THURSDAY - PART III

Blaine and Kurt reluctantly parted lips before closing their eyes and leaning their foreheads against each other. Their hearts pounded as their minds raced, dizzy with infatuation and worry with the uncertainty of their future. But, right then and there, they were together and that was overwhelming in the best way possible.

“We’ll have to talk,” Blaine said softly.

Kurt nodded against his forehead. “I know.”

A stage manager ducked in the dressing room once more to remind Devon that he needed to get back to the stage.

Kurt turned to leave the room first, knowing he had to make it back to his seat before the house lights went down.

“Can I see you after the show?” Blaine called to Kurt as the younger boy was almost to the door.

Kurt paused before heading back down the hallway. “I’m all yours.” He flashed Blaine a bashful smile before taking off toward the auditorium doors.

With a dopey grin, Blaine turned toward the vanity to check his appearance before walking back to the stage. His cheeks flushed when he saw a crooked tie and swollen lips. However, the sparkle was back in his eyes and he felt ready to take on the world.

…

“Excuse me,” Kurt said nearly breathless as he jogged back to his row just before the auditorium darkened.

Cooper looked up at his student whose hair was slightly out of place and cheeks were bright red, though obviously not from running. “Oh. Hey.” He moved his legs so Kurt could squeeze by to get to his seat. “I take it you found him.”

Kurt’s eyebrows shot up as he practically collapsed into his seat.

His teacher chuckled as the house lights went down. Cooper leaned over and whispered to his student. “I’m just messing with you, Kurt. Enjoy the rest of the show, okay?”

Borderline embarrassed, Kurt slumped down in his seat a little bit as the stage curtains parted. He quickly sat up straighter when Blaine walked out from the wing and once again crossed in front of the piano to take a bow. This time, Blaine flashed a wide grin as he was met with loud applause.

…

Seated behind the piano for the second time that night, Blaine was in his element. He was able to set aside the stress of not knowing where he and Kurt stood in their relationship after the following day and dove completely into his music knowing that somehow, it was going to be all right. He didn’t know how, but in that moment he couldn’t be bothered. The feel of Kurt’s lips on his own was still fresh in his mind and Blaine was unable to wipe the smile off his face as he masterfully played his way through the rest of his concert. The music was cheerfully up-tempo and it brought him joy to be sharing what he was feeling inside with the hundreds of people sitting in the audience. Blaine’s hands glided across the keys with confidence and purpose.

Kurt watched Blaine lose himself in the music and felt himself falling for the older boy even more. He had a feeling Blaine played that passionately whether he was performing for a handful of people or a sold-out crowd. Though they never talked about what music meant to Blaine, Kurt could just tell that every time he pressed down on a key, Blaine was moving a story forward. Each note was a word and when strung together, they told you everything Blaine was feeling inside. Kurt blushed in the dark and squirmed in his seat, secretly thrilled to be let in on this aspect of Blaine’s life. Watching him play suddenly because such an intimate and private moment to Kurt even though Blaine was offering himself to the public.

When Blaine played the final note of his final song of the night, he smiled to himself as the whole room burst into applause. Kurt shot up out of his seat, leading a standing ovation for the pianist. He clapped loudly, eye sparkling with pride for that beautiful man up on stage. Cooper smiled widely as he watched Kurt applaud enthusiastically for his brother. It gave him such a warm feeling inside knowing that there was someone who genuinely cared for Blaine. Though he still didn’t really know the extent of Kurt and Blaine’s relationship, he could tell from watching Kurt that there was definitely something real there and he felt so happy for Blaine to have that kind of support. He was grateful for whatever happened during intermission because Kurt looked 100% smitten with Blaine again.

Blaine bowed on stage, smiling so big that his face would have hurt if he weren’t just so damn happy. He loved performing and it was a real thrill to hear that kind of response after pouring himself into a concert. The applause was thunderous and lasted for several minutes. Blaine could do nothing but keep smiling and bowing, wishing he could give everyone a collective hug for embracing him and his music that night.

…

After the last of the audience cleared out, Cooper and Kurt found themselves standing together outside of Blaine’s dressing room. They had seen him briefly in the lobby a few minutes after the concert ended. He shook hands and took pictures with anyone who asked, taken aback by the number of younger people who approached him. He gladly signed copies of programs and a few CDs that people had brought with them or purchased at the small merchandise table run by his manager. Only when the last person was filtering out of the lobby did Blaine excuse himself and jog back to his dressing room. He didn’t want to keep Kurt or Cooper waiting, but he had to change out of his tux.

Kurt and Cooper waited silently for Blaine. Cooper didn’t know what to say or how to act in the situation, as he was not only Kurt’s teacher, but also Blaine’s older brother. Kurt felt equally awkward, knowing that Cooper knew Kurt thought he and Blaine were fooling around earlier that day before the miscommunication was cleared up. They both eagerly awaited Blaine walking out the door, hoping his presence would make everything less weird.

A couple minutes passed before the dressing room door open and Blaine stepped out wearing jeans, a hoodie and glasses. Opting not to waste time washing the gel out of his hair, his curls were still held down, though the encrusted case couldn’t keep a few stray wisps from starting to escape near his temple.

Blaine instantly dropped the garment bag he was holding and threw his arms around Cooper, both Andersons grinning and laughing. Kurt smiled shyly as he watched the ease at which the brothers got along. He was still embarrassed about earlier, but he now realized that the Anderson brothers were just very touchy-feely people, especially with each other.

The Andersons separated after several hearty claps on the back and Blaine immediately turned to Kurt. His eyes looked hopeful as his chest heaved. He was so full of adrenaline from performing and so glad to see Kurt standing there. He didn’t think Kurt would leave after the show – not after how they parted at intermission – but he was still so grateful for this second chance he was given.

Cooper watched as Blaine gently wrapped his arms around Kurt. He smiled to himself as Kurt blushed and slowly slid his arms around Blaine’s back. He knew that Kurt was probably feeling a little awkward to be showing this kind of intimacy in front of his teacher, but Cooper wasn’t going to leave his brother’s side just yet.

Blaine turned his head slightly and whispered in Kurt’s ear, “I was playing for you” and Kurt’s cheeks burned brighter red. They separated after Cooper cleared his throat, reminding the two boys that they were not alone. Blaine shot his brother a not even remotely close to threatening glare as he unwrapped his arms from Kurt to then clasp one of his hands in Kurt’s. After giving Kurt’s hand a reassuring squeeze that everything was fine with Cooper, Blaine looked over at his brother. “So, what’s the plan?”

Cocking his head and weighing his options, Cooper addressed Kurt. “Usually I take B out after one of his concerts, but…” he looked down at their joined hands, “why don’t you two go out and celebrate and I’ll just head home to catch up on some grading.”

Kurt looked up at Cooper, then over at Blaine, then back at Cooper. “Come out with us? Please?” He turned to Blaine, “I mean, it’s up to you. Or if you just want to go out with your brother, that’s fine too. I know we still need to talk, but you and your brother obviously have this tradition and I don’t want to get in the way. We can just meet up tomor – ”

“Kurt,” Blaine said through a laugh as he brought their joined hands up to his lips so he could gently kiss Kurt’s knuckles. “That’s a great idea.” He smiled as Kurt chewed on his own lip, feeling his heart swell at the younger boy’s suggestion. Turning to Cooper he asked, “So what do you say? Can we go get some pizza?” Blaine waggled his eyebrows at his brother, causing Cooper to chuckle.

“Come on, let’s go you two.”

…

They were seated at a booth in the back corner of some dive of a pizza parlor just off campus. The interior of the place left something to be desired, but it was rumored to have the best pizza in town. After placing an order for an extra large pepperoni pizza and a pitcher of Coke Zero, Kurt excused himself to the restroom, leaving the Andersons alone at the table.

Cooper watched Blaine watch Kurt walk away from the table, eyes on him like he was the most precious person on earth. “So, I take it you two made up from earlier.” It wasn’t a question – the younger boys were obviously back on track after their miscommunication from the diner that morning.

“What?” Blaine asked as he brought his attention around to his brother. “Oh… yeah.” Blaine blushed.

Deciding he should say something while Kurt wasn’t there, Cooper asked, “You two figure out what you’re going to do yet? When you leave, I mean.” Cooper was so afraid to see his brother’s heart break so soon after it seemed to finally come around to being whole again. Blaine shook his head, a slight frown starting to form. He looked down at the table and started fiddling with a paper napkin. “Hey, I didn’t mean to make you sad, buddy.” Cooper reached across the table and put a hand on his brother’s arm. Blaine nodded in understanding and tried to convince himself and his brother that Cooper’s words weren’t the source of his anguish.

After a couple moments of silence, Blaine looked over toward the bathroom doors to make sure Kurt wasn’t on his way back yet. “Coop?”

“Yeah, B?”

Blaine sighed, “Um, is it okay with you if I … if I ask Kurt to spend the night?” Cooper’s eyebrows raised, but before he could say anything, Blaine quickly tried to explain himself. “It’s not like that. It’s just that he and I still need to talk and I’m gone in less than 24 hours and I… I don’t want to spend any time apart from him if I don’t have to.” Cooper gave him another look; this time wordlessly asking what he felt was an obvious question. “Jesus, we’re not going to do anything, if that’s what you’re thinking. I just – I need to figure this out with him. Please?”

Cooper sighed through his nose and leaned back against the booth cushion. His brother was technically an adult even though it was sometimes hard to see him that way. Truth be told, he was actually really proud of Blaine for wanting to see this through after having some moments of self-doubt earlier. He studied his brother’s face and saw the vulnerability in his eyes. Nodding, Cooper agreed to Blaine’s request. “Yeah, sure, B. You can ask him.”

“Ask who what?” Kurt asked as he slid back into the booth next to Blaine.

“Oh, nothing,” Blaine said. “I’ll tell you later, okay?”

Kurt nodded and reached for Blaine’s hand under the table. Blaine’s fingers instantly tangled in his and they smiled sweetly at each other. Cooper could tell even if they couldn’t, but Kurt and Blaine were well on their way to something stronger than any distance could break up.

…

Laughter was a constant presence throughout their meal. Cooper would share an embarrassing anecdote about when Blaine was a toddler and Blaine was quick to share a mortifying story from Cooper’s high school years. Kurt’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but he couldn’t help it – the Anderson brothers were so full of love and an inherent need to tease each other that it was honestly one of the most fun nights Kurt had had in a while.

Cooper noticed that Blaine and Kurt’s hands never separated during their meal. Though it sometimes made passing something a little awkward, Cooper thought it was sweet (albeit borderline sickeningly so) that they were both trying to be close to the other as their time together was running out. Blaine was forced to use his right hand to pick up his cup of soda or eat his pizza. Every now and again, Cooper would catch a glimpse of the scars scattered across his brother’s palm and his heart ached for the middle schooler who was beaten down. Though he knew how easy it would have been for Blaine to give up fighting, he was so proud of the man he was becoming. He looked so happy sitting there next to Kurt and Cooper hoped he could hold onto that forever.

…

Blaine and Kurt both tried to argue with Cooper when the check arrived after their meal, but he smacked their hands away before stealing it for himself. He was glad to treat these two to dinner, feeling it was the least he could do for the long night they would likely have ahead of themselves.

Once outside the restaurant, Kurt thanked Cooper again for dinner. He thought it would be weird, going out with Blaine and his teacher, but during the meal, Kurt only saw Cooper as Blaine’s older brother and not his acting teacher. Though acting class was brought up when Cooper reminded Blaine that he was to come speak to his students the following afternoon, that was the only “business” addressed over pizza.

Still hand in hand, Kurt quietly asked Blaine, “Will you walk me back to my dorm?”

Blaine glanced over at his brother, silently asking if it was still okay he invite Kurt over, and Cooper nodded. He then turned back around to Kurt and said that he would gladly walk with him

Cooper said goodbye to the boys, even though he knew he would likely see both of them again within the hour. He then offered to take Blaine’s garment bag before walking off toward his apartment while Kurt and Blaine headed back to campus.

Their hands swung between them as they strolled down the sidewalk. The walk was mostly silent until they stopped in front of the dorm’s door. Kurt looked up, wanting to ask Blaine to stay, but not knowing how. Luckily, Blaine beat him to the punch.

“Kurt,” Blaine started nervously. “Can you – I mean, would you spend the night with me? At Coop’s – uh, my brother’s apartment?” The younger boy’s eyes widened, having never been asked that before. Even though he was just about to suggest the same thing, a momentary flash of panic danced across his eyes, wondering if this implied something he knew he wasn’t ready for. Blaine seemed to sense Kurt’s worry and he quickly ran a hand down the younger boy’s arm. “Kurt no, I’m not expecting anything. We don’t have to do anything, I just… I want to be with you. Be close to you. I leave tomorrow and we still have to – we need to talk – but I can’t stand thinking about not spending as much time with you as I can before I’m gone and –”

Blaine stopped talking as Kurt moved his free hand up to cup Blaine’s cheek. The pianist leaned into the touch as he watched the corners of Kurt’s mouth twist up into a small smile.

“Come up with me while I pack a bag?”

…

From Kurt’s desk chair, Blaine looked around the room while Kurt grabbed some pajamas and clothes for the following day. Even though it was a standard dorm set up, the room screamed Kurt. There were swatches of fabric pegged carefully to a bulletin board along with sketches of a few period costumes. Picture frames could be found dotted throughout the room, featuring Kurt with someone Blaine assumed to be his father, as well as pictures with friends from high school. Posters from different musicals and classic movies from the 40s and 50s lined the walls and the bed was immaculately made with Dior gray sheets and bedding.

Blaine saw Kurt pause before a line of tubes and pots that were atop his dresser. He watched as Kurt went to dump all the products into a plastic pouch but then stopped himself and only took a few. After grabbing a toothbrush, Kurt reached for a towel before Blaine called out, “Oh, Coop’s got extra towels.” Unhanding the towel, Kurt slowly turned to look at Blaine. This was really happening. He was about to spend the night with someone he cared deeply for and even though that terrified him, he couldn’t wait to be with Blaine for as much time as humanly possible before the following night.

“I’m ready,” Kurt announced, shouldering his bag.

Smiling, Blaine eased himself out of the desk chair before crossing over to hold the door open for Kurt.

Hand in hand again, they walked to Cooper’s apartment building.

“This isn’t going to be weird is it? I mean, does your brother know I’m coming?” Even though Kurt was comfortable being around Cooper at the pizza parlor, it was a completely different situation spending the night with Blaine at his teacher’s apartment.

Blaine chuckled at Kurt’s questions, “Yeah, he knows. I – uh – asked him if I could ask you over when you were in the restroom at the pizza place. He was really cool about it, actually. I think he knows what we’re up against, you know… with time and stuff.”

Kurt squeezed Blaine’s hand, “We’re going to figure this out.”

The pianist could only nod; worried his voice would waver from the lump forming in his throat.

…

Blaine keyed his way into his brother’s apartment hoping Cooper was already in bed. It was after 11:00pm by that point and Cooper had a 10:00 class to teach the following morning. He knew Cooper really was fine with him having Kurt over, but there was a small part of Blaine that worried Cooper would not pass up an opportunity to embarrass him.

“Hey guys,” Cooper called from the couch. He was in pajama pants and a worn freecreditratingtoday.com/savings t-shirt with his feet kicked up onto the coffee table.

Kurt blushed as he held tight to Blaine’s hand. “Hi. Um, thanks for letting me stay over.”

Cooper flashed Kurt a smile, “You’re welcome.” The older Anderson looked over at his brother who was silently pleading for Cooper to get lost. “You worried I’m going to say something, B? Maybe tell you guys to keep it down or that the condoms are in the bottom drawer in the bathroom?” Both Kurt and Blaine’s eyebrows shot up, causing Cooper to laugh loudly. “Relax. I’m kidding. I trust you two, okay?” He got up from the couch and clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder as he passed by them, taking the long way to his bedroom. “I’ll be gone by nine, but there’s eggs and bagels and stuff in the kitchen for breakfast tomorrow morning. I hope you guys figure everything out. Honest.” He left the two boys standing with their mouths hanging open in the living room. “See you guys at class tomorrow. G’night.” Cooper’s bedroom door shut and neither boy heard or saw him again the rest of the night.

...

After asking Kurt if he wanted anything to eat or drink, Blaine led the other boy to the guest room where he had taken up residence for the week. Though it wasn’t Blaine’s room, there were pictures of the youngest Anderson and his brother all over the place. There were pictures of ten-year old Cooper holding his baby brother, staged family portraits in holiday attire, and silly pictures of them at Disney World. There was a bulletin board with programs and newspaper clippings about Devon Anderson’s piano career and bookcases full of acting books and scripts.

Blaine’s suitcase was lying open on the floor, with unfolded clothes spilling out. His garment bag was hanging from the back of the closet door and his guitar case was propped up on a chair nearby. A queen-sized bed was haphazardly made up with green and blue plaid bedding and there was a large Wolverine stuffed animal squished between a pillow and the wall.

“Um, do you want to change into your pajamas? There’s a bathroom right down the hall.”

Kurt nodded his head, “Yeah. I’ll be – I’ll be right back.” He let go of Blaine’s hand and excused himself from the guest room. Once he was gone, Blaine looked around the room, making sure everything was okay and finding nothing too out of place. He grabbed a fresh pair of boxers from his suitcase, as well as some pajamas pants and an Oberlin t-shirt, then sat on the bed waiting for Kurt to get back. He didn’t know how long Kurt would be and didn’t want to run the risk of Kurt walking in on him changing clothes. It wouldn’t have been the end of the world, but he thought Kurt already seemed nervous enough that he didn’t want to make him more uncomfortable.

After a few minutes, there was a knock on the door. Blaine got up and opened the door to find Kurt dressed in flannel pants and a Hummel Tire & Lube shirt. He couldn’t help but smile, which in turn made Kurt smile out of embarrassment.

“What?” Kurt asked shyly.

Blaine shook his head. “Nothing. You just look cute in your pajamas, that’s all.”

Kurt looked down at what he was wearing. “I’m in a t-shirt, Blaine.”

The pianist’s smile grew wider. “I know.” Blaine raised a hand and pulled at one of Kurt’s sleeves. “It’s kinda adorable.” He held up his own pajamas. “I’m gonna go change. Make yourself at home.”

Blaine stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him. Kurt looked around and didn’t quite know what to do with himself. He set his overnight bag down on the floor next to Blaine’s suitcase and then stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. Kurt didn’t want to sit down on the bed, so he took the opportunity to look around. A few minutes passed and Blaine still wasn’t back, so he carefully took an acting book off the shelf and started flipped through it.

A couple minutes later, there was a knock at the door before it opened and Blaine stepped back into the guest room. He was towel drying his hair as he crossed the room. “Sorry I took so long. I had to get that gel out or else I was going to be in trouble tomorrow morning.”

Kurt smiled and slotted the book back onto the shelf in its proper place while Blaine gave his curls a few more passes with the towel before draping it over the back of a chair.

The two boys looked at each other, both grateful to be in each other’s presence, but not entirely sure of knowing what they should be doing or saying. It had been a weird day and now there they both were, in their pajamas, hoping the other would do or say something.

It was Blaine who finally broke the silence. “This is kinda awkward, right?”  Kurt couldn’t help but burst into a fit of giggles as he nodded his head, agreeing with Blaine. “Come here,” Blaine said softly through a smile, reaching for Kurt.

The younger boy walked toward Blaine and they wrapped their arms around each other, hooking their chins over the other’s shoulder. The stood silently, holding each other tightly, feeling safe and wanted.

“Can I tell you something?” Kurt asked in a whisper.

Blaine nodded, “Anything.”

There was a small sniffle and Blaine felt something wet drop onto his shirt. “I’m scared.” Blaine’s heart dropped as he held Kurt as closely as he could. “I’ve never felt like this… but it’s too soon. Right? It’s too soon to feel like you’re falling…” A small sob fell from Kurt’s lips, choking off the rest of his sentence.

Blaine eased up his hold on Kurt and pulled back, placing his hands on Kurt’s shoulders. His own eyes were glassing over, with all his fears and emotions flooding to the surface. “Kurt,” Blaine said softly. “Oh, Kurt. Don’t cry.” He brought a hand to Kurt’s cheek and wiped away the younger boy’s tears. “I’m scared too. But you know what… I feel it too.” Blaine wiped more tears away from Kurt’s eyes before taking a swipe at his own. “I could love you, Kurt. I could love you and I would,” he said through tears. “I will.”

Kurt exhaled through his nose and his head dropped, overwhelmed by Blaine’s admission. Blaine leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on Kurt’s forehead before wrapping his arms back around the younger boy.

“But we’ve only known each other a few days,” Kurt murmured.

“I know,” Blaine replied quietly.

“And you’re still leaving tomorrow.”

Blaine nodded, “I know.”

Kurt chuckled sadly, “We’re kind of a mess, aren’t we?”

Through a small laugh of his own, Blaine nodded again in agreement. “Yeah we are.”

Both boys pulled back to look at each other. Blaine’s eyes darted down to Kurt’s mouth and the younger boy quickly ran his tongue over his bottom lip.

Slowly, Blaine leaned forward and pressed his lips to Kurt’s. They both tasted salt and toothpaste before tilting their heads for a better angle.

Though they could have stayed like that for days, Kurt eventually pulled back and opened his eyes. Blaine let out a little whine in protest before looking up at Kurt. “We need to talk, don’t we?” Kurt nodded. Blaine motioned over to the bed. “Come sit with me? Please?”

Together they walked the short distance to the bed and sat face-to-face up near the headboard. Their hands met in the middle between their crossed legs, fingers constantly moving, betraying their nervousness in the situation.

“So,” Blaine started, “I really, really like you.” Kurt blushed as he held Blaine’s palm open so he could trace the scars. “And if I’m not mistaken, you like me at least a little bit.”

At this, Kurt looked up and rolled his eyes. “That is a gross understatement.” He brought Blaine’s palm up to his lips and kissed his scars. “But, continue.”

Blaine smiled at Kurt’s slight bossiness before his the joy in his eyes faded. “However, I’m not sure what your stance is on long distance relationships.” Kurt’s eyes snapped up from Blaine’s hand to his face. “We are in a relationship, right?” Blaine asked, to which Kurt thought for a moment before nodding.

“Yeah. I mean, I think we are. Do you think we are?” Kurt asked Blaine, for further reassurance that these feelings weren’t something he made up in his head. Blaine nodded quickly, though didn’t say anything. “Are we… boyfriends?” The last word of Kurt’s question was quiet as if he were uncertain of what Blaine would say.

Blaine’s breathing got heavy as he bit his lip. “I hope so,” he said softly. “At least, I’d like us to be.” He looked at Kurt with hopeful eyes. “Is that okay? Like, would that be okay with you?”

Kurt nodded and offered Blaine a small smile.

“I’m just worried, though, about being so far apart,” Blaine said. “I mean, it’s not like New York City and Pittsburgh are on opposite ends of the earth. But, we don’t know each other’s schedules, or the next time we’ll see each other. I just -,” he sighed heavily, “I just don’t want either of us getting hurt or hating the other one for not being there, you know?”

Kurt looked down at their joined hands and selfishly wished they didn’t have any obstacles in their way. “I know.”

Blaine looked over at the clock on the nightstand and saw it was nearing midnight. “Do you want to sleep on it? Talk about it more after your math class tomorrow?”

Suddenly Kurt remembered what his teacher said earlier, “Oh! Class got cancelled. The only class I have tomorrow is acting with your brother… and you, I guess.”

With a smile, Blaine bit the inside of his cheek. “God, I hope that goes well.”

“It’ll be fine,” Kurt said before leaning over to give Blaine a quick peck on the lips. “But focus, Blaine. I don’t have math, which means we pretty much have the whole day tomorrow.”

A grin spread across the youngest Anderson’s face. “Okay. So, we’ll get some sleep, make breakfast together and talk about this some more before we head to Coop’s class?”

Kurt nodded, grateful for a little more time to think it over. He wanted to be with Blaine so badly, but Blaine was right in pointing out the issue of distance. It wasn’t fair to either of them to be apart and expect that to be fine and problem-free. They were going to have to work hard if they wanted to make their relationship last more than just these past few days.

“Um, are you okay sharing the bed?” Blaine asked, changing the subject. “If not, I can go sleep out on the couch.”

“Blaine,” Kurt said softly, putting a hand on the other boy’s knee. “What side is yours?”

A bashful smile appeared as Blaine slid over toward the wall where his Wolverine stuffed animal was situated. “Um, I always sleep next to a wall, depending on whatever side that is where I’m staying. Is that, uh, is that okay with you?”

“If I wasn’t so tired right now, I’d ask you to explain that. But for now, I will gladly take whatever side you don’t want. I’m just happy to be with you,” Kurt finished quietly.

Blaine flashed Kurt a grateful look before they wiggled underneath the covers. They situated themselves on their sides so they could face each other.  

“You know, since I’m way over here by the wall, you’re going to have to turn off the light,” Blaine pointed out very matter-of-factly before letting out a yawn.

Kurt smiled, thinking that in that moment, Blaine was more adorable than any baby animal he had ever seen in his entire life. “I know and I will. But I wanted to look at you before I make it dark. I have to know that this is real and that you won’t disappear when I turn off the light.”

Under the covers, Blaine’s leg found Kurt’s and he twined their ankles together. “That better?”

The younger boy leaned over and kissed Blaine softly. “Much.” He turned around and got ready to switch the light off. “You ready?”

Blaine nodded as he nestled down into his pillow and pulled the covers up more snugly around his shoulders. “Mmm hmm.”

Kurt twisted the knob near the light bulb, causing the entire room to instantly turn black. He then burrowed underneath the blankets and inhaled deeply, basking in the scent that was entirely Blaine’s.

“Good night, Kurt,” Blaine said softly in the dark.

“Good night… Devon,” Kurt managed to get out before launching into a round of giggles.

A groan sounded from Blaine’s half of the bed as he jiggled their linked ankles. “Kuuuuuuuuurt.”

As his laughter died down, Kurt apologized half-heartedly. “I’m sorry, I had to. Add that to the list of stuff we need to talk about tomorrow morning.” Kurt smiled to himself, knowing the other boy couldn’t see him. “Good night, Blaine.”

“Night, Kurt.”

Within minutes, both boys fell asleep.