. Just waiting on some muffins.

Kurt looked up from his phone and saw a woman behind the counter holding up a tray of muffins. She looked around as she asked, "Blaine?" His eyebrows shot up as he watched Jeans and Sweater Guy pocket his phone and make his way over to the counter.

No. Freaking. Way.

Kurt stepped out of line and called out, "Blaine?!"

Muffin tray in hand, Blaine turned toward the sound of his friend's voice and then smiled. "Oh, hey Kurt! See – muffins!" He lifted the tray for emphasis.

Yeah, Kurt saw the muffins. But he was more confused by what he didn't see. Like, Blaine's typical cargo shorts-based outfit. Or the halo of unruly curls that used to completely cover his ears.

Blaine was confused as to why Kurt was staring at him funny. He looked down at his clothes, hoping he hadn't spilled anything on himself, but then quickly realized he hadn't seen Kurt in weeks. Or rather, that Kurt hadn't seen him in weeks.

"So… what's going on here? Did you get private school hazed or something?" Kurt gestured his hands towards Blaine, indicating his recent style update.

Blaine blushed as he set down the tray of muffins. "Oh, right. Um. I did it for the audition." ("And for you," he thought.) Kurt watched as Blaine ran a hand through his hair and could tell that he embarrassed his friend. "I thought it would help if I looked the part of a lead singer."

"Well, you look good," now Kurt was blushing. "This looks good on you. I mean, it suits you."

Blaine smiled at the compliment as he held Kurt's opinion on fashion in high regard. "Really?"

Kurt was sure his cheeks were as dark as Blaine's sweater. "Mmm hmm… um, so, coffee?"

"Oh yeah!" Blaine gestured to their table and pulled out Kurt's chair for him before he sat down himself. He grabbed a muffin and broke off the top of it as Kurt sat and scooted in his chair. Blaine put the top of the muffin down and slid Kurt's coffee toward him.

"You know my coffee order?"

"Of course I do."

They sipped their coffee and munched on muffins making small talk. Kurt couldn't help but sneak looks at Blaine. He did look good. He looked great, actually. But there was something more. Blaine seemed happier and more confident in himself. This made Kurt smile.

Blaine caught Kurt mid-smile, "You seem happy."

"I was just about to say the same thing about you."

Blaine shrugged and grinned, "I am. I made a few friends at school. I'm lead singer of my glee club. I'm having coffee with you… I really missed you, Kurt." Kurt ducked his head and bit his lip. He looked up through his own eyelashes to see Blaine looking right at him. "But you, you look happy. And rightly so! I'm so glad your dad is okay."

"Me too," Kurt shook his head and sighed. "This was literally the worst week of my life." Blaine knew Kurt wasn't exaggerating. "I don't even want to think about what was going to happen if he didn't wake up." He started to choke up.

Blaine reached across the table and rested his hand atop Kurt's. "Hey. I'm here. You can talk to me, okay?" Kurt nodded, worried that if he spoke, he would cry. "You are so strong, Kurt." Kurt just kept nodding, but his breathing got heavier. "You wanna get out of here? Go for a walk?" More nods.

Blaine removed his hand from Kurt's and both boys pushed their chairs back. Kurt grabbed both of their to-go cups while Blaine gathered the trash from their muffins and their used napkins. They walked silently to the trashcan and Kurt waited while Blaine discarded their trash. After he put the tray on the counter, he took his coffee from Kurt, put his free hand on the small of Kurt's back and then ushered his friend out the door.

There was a small park with a trail behind the coffee shop. They found themselves alone on the path, each sipping their coffee as they walked. Blaine knew it was probably best if he let Kurt have a minute, so he refrained from asking him anything.

After awhile, Kurt broke the silence.

"My mom died when I was eight." His voice was steady, but quiet. "She had breast cancer, but by time they caught it, it was too late."

Blaine looked over at his friend and offered him a sympathetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Kurt. That must have been really hard on you and your dad."

Kurt nodded as he downed the last of his coffee. He swallowed before he spoke, "It was. But somehow my dad made everything okay. He attempted to cook and he never once tried to make me into someone I wasn't." He fiddled with the lid of his empty cup. "He's all I have left, you know?" Blaine nodded though he couldn't imagine losing one of his parents at all, let alone at such a young age. Kurt got anxious at Blaine's silence and started to ramble, "I'm sorry, this must be boring you. My dad's fine, I should just stop freaking out –"

"Kurt, stop, please," Blaine was gentle but insistent. He reached out and grabbed Kurt's arm, turning the other boy to face him. Kurt went to protest, but Blaine kept talking, "You have every right to freak out. Yes, your dad is fine, but no one expects you to just flip a switch and instantly be okay after what you went through this past week." Tears started sliding down Kurt's cheek causing Blaine to frown. Kurt quickly raised a hand to his face to wipe away the stray drops and Blaine pulled his own hand back to fiddle with his also-empty coffee cup. "I meant what I said, Kurt. You are so strong. I really admire that about you."

The crying boy scoffed and sniffled, "Yeah, so strong I keep crying."

"Crying isn't a weakness, Kurt. It just shows that you care so much you physically can't hold it in anymore."

The two stood there in silence. Blaine looked around while Kurt calmed himself down. He spotted a trashcan and bench a little ways away and then gestured toward the sitting area. Kurt nodded and they walked together, throwing their cups away before sitting down.

"Thanks for putting up with me," Kurt muttered as they sat down on the bench.

Blaine just shook his head, "I don't 'put up' with you, Kurt. I care about you. A lot." The last two words were spoken in almost a whisper, but Kurt heard them and was visibly shocked.

Kurt scoffed, "Why?" Kurt wiped away a nonexistent tear from the corner of his eye.

"Because you're my friend!" Blaine threw his hands up in the air, as if that gesture was part of the answer to Kurt's questions, and then ran them through his hair while he searched for the right words. "Hell, you're my best friend these days. You've been nothing but kind to me since we met even though you had no idea who I was or what I was. You're a good person, Kurt, and I'm grateful every day I get to spend time with you. We might not get to see each other all the time, but every phone call, every text…" His sentence drifted off as his eyes locked onto Kurt's, which were wide with disbelief and threatening to tear up again.

Blaine was worried he said too much. Just as his shoulders were about to sag in defeat, Kurt threw his arms around Blaine and pulled him into a tight hug. Blaine was initially shocked by the action, but then wrapped his arms around Kurt's back, closed his eyes and smiled.

They stayed in their embrace until a group of bicyclists rode by and made them realize they were in a public place. They pulled away, cheeks flushed with slight embarrassment.

Kurt's heart felt full and he could no longer deny to himself that he liked Blaine in a more than just friends capacity. After Blaine's outpouring of feelings, Kurt felt a little braver. He reached out and brushed a stray piece of hair off of Blaine's forehead, "Me too, you know." Blaine's ears threatened to match his sweater as Kurt kept talking. "I am so, so glad that I know you."

Blaine took a deep breath. Weeks ago, Mercedes told him that Kurt liked him. And he still liked Kurt. Really liked Kurt. He closed his eyes and quickly weighed his pros and cons about whether to say anything because he didn't want to mess up this great friendship they just agreed they had.

"I like you." Wow, that slipped out of Blaine's mouth easier than he thought. "Like, 'like you like you." He opened his eyes and saw that Kurt's mouth had dropped open at his confession. Blaine's eyes widened, "Oh my god, that sounded so lame. And I just ruined our moment. At least, I thought that was a moment. Oh god. I'll just shut up now. I'm sorry." Kurt's lips closed in on themselves and he started to shake a little. Blaine went from mortified to embarrassed to defensive in a split second. "Wait, are you laughing?"

Kurt nodded as he covered his red face with his hands. His whole body shook. "You always do that!"

Blaine was confused, "What?"

"Apologize when there is absolutely no need for you to be sorry." He dropped his hands from his face and grinned as he looked Blaine in the eye.

Blaine couldn't help but grin back even though he was still embarrassed about his rambling. "Sorry. Shit. Sorry!" He laughed as Kurt laughed at him, "I can't help it! But why are you laughing at me? If anything, why aren't you running away?"

Kurt placed one of his hands over Blaine's and wrapped his fingers around the other boy's. "I'm laughing because somehow you always manage to blurt out exactly what I'm thinking in my head but am too scared to say out loud." Blaine bit his own cheek to keep from exploding. "And why would I run away from someone I like? Or rather, someone I 'like like'?"

Blaine knew Kurt was teasing him with his choice of words, but he couldn't help but beam. "Really?!" Kurt nodded.

.

Kurt smiled the whole drive back to the hospital. He and Blaine sat on that bench for another hour or so, holding hands the entire time. Blaine finally confessed that after his grandma got better, he kept asking his mom if he could work for her so he could see Kurt. He also spilled that Mercedes told him a few weeks ago that Kurt liked him, but he didn't say anything about it because he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Kurt admitted that he liked Blaine ever since the day he bought that necklace for his dad, but didn't say anything for the same reason Blaine mentioned. Though they had some lost time to make up for, both boys agreed that because they were new to this kind of relationship, they were going to take things slow. Distance was going to be an issue, but they knew they had phone calls, texts and Skype at their disposal until they could come up with some sort of schedule to visit each other.

A wave of relief washed over Kurt as he walked into his dad's room to see him sitting up and chatting with Carole. He hugged them both and then settled into the chair he had been sleeping in for most of the week.

Blaine keyed his way into his house; still grinning from the afternoon he spent with Kurt. They parted with a lingering hug and Kurt had kissed him on the cheek. Blaine wanted to plant one on him right then and there, but refrained because he was too nervous. He chuckled to himself that he left the house this morning mentally preparing himself for just coffee with Kurt and just walked through his front door feeling the happiest he'd felt in a long time.

.

Blaine (Saturday 9:34pm)

Hey

Kurt (Saturday 9:35pm)

Is for horses

Blaine (Saturday 9:35pm)

?

Kurt (Saturday 9:37pm)

I was trying to make a joke. You know, "hay is for horses?"

Kurt (Saturday 9:37pm)

This is why texts need to have fonts.

Blaine (Saturday 9:38pm)

OHHHHHHHH

Blaine (Saturday 9:39pm)

I get it. Sorry.

Kurt (Saturday 9:39pm)

Blaine, if you apologize one more time, I'm going to break up with you.

"Kurt?" Kurt looked up from his phone to see a nurse standing in the doorway. She motioned for him to come over to her so that they wouldn't interrupt Burt while he was sleeping. Kurt set his phone down on the chair he was sitting in and went over to the door to speak with the nurse.

Blaine (Saturday 9:40pm)

NOOOOOOOO :(

Blaine (Saturday 9:40pm)

Wait.

Blaine (Saturday 9:40pm)

… Are we boyfriends?

Blaine (Saturday 9:40)

Bc I would like to be

Blaine (Saturday 9:41)

I didn't want you to think that I was against that

Blaine (Saturday 9:41pm)

Bc I'm not

Blaine (Saturday 9:43pm)

Kurt?

Blaine (Saturday 9:43pm)

Oh my god, I scared you off. I'm sorry.

Blaine (Saturday 9:43pm)

SHIT! Sorry I apologized.

Blaine (Saturday 9:44pm)

Oh god, I did it again…

Blaine (Saturday 9:46pm)

Is there any way to un-text something?

The nurse told Kurt that if his dad woke up to come get her because she had to ask him a few questions before she left for the night. Kurt assured her he would and then went back to his seat. He noticed he had a lot of missed texts from Blaine, so he shot him a quick apology message, then allowed himself to get caught up with their conversation.

Kurt (Saturday 9:48pm)

Sorry, I was talking to the nurse… lemme catch up on what I missed.

He scrolled back up to see what Blaine wrote while he was talking to the nurse and his eyebrows shot up.

Boyfriends.

The word never came up during their conversation on the bench earlier, but the word was floating around on the tip of his tongue the whole time, he was just too scared to say it out loud. But now it was out there, granted in text-form, but still…

Boyfriends.

Kurt (Saturday 9:50pm)

Oh

Kurt (Saturday 9:50pm)

Um. I would like to be too…

Kurt (Saturday 9:51pm)

Boyfriends, I mean.

Kurt (Saturday 9:52pm)

Blaine?

Blaine (Saturday 9:53pm)

Really?!

Kurt (Saturday 9:53pm)

:)

Kurt (Saturday 9:54pm)

Sooooo… you texted me?

Blaine (Saturday 9:54pm)

Yeah, I did.

Blaine (Saturday 9:55pm)

I just wanted to say Hi

Blaine (Saturday 9:55pm)

And say that I had a nice time with you today

Kurt (Saturday 9:56pm)

Hi. And same :)

Kurt (Saturday 9:57pm)

I gotta go – my dad woke and I have to go get the nurse – but I'll call you tomorrow morning, okay? Boyfriend… :P

Blaine (Saturday 9:45pm)

Great! Have fun with your dad… boyfriend!

Blaine (Saturday 9:46pm)

Uh oh... I think we're already "those people"

Blaine (Saturday 9:46pm)

:/

Blaine (Saturday 9:47pm)

But seriously – have a good night! :)

.

Neither Blaine nor Kurt told their parents that night that they had a boyfriend, even though Burt Hummel and the Andersons could tell that their sons were extraordinarily chipper for some reason.

.

Sunday's phone call was brief because Burt was released from the hospital far earlier than expected, but they each tried to apologize to the other about having the boyfriend conversation via text message instead of in person ("I wanted to ask at the park, but I was too scared, Blaine." "Well I'm sorry for just assuming. I should have said something too, Kurt." "We're idiots." "Yeah we are…. but I still like you." "Like me like me?" "Shut up."). Carole, Finn and Kurt got Burt settled onto the couch in the Hummel's living room and spent the rest of the day fetching him blankets and making sure he had plenty of fluids and was happy with the game that was on television.

While Kurt was busy helping his dad readjust to life outside the hospital, Blaine was trying to assist his with finding birthday presents for his mom.

The Anderson men were not fond of shopping, but thought that if they went together, they could help each other and finish the task quickly. After an hour of walking around Polaris Fashion Place, they found themselves empty handed at Molly Woo's Asian Bistro.

"Shopping sucks," Ethan exhaled as he picked up his glass of water. "I don't know how your mom does it at Easton all the time."

Blaine laughed as he played with his napkin, "Agreed. Shopping is the worst unless you're shopping for yourself. Then you can just be in and out and not have to think about it."

They sat in silence for a minute and Ethan watched his son become happily lost in thought. He couldn't really remember his son being this happy – not recently at least. Blaine had been through a lot over the past years; getting beat up at a school dance, being bullied after he came out at school, he never mentioned that Derrek kid anymore, and he got pulled out of public school. And yet here Blaine sat, smiling like he had a secret. Ethan didn't usually pry into his son's life, but he genuinely wanted to know why Blaine was happy so that he could do everything he could to keep him that way.

"You seem happy, son."

Blaine snapped out of his daydream and looked at his father. "Pardon?"

Ethan smiled. "I said you seem happy. It's nice to see you smiling again. I know you had a rough couple of years."

Blaine nodded in agreement, thinking back on everything he'd been through up until that point. However, he couldn't help but think that if those horrible things hadn't happened, he might never have met Kurt. "I am happy. School's going well and… stuff."

"Stuff?" Ethan's eyebrows raised, hoping his son would elaborate.

"Yeah… stuff." Blaine's smile grew.

Ethan shook his head, "You're going to leave me hanging like that? I see how it is…"

Blaine's smile twisted as he scrunched his nose. "You really want to know?"

Wow, his son was going to open up to him. Ethan was almost on the edge of his seat as he nodded, "Yeah, I really do."

Blaine took a deep breath, "Ihaveaboyfriend."

"I'm sorry, but you're going to have to repeat that, B."

"Um, I… have a boyfriend."

A smile crept across Ethan's face as his eyebrows shot up with pleasant surprise. "Really?" Blaine nodded. "Someone from your new school? Or is it that Derrek kid from this summer?"

Blaine shook his head, "No, it's not Derrek. And it's not anyone from school. His name is Kurt. I, uh, met him at Easton. When I was working for mom." He looked up and saw his dad smiling even wider than he was before. "What?"

"Oh, nothing. Your mom mentioned a Kurt a few weeks ago. I'm glad to hear that everything worked out."

Triangular eyebrows shot up nearly to Blaine's hairline. "Mom told you?!" Ethan nodded as he took another sip of water. "So you're not mad or anything?"

Ethan's smile faded as he set his water glass down. "Listen to me, Blaine." Blaine looked at his dad with a hint of fear in his eyes. "I will never, ever be mad about you being happy, okay? You are my son and seeing you this happy again is a godsend. I should write this Kurt a letter of thanks for putting that kind of smile back on your face." Tears began to gather at the corner of Blaine's eyes but he held himself together. "Now, what should we order?"

Blaine smiled to himself as he looked at his menu.

.

Blaine (Tuesday 7:38pm)

Sorry I missed your call earlier. Rehearsal ran late. The guy in charge is basically a dictator. Are you okay? You sounded upset on that message?

Kurt (Tuesday 7:40pm)

I'm okay now. There's this new kid at school I wanted to sing with in glee club and everyone's telling me I shouldn't because it'll ruin his reputation.

Blaine (Tuesday 7:41pm)

I don't get it

Kurt (Tuesday 7:42pm)

Like, if people find out Sam (new kid) is singing with the gay kid, he'll get labeled as gay too and then he'll get picked on.

Blaine read Kurt's text twice before he hit the call button. Kurt picked up mid-ring.

"You didn't have to call, Blaine." Kurt sounded annoyed.

"Yes I did. So, what you're saying is this new guy will get harassed if he sings with you?"

Blaine heard Kurt sigh over the phone. "Yeah, I mean they already slushied him for joining the glee club. Him singing a duet with me is basically a suicide mission I guess."

"Kurt, that's awful."

"Yeah, but there's really nothing I can do about it. So, whatever…" Kurt sounded defeated even though he was trying to pass for nonchalant. Blaine wasn't fooled.

"I'd sing with you, you know."

"Well I should think so. I'm the best singer in my glee club, so your best bet at winning this stupid duet competition would be to pair up with me. Obviously."

"Obviously," Blaine echoed. "So… if you aren't singing with this Sam kid, who are you going to duet with?"

"Myself."

"Come again?"

"I've got it all figured out. I'm going to sing 'Le Jazz Hot' from Victor/Victoria. I've already started sewing my costume – it's going to be fabulous."

Blaine smiled even though he knew his boyfriend couldn't see it. "You'll have to send me a picture of the finished product. I wish I could be there to see you perform."

"Thanks." Kurt sighed and then paused before finally speaking again. "Um, so, I told my dad about you."

Blaine squirmed in his desk chair. "Really? What'd he say?"

Kurt laughed, "Nothing bad, I promise! He actually said some similar stuff to what your dad said… about how he was glad I was happy. He wants to meet you. I told him you lived kinda far so that might not be possible right this second. Don't take this the wrong way, but I think he was glad you don't go to my school. I couldn't tell if it was because he didn't want us to get bullied together, or if then we couldn't be with each other all the time… I'd like to think it's the former."

"Me too."