Chapter 9

Kurt smiled as Blaine pulled him closer to his body underneath the blankets. Neither man was sure if they'd ever felt anything this perfect, and knowing that, the debate was whether or not they should run from this because of its perfection, or seek more.

Deep on the inside, the answer was obvious. Who would want to walk away from something that brought them such pleasure? A relationship like this could only come once a lifetime, Kurt was sure of it. While he'd probably find someone who could make him happy, he knew it wouldn't be as happy as Blaine made him. He could be happy around Blaine when they weren't even trying and that just made it seem like it was something the heavens ordained. It was a way of life; something that would just be.

Something in him knew that it would be temporary, because his body would remember how this moment felt right now; strong arms enveloping him safely and the softest lips kissing his temple. The way his hands trailed to the small of Kurt's back rubbing small patterns as he hummed sweetly. Something bigger than Kurt told him that this is where he belonged—maybe not in Florida, but definitely next to Blaine.

The sun had already come up as they lay in bed, sharing small smiles and looking in each other's eyes. Neither man slept for a minute after arriving in their small, last minute hotel room the night before. They showered after coming in from the beach and went straight to bed, and somewhere along the way they ended up in one another's arms. No words were spoken, because both were afraid that the inevitable would be brought up, and right now they didn't want to talk about the inevitable. Right now, they just wanted to be in each other's company.

Blaine knew that whether they wanted to talk about it or not, they'd need to get up soon and get back to Gainesville. Most of Kurt's things were already packed but he didn't want to risk delaying him. Well… maybe part of him did, but, you know.

The noise from the room beside them made Kurt smile and Blaine giggle. Even Kurt who wasn't in the least bit religious said a prayer for those poor parents who had to deal with loud and obnoxious screaming children at whatever time of the morning this was.

"Are you sure you want to have my babies?" Blaine asked with a quirky smile, finally breaking the silence. Kurt laughed and buried his face in the pocket of the running back's neck. And of course that would be the first thing said in hours.

"Surely our children would have home training, Blaine."

Blaine pulled away slightly so that he could see Kurt again. The beautiful man looked up at him curiously, though his smile never faded.

"Please don't hide your face," Blaine whispered. "I need to cherish being this close for as long as I can, ok? For as long as we have left."

Kurt took a quick breath but nodded in agreement. "You're right."

They stared at one another for a moment before Blaine slowly smiled. His hands moved down Kurt's back again and he adored how the man reacted to his touch. He knew he'd give anything to be able to hold him and touch him every night, and just make him feel good.

"I noticed that you tend to hum when you're thinking," Kurt told him, barely above a whisper. "I bet you don't even realize it."

Blaine stopped humming and smiled, nodding his head. "I only notice when someone brings it up and makes me feel self-conscious."

Kurt laughed, inching closer so that he could softly kiss Blaine's lips. They each closed their eyes and melted into it for a moment, trying not to get too spoiled- or even more spoiled, because just like a drug, this would be hard to walk away from.

But what they needed to realize was they didn't have to walk away entirely.

Blaine chased the kiss as Kurt pulled back and Kurt smiled as Blaine recaptured his lips. The fact that he was the only boy that got to kiss Blaine Anderson made him feel giddier than a 14 year old girl with Justin Bieber tickets. That was wrong in a number of ways because, for one, he wasn't a boy anymore. He was a man, and giddy was an emotion reserved for the youth, wasn't it? Secondly, he never thought he'd be the guy that got to kiss the popular kid and win his heart. Kurt Hummel ending up with the jock that everyone admires? It sounded like an overdone trope used in just about every romance novel.

Blaine pulled back this time and smiled when Kurt's eyes opened; the blues meeting hazel headfirst. "What're you thinking about?"

Kurt slowly began to smile as he rolled onto his back. "How is it that you know I was thinking about something?"

Blaine began to kiss his jaw line and Kurt smiled. He felt his eyes falling closed when the man licked the shell of his ear. "The way that your heart was racing let me know that you were thinking about something."

"You were kissing me."

"Oh, but I know your heart's pattern when I kiss you. It's different from the way your heart beats when you have something on your mind."

Kurt giggled as Blaine started to tickle his earlobe before nudging the man away. "You know how I feel about being tickled and so do your nuts."

"Were you thinking about us?" Blaine asked with a grin, dragging Kurt closer. The New Yorker nodded.

"I was thinking about how much things had changed for me. From day one to here and now, you could say."

Blaine was quiet, allowing Kurt's hand to run through his hair and along his face.

"You're definitely one of the highlights of Kurt Hummel's story. No matter how our lives shape up after today. I want you to know that."

Blaine nodded, taking Kurt's hand and kissing it. "You know that today could never be the end of the road for you and me, right Kurt Hummel?"

Kurt smiled. "What makes you so sure?"

"Everything," Blaine said simply. "But most importantly, it's this."

The blue eyed man looked from Blaine's lips on his hand to the man's eyes. "What is 'this' exactly?"

Blaine stared back, lacing their fingers together. "Did you realize that we just stayed up all night long doing absolutely nothing but lying here together? Maybe I'm speaking for myself but, I spent a whole night holding you- just simply holding you, and kissing you, and it wasn't long enough, Kurt. It's never enough when it comes to us, baby. I always want more and I always want to give you more. I don't know… I just want you to be as happy as I am. And maybe it doesn't make sense because we've known each other barely a week but…"

"But it makes all the sense in the world," Kurt finished for him, staring the man in his eyes. Blaine remained quiet, waiting for him to continue. "It does. You know, this may sound crazy but… there was a time when I was a kid, in my age of innocence you could call it," Kurt smiled to himself and Blaine watched him intently, "when I was in love with romance. I was in love with the idea of 'love' and thought the simplest of gestures were the most beautiful things on earth. It was all I wanted for myself. The physical… the sex and the rest that came attached, I wasn't interested."

Blaine nodded and continued to listen.

"Then, shit went to hell for me I guess. And I became who I became, not that I was a terrible person but I'm just not who I was."

"Do you like your old self more than you like yourself now?"

"I like who I am when I'm with you most," Kurt turned and faced him, "When I'm with you, I'm most like that kid who believed in love and romance and happy endings. This here is what I imagined 'love' to be like. It's what young Kurt Hummel wanted."

Blaine took a deep breath before kissing his cheek. "You sure are throwing around the 'L' word a lot there, baby." he smiled when Kurt looked at him. "That seems like something you don't normally do."

"I normally don't have to."

"But with me…?" Blaine trailed off and stared into Kurt's eyes. "Is that how you really feel?"

Kurt smiled softly. "I feel like I'm going to regret letting you in like this."

"You're letting me in because you trust me, Kurt."

"And I feel like I may regret trusting you."

"I won't be one of your regrets and you know that."

Kurt closed his eyes.

"Things like this don't happen by accident. Feelings aren't accidental, are they?" Blaine questioned. "For both of us to feel the same way… how could that ever be a mistake?"

Kurt shook his head no. "I don't think it could be."

"It couldn't."

"And we have a long time to make sure it isn't." Kurt told him. "Right?"

Blaine took another deep breath and nodded. "Right."

They both fell silent again. It was just like the night before. Only this time, so much more was on their minds. Kurt was less afraid. Maybe a little anxious, but he wasn't fearful. He thought about how wrong all of this could've gone and smiled to himself as Blaine started to hum again.

Honestly, he could get used to this.

"Are you rehearsing something for your band?"

Blaine full out laughed now and shook his head. "Don't remind me about those idiots. Malachi is still trying to apologize for what happened."

Kurt smiled. "Sing something for me."

"Oh," Blaine rolled onto his side with a smirk, "Are we at that stage in our relationship? Am I serenading you while we lay in bed and maybe bringing you breakfast?"

"We started out having sex, Blaine. We can be at whatever stage we want at this point," Kurt joked, laughing when Blaine started to tickle him. "Don't tickle me!"

"I tell you what," Blaine rolled on top of him, "I'll sing to you if you friend me on Facebook so that I can stalk you when you leave me here by my lonesome."

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Way to make me feel bad at the tail end of that sentence, Anderson."

"Do you agree?"

Kurt nodded, laughing afterward when Blaine gave him a wet kiss. "I agree. Just don't post weird things on my wall. My family and friends can see things."

Blaine smiled. "I'll have the utmost respect, handsome."

"Uh huh," Kurt smiled but it turned into a frown when Blaine got out of bed. "Where are you going?"

"Kurt Hummel," Blaine fixed his boxer briefs and smiled at Kurt's laughter. He couldn't help morning wood. It was natural. "May I have this dance?"

Kurt felt his cheeks burning red when Blaine's hand reached out for his. He couldn't believe this idiot. "You may."

Blaine pulled him off the bed and smiled as he drew Kurt close. The two began to sway to nothing at first; Blaine in only his boxer briefs and Kurt in a tank top and his underwear as they moved from side to side. And then, Blaine moved in close to Kurt's neck and began to sing; his hands on the man's back and moving lower. Kurt smiled as he linked his arms around the Floridian's shoulder's.

I am so in love with you

Blaine smiled, enjoying this feeling.

Whatever you want to do
Is alright with me

Kurt smiled at the song lyrics and the way Blaine sang directly into his ear; his voice sounding like melodies sent from heaven. Suddenly, they weren't close enough.

'Cause you make me feel so brand new
I want to spend my life with you

Let me say that since, baby
Since we've been together

Loving you forever
Is what I need

Kurt laughed when Blaine pulled away and twirled them, and the dramatic face he made when he hit the falsetto note had Kurt playfully rolling his eyes. He was a blushing mess but he didn't care if Blaine knew it.

Let me be the one you come running to
Baby, baby
I'll never be untrue, baby

Blaine looked straight into Kurt's eyes as he sang, and though his face was playful, Kurt knew that he meant what he said. Kurt allowed the man to pull him close by the hands again and wrapped his arms around Blaine's body.

Ooh, baby
Let's, oughta stay together

Loving you, whether, whether times are
Good or bad, happy or sad

"You mean this, don't you?"

Blaine smiled and nodded obviously. "You know I do."

"The fact that you're singing the Adam Levine cover speaks volumes."

"Oh does it?" Blaine laughed as Kurt nodded, and when Kurt took the second verse, his laugh faded to a smile as he looked the man in his cyan eyes.

Why, somebody, why people break up?
Oh
Turn around and make up

I just can't see

Kurt pulled back when Blaine was about to kiss him and twirled the man, smiling as they were pulled together again.

'Cause you'd never do that to me, baby
Would you baby?

"Never," Blaine said seriously. Kurt smiled, knowing that was true, but only continued to sing.

Being around you is all I see

Blaine smiled. He saw it too. He knew it would happen. As Kurt started the chorus, Blaine harmonized with his beautiful voice and the two started to sway again, holding each other closely and giving one another full eye contact.

Ooh baby, let's, we oughta stay together

Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad
Happy or sad

Kurt smiled, leaning in closer and singing it one more time. He felt that Blaine needed to hear it, even though he looked as if he wanted nothing more than to kiss Kurt right now. He sang it softly in the airy voice that Blaine found himself falling for.

Let's, oughta stay together, baby
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad
Happy or sad

And they were kissing like they were each other's air supply.

Kurt didn't know how or when it happened, but he went from being in the air with his legs wrapped around Blaine's body, to in bed with Blaine on top of him. He felt his shirt being removed somewhere in between the kisses he was desperate for touching his lips again, and heard himself moan a yearning noise into Blaine's mouth. He sucked on his tongue and groaned once more when Blaine was grinding against him.

Kurt didn't want to let this go.

"I would be a dumb ass to let you go," Blaine moaned, rolling his hips and watching as Kurt's eyes rolled back into his head. "So I decided that I'm not letting you go."

Kurt bit down on his lip as he thrust up. "Make love to me, please Blaine…"

Blaine smiled softly before returning his lips to Kurt's; their tongues meeting once more. He continued to grind painfully slow and watched Kurt fall apart as he did so. "I promise I will, Kurt."

"I need you," he whispered, clutching Blaine's hands tightly. Blaine wasn't sure in what way he meant, though. "I need you."

They made love slowly and sweetly.

The two had no regard for time. They simply didn't care right now.

Blaine took his time and intimately stretched Kurt, one finger first, followed by two, then three that were deep inside of him and curling right where Kurt needed them to touch. When a fourth was added, Kurt was a writhing, pleading mess. He found Blaine's eyes and begged him to kiss him, and to touch him, and to make love to him so that Blaine would be all he could feel for the next few days.

Blaine couldn't deny him.

As he slid inside of Kurt, Blaine made sure that they kept eye contact. His nails dug into the sheets of the small bed they were on, and Kurt's nails dug into his back and scratched, but all they could focus on was each other's eyes.

Blaine worked his hips as deep as he could. He could feel Kurt clenching around him and it felt as if every moan and cry of his name was heightened. It would ring in his head for days and nights to come, he was sure of it. He didn't think he'd mind one bit.

"Please," Kurt gasped when Blaine started to fuck him harder, "Oh… god, Blaine…"

Blaine licked his lips and stared into the beautiful blues beneath him. "Tell me what you need, baby."

Kurt shook his head no as his body trembled. His nails dug harder and Blaine bit down on his lip "I… this is perfect…"

Blaine smiled and leant in to kiss him. It was sloppy as they moved on top of the sheets; all teeth and tongue and the biting of lips as they sloppily tried to control the way their hips would move, but it seemed that they had no control of anything. Their bodies were moving how they wanted to.

Kurt moaned loudly, letting his hands fall on either side of them. Blaine let go of the edge of the mattress and linked their hands together. He lifted them above Kurt's head, locking them against the headboard, and while part of them felt bad for the room next to them having to hear the bed hitting the wall over and over and over again, they did put up with screaming children for most of the night.

Payback was a bitch.

"I'm almost t-t-there," Kurt submitted entirely, allowing Blaine complete control. His legs were spread as Blaine stared down at him, into his eyes as he moved in as deep as he possibly could. Kurt knew that he'd feel this for a while. "I'm…"

Blaine nodded as the sweat started to fall down his body. "Can you hold on for one minute, Kurt? Hold on for me—"

"Baby, I can't—"

"I want you to cum with me," Blaine told him. He gripped his hands and licked his lips. "Hold on for me."

Kurt nodded. His toes were curling and his stomach was quivering, but he tried his hardest to hold on. Every time Blaine hit his spot he moaned louder and louder, and eventually it was becoming too much.

"Baby…"

Blaine started to speed up; their eyes still locked. He'd been slowing down every time he felt he was close but now, now he didn't want to deny Kurt. "Cum for me, beautiful."

"Aah," Kurt let go and Blaine continued to move, fucking him hard as the man's eyes rolled back. He felt Kurt shaking as he stroked the man's leaking cock and saw the cum shooting over his chest, but all it took was a 'Blaine' to spill from Kurt's lips to send the elder tipping over the edge.

His climax washed over him and he came into the condom, inside of Kurt. Kurt pulled him close, almost like he didn't want him to pull out just yet, and Blaine didn't deny him that.

"You're so beautiful," Kurt whispered, not planning to let go anytime soon. "So beautiful, Blaine."

Blaine buried his face in Kurt's neck, not thinking about the mess in between them. He instead focused on that lovely smell that was hopefully all over his pillows and sheets at the frat house, and the feeling that being with Kurt brought. He had a feeling he'd cling to the memory of this feeling every night they were apart.

Knock.

Bang-Bang.

Knock.

"Guys! We need to get going like now!"

Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He felt Blaine complaining into his neck and smiled. "Thomas calls. If we don't get up, next will be your best friend."

"Well he's your brother…"

Kurt smiled. "Do we even know what time it is?"

Blaine shook his head as well as he could with it buried in Kurt's neck. The elder felt Kurt reaching for their phones though, and he smiled.

"I can fit in your luggage, you know."

Kurt started laughing as he checked the clock. "It's after 8. We should really get up. If we get back after noon we can still waste time doing something crazy."

Knock.

Knock.

Blaine lifted his head, rolling his eyes at the knocks. "Anything in mind?"

Kurt smiled and leant down to kiss him. "Remember when we were trying to think of a tattoo idea for me and we couldn't come up with anything?"

Blaine nodded. "It was when your brother got his ridiculous earrings in the mall. Yep... do you know what you want now?"

Kurt smiled. "I think I do."

….

Finn and Puck decided to kidnap Kurt for themselves going back. Blaine acknowledged the fact that he had Kurt for a majority of his stay in Florida and because of that he went through with the switch. It had nothing to do with the fact that Puck had threatened to give him the 'smackdown' if he didn't cooperate, because quite frankly he could hold his own against Puckerman.

Just because they weren't together didn't mean they weren't talking constantly, though. Blaine gave Thomas permission to drive all the way back while his girlfriend took the passenger side, leaving Blaine with Wes in the backseat. No, he didn't particularly like being scrunched up in the small second row of seating of his sports car, but he did think it was worth it so that he could talk to Kurt.

He learned that Finn and Puck were trying to get information from the New Yorker during their time together and he didn't find that shocking. Tommy and Wes had been doing the same thing, and they weren't even subtle about it.

"So you two seemed to hit it off well, huh Anderson?"

"I noticed that you and Kurt kissed a lot this week. And that was in the open in front of the guys. You weren't even trying to hide it. You never kiss…"

"I just really, really think you both would make a fantastic couple."

It went on and on from there. After being in the car with them for an hour, though, Blaine learned to tune them out.

[To Kurt]:

You should tell me about this tattoo idea. I'm thinking about getting something too.

….

[From Blaine]:

You should tell me about this tattoo idea. I'm thinking about getting something too.

Kurt smiled as he read the message. It quickly fell from his face when he heard Puck continue to speak.

"And that's how easy it is to get three girls back to your hotel room for the night. I told you Miami was going to be awesome."

"Maybe for you," Finn shook his head as he drove a few cars behind Blaine's. "The girl you're in love with hasn't moved on."

Puck rolled his eyes. "Neither has my best friend, and it's kind of pathetic bro. Honestly, I think the sooner you both move on, the better off you'll both be."

"Remind me to never come to you for love advice Noah," Kurt said clearly, returning a message to Blaine. "Just because you enjoy having one night stands and other forms of meaningless sex doesn't mean that Finn should."

"Oh," Puck turned around in his seat and smiled at Kurt. "You're one to talk. The guys at the frat house say that you were on Blaine's dick as soon as you got to Florida, Kurt."

"Hey, man!" Finn looked at his friend quickly, "you don't have to talk to him like that. Have some respect."

"No, it's fine Finn," Kurt smiled at his old classmate, "Blaine and I did get into bed the first chance we got, and we loved every minute of it," Finn screwed his face up, about to tell his brother not to defend him if this is what was going to be said, "but we loved it because we weren't in love with anyone else like Finn is. You're only encouraging him to dislike himself and his situation even more."

Puck smiled at that. "I bet you two loved it. But now that you're about to be in the same position as Finn is with Rachel, what are you two going to do? Was it just meaningless sex, Hummel? Do you go back to New York and carry on as if nothing ever happened?"

Kurt shook his head no. "Not at all. But our situation isn't what theirs is."

"What is your situation?" Finn asked curiously. He glanced through the rearview mirror at his older brother and Kurt smiled because he knew this was coming.

"We haven't discussed it in its entirety, Finn, but what we do know is that we really, really adore one another. I don't know just yet if we'll have an official title but I do know that Blaine means a lot to me and if he wants to try to be… something, I'd be willing to as well."

Finn smiled widely. "Nice."

Puck turned back and faced front. "He better not screw it up—"

"And if he does, he and I will handle it. We don't need your help Noah."

Finn nodded. "You may not need my help but still, you both better not screw it up. I have a strong feeling about this."

Kurt smiled and shook his head. "So do I, doofus. So do I."

….

[From Kurt]:

Can you do me a favor? I kind of want you to be the designer of my tattoo, and before you think it's out of the ordinary, I have my reasons.

Blaine wondered what was going through Kurt's mind as he read the message.

[To Kurt]:

Have you seen my drawing, bae? It is not attractive at all. You wouldn't want me to design a tattoo for even the worst of your enemies.

"What time is his flight, anyway?"

Blaine sighed as he thought about it. "It's at 8:15."

"You're going to miss him, aren't you?" Wes asked with a sad smile. "I can tell."

Blaine nodded definitely. "I miss him right now and he's not even that far."

"Aww," Tommy's girlfriend cooed and Blaine rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm being serious, though."

[From Kurt]:

Relax, silly. I just want you to write the word 'Courage' on a sheet of paper for me so that I can give it to the real tattoo artist. I want it to be in your handwriting so that I have a constant reminder from you not to be afraid. I'm usually afraid, you know? But lately when I'm with you I feel stronger than I have in the past.

[From Kurt]:

And I hope you don't think it's weird that I'm asking something like this of you. I know to outsiders it'd be strange being that we just met but you're seriously one of my closest friends and I know I won't ever regret this.

The guys kept talking, but Blaine was totally zoned out of their conversation. He read over the texts from Kurt a few more times before smiling to himself. The thought of Kurt wanting his tattoo to remind him of Blaine was… overwhelming, to say the least. And Blaine knew that there was no way in hell he'd let the man regret that.

[To Kurt]:

I'd 100% love to do that. And no I'm not crying, that's a branch in my eye. Not sure how it got in my car.

But if I do this, it'll be on one condition.

[From Kurt]:

You're such a sap and I love it. :P

Name the price, Anderson.

Blaine smiled.

[To Kurt]:

You have to do the same for me. In your handwriting, write the word 'Courage' and I want to get mine written wherever you put yours. It'll be our reminders, because we're a team, and we're a winning team. Do we have a deal?

"Are you even listening to us, Blaine?"

Blaine shook his head no to Thomas' question. "I wasn't. But what did you ask?"

Tommy rolled his eyes as he drove. "I asked if you looked at the hotels I chose for our New York trip and what did you think? Finn says we should stay in Midtown but I was thinking SoHo."

Blaine thought for a moment. "Whichever is closer to Bushwick is fine with me."

[From Kurt]:

Only and I mean ONLY if you really want it. Don't feel pressured to do it because I'm doing it, mister. These things are forever.

[To Kurt]:

I'm thinking we could put them on our wrists. What do you say? Or our forearms… yeah I think I like that idea better.

[To Kurt]:

And after the word, you could have the artist draw half of a heart and then I could have the other half on my arm before the word, so when we put our arms next to one another's, it'll link and show.

[To Kurt]:

And when someone asks "Who has the other half of your heart" I can say, "Oh, Kurt Hummel does. He's the better half" and they'll be like "Wow that's corny" and I'll be like "Well that's what Kurt Hummel does to me"

[To Kurt]:

This is the best idea ever. We make a great team. A great, winning team. :)

[From Kurt]:

I really miss kissing you, Blaine.

[To Kurt]:

Soon, handsome. Soon.

….

Around 2:30 that afternoon, Kurt and Blaine were returning to the frat house with bandaged forearms- Kurt on his right arm and Blaine on his left. They got odd looks from the guys who had taken over the living room; Finn relaxed on the floor in his U of F Gator slippers and Puck with a beer bottle in hand on the recliner. Though Kurt and Blaine intended to act as if nothing was out of the ordinary, their friends caught on really quickly.

"Wait a minute," Wes swallowed his popcorn as Thomas muted the television. "You two got tattoos, didn't you?"

Kurt continued to walk up the stairs as Blaine smiled, following after him.

"Oh my god," Finn jumped up. "Let me see! B! Kurt! Come back here—"

"You two better be boyfriends," Puck called out just as the door to Blaine's bedroom was slamming shut.

Wes shook his head and grabbed the remote from Thomas, turning the volume to the television back up. As soon as the boxing match resumed, the guys went back into man cave mode and left the two lovebirds be.

And after that, time seemed to fly by. Unfortuantely.

Eventually Kurt and Blaine returned downstairs to be with the guys. It wasn't like they actually paid attention to whatever was on TV, or to any of the conversation going on around them. They stayed in their little bubble, hand in hand, cherishing the closeness they had for as long as they could.

And when Puck told them that it was ok to take the bandage off of their tattoo after two hours, Kurt sassed him and replied that their tattoo artist told them all the rules already. Puck only smiled and held his hands up in retreat. They'd have to show everyone what they got eventually…

Time continued to tick on.

Kurt never missed how Blaine looked at his watch every two minutes, or moved closer to him on the sofa after sighing softly, or how he'd seemingly hold his hand a little tighter with each passing second.

He could barely stomach the Chinese food they'd ordered and Blaine didn't even attempt to. The dark haired man was uncharacteristically quiet whenever one of the guys tried to engage him in a conversation and even when they joked on his height. He always had a comeback for the short jokes, but his quips weren't there right now. Kurt would try and offer a reassuring smile whenever they caught eyes, and he knew Blaine tried to return it, but it wasn't there.

He couldn't really blame him.

Finn hated to be the bearer of bad news, but he nudged his brother in his side after dinner and made a face that said they'd better get going. Kurt nodded. Even though he did his flight check in online, he didn't want to risk arriving at the airport too late and missing his flight. While in theory it wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen, he didn't want to have to pay any extra fees along with tuition.

Blaine played with his food as he watched Kurt get up from the table and go upstairs. He ignored the obvious face that all of his fraternity brothers and Puck… mainly Puck… were giving him and tried to think about anything else. Everything else. Anything but Kurt leaving.

….

[From Rachel]:

We're going to throw you a private welcome back party because we missed your face so much :D

[To Rachel]:

Buy ice cream. Lots of ice cream.

….

Kurt did one last check to make sure he had everything. The closet he'd been sharing with Blaine seemed to have only the running back's clothes. Their style of dress was different so it wasn't too much of a struggle. He also had his electronics and the chargers that went with them. Books, skin care products, the condoms he brought along—it was all there.

As he made the bed he barely slept in, Kurt heard the bedroom door open and close. He turned to see Blaine standing there and while the elder still looked a little dejected, he at least put a smile on.

"So… I'm officially back to rooming alone again, huh?"

Kurt smiled at him and looked around the bedroom, taking in the sight of football memorabilia and Broadway show posters one last time. He nodded slowly before returning his eyes to Blaine. "You could always ask a cute freshman to hang out with you if you ever get lonely."

Blaine rolled his eyes as Kurt laughed, and smiled as he approached. "Let me help you carry your things."

Kurt grabbed one of his bags as Blaine got the others. "I appreciate that… so will you be coming to see me off at the airport?"

Blaine found his eyes and shrugged. "I assumed you'd want some time alone with Finn…"

Kurt raised an eyebrow and smiled. "For what? I shared a room with him in junior year and that was time enough."

Blaine laughed shyly and sighed when Finn shouted up the stairs that it was a quarter past six. "I'd love to come along—"

"So here's the plan," Puck burst into the room and put Blaine's guitar on the floor beside the dresser, "Since Kurt has to drive his rental car back, Finn is going to tag with him. I'm going to drive behind them so that I can bring Finn back here. I'm inviting you along so you can say goodbye," he smiled at Blaine. "Also because we need to talk."

Blaine stared at Puck while Kurt only smiled. He tossed his carry on backpack to Puck and started to leave the room. "Make yourself useful, pool boy."

Puck smirked and then turned to Blaine. "Let's go, partner."

….

"So what happens now?"

Kurt shrugged and looked at his younger stepbrother in the driver's seat. "I don't know."

"Well for one, you two got matching tattoos, Kurt. You're obviously serious about one another."

"Definitely. I feel like even if we don't get together we'll always be friends."

Finn started laughing as he stopped at the red light. Puck pulled up behind him.

"What're you laughing at?" Kurt questioned, almost feeling offended. "I don't get what's so funny…"

"You two? Just friends?" Finn rolled his eyes at that. "You're crazy about B, Kurt. Open your eyes."

"My eyes are open and he knows that—"

"Stop," Finn pulled off and rolled his eyes some more. His mother always said they might get stuck like that but the moment definitely called for it. "You are supposed to be smarter than me, Kurt. With you're A average and your… knowledge of math and all that stuff."

Kurt shook his head and looked ahead of them.

"But you're being so not smart right now—"

"How am I being 'so not smart', Finn?"

"Why haven't you asked B to be your boyfriend?"

Kurt smiled and looked at his brother. "I doubt you'd understand. There's so much to a relationship and we aren't sure that we can give it to each other just yet."

Finn rolled his eyes again. Seriously, he was going to get a headache.

"If he were to ask, I'd say yes though," the elder said absently.

"You're being ridiculous." Finn turned at the exit for the airport. "Absolutely ridiculous."

….

"I'm sure there are flower shops at the airport, Blaine. Just buy him a bouquet and let him know that you want to be his boyfriend. I mean look at that cheesy ass tattoo on your arm and tell me with a straight face that you don't want to be Kurt's boyfriend."

Blaine shook his head. "I do. It's just—"

"There is no just—"

"There is a just, Puck. The fact is that he let me know repeatedly how he felt about it so I'm either going to give us time to see how we work out when we're apart so he knows that I'm serious, and I know that he's serious, or I'm going to let him come to me first."

Puck sighed. "You're a real shit head."

Blaine looked out the window as they approached the airport. He took another deep breath and closed his eyes, hoping with all his might that he wouldn't lose it in there. He wanted to keep it together for the both of them. He also made note to tell Finn to warn him whenever Noah Puckerman would visit so that he'd have ample time to pack his things and take a vacation of his own.

….

[From Thomas]:

Kurt didn't board yet, right? Is Blaine with him? Are they boyfriends yet? Did they kiss?

Finn read the message and sighed as he answered.

[To Thomas]:

No. Yes. No. No.

"I say we make this interesting," Puck took the toothpick out of his mouth and looked at his taller friend. "Fifty bucks says Blaine chickens out."

Finn shook his head no. "Dude, he brought Kurt flowers and everything. There's no way he isn't asking."

Puck smiled. "Even though I was his coach and my players tend to win, this one is totally gonna pussy out. If Blaine was going to make a move he definitely would've by now. What about your guy?"

"Kurt is very stubborn, thank you." Finn crossed his arm defensively. "I swear it's like Burt Hummel took all his personality traits and poured them into that boy."

Puck nodded. "I won't lie. This is kind of hard to watch."

Finn sighed and looked down at his untied laces. "Just a bit."

….

"And you're one hundred percent sure you can't fit me in your luggage?" Blaine smiled as Kurt laughed even though part of him was very serious.

"I'm sure, unless I leave all of my moisturizers, conditioners, toning creams—"

"Ok, ok," Blaine laughed. "I get the point."

Kurt smiled at him and checked the time on the schedule. "I know it won't be that long until I see you again but… this is very hard."

Blaine nodded. "It'll be long enough. I just don't want it to feel like your life is going on without me there. I… want to be part of it."

Kurt stared at him as he held the flowers.

"Am I bringing you down? I don't mean to I promise—"

"No," Kurt forced a smile and shook his head as they moved forward in line. He got his ID out as he replied to Blaine. "I was just thinking about everything you said and I understand. Totally."

Neither said a word until after Kurt had his luggage checked in. Blaine slid his hand into his and they slowly walked over to the security checkpoint where Finn and Puck were waiting to say goodbye. Kurt's feet were feeling a little heavier, as were his eyes, and he tried not to make eye contact with his brother or Puck because of it. He didn't need them to state the obvious.

"C-Can… I mean," Blaine stopped to let a family go by as he turned and faced Kurt. "I have… s-something I want to ask you so… c-can, I mean it'd help if you said goodbye to them f-first. If that's okay w-with you I mean."

Kurt nodded and squeezed Blaine's hand, leaning in to kiss his cheek. He smiled at the small blush it garnered before taking a deep breath and approaching Finn and Puckerman. He had never ever seen Blaine this nervous or heard a stutter come from the ever so confident football star and it made him wonder… if he would ask what he thought he'd ask.

Maybe he'd ask…

Of course Puck squeezed the living daylights out of him and got cursed out because of it. Despite all of that, Kurt replied with an 'I'll miss you too' and tried not to let his anger transfer over to the next goodbye.

Finn always was a good hugger. Something in it told Kurt that things would be alright and he needed that feeling. The support his brother had given the both of them was pretty amazing and Kurt knew he'd have to repay him somehow. Finn didn't have to be so Team Klaine, but he was, and Kurt appreciated it.

The pair said a final goodbye before nodding to Blaine and walking away. Kurt turned around to see him standing there; stupid, beautifully curly hair and those perfect lips forming the sweetest smile. His eyes were bright even if they had a hint of sadness to them, and they found Kurt's blue ones, not daring to look away.

Kurt walked towards him and was met half way. Everything told him to kiss this man because he'd have to go weeks without another touch, but he reminded himself this was still the south and he was in a public place. Maybe it wouldn't be the brightest idea.

"I know this isn't a romantic comedy so I'll try to do without the sappy heartfelt speech," Blaine whispered as he pulled Kurt a little closer. Kurt smiled and placed his hands on Blaine's chest.

"I always did love romantic comedies… the cheesier the better."

"Then I guess I'll have to buy some DVDs ASAP," Blaine teased; his eyes dropping to Kurt's lips. "Maybe I can get you to watch some with me when I'm in New York."

Kurt shrugged, feigning indifference. "If I'm not too busy…"

They both shared a small laugh and Puck rolled his eyes when they hadn't kissed yet. He turned to look at Finn who simply shook his head.

"Seriously," the drummer mumbled to himself. "Get your heads out of your asses."

"What did you want to say to me anyway?"

Blaine looked up and smiled, trying to find the backbone to ask the one question he wanted to ask more than anything. He was rarely afraid and was actually known for how straightforward he could be. Ask anyone around and they'd tell you that Blaine Devon Anderson was a go-getter.

Now, he couldn't put a finger on why, but it was definitely a different story.

Just ask him, Blaine thought to himself. C'mon. The worst that could happen is he tells you not yet which wouldn't be so bad—

"Blaine? I don't want to rush you but the line is getting longer…" Kurt raised an eyebrow as he saw Blaine zone out a little. "Is everything ok?"

Blaine quickly nodded. "S-Sorry! Everything is fine. I was just going to ask you—"

"Ouch!" Kurt stepped back and rubbed his arm as he felt something sharp hit it. The culprit was a kid who was a little too big to be in the stroller he was in. Blaine sucked his teeth at the mother's lack of effort to apologize as he bent down to pick up the action figure.

It was wet.

The little boy laughed and took it from Blaine's hand, and his mother nodded a thank you. Kurt rolled his eyes at her before taking Blaine's hand and pulling him off.

"There was drool all over that toy—"

"Ew!" Kurt laughed and pulled his hand away, wiping it on Blaine's t-shirt. The elder laughed and pulled Kurt close to him. Their eyes met for the umpteenth time as Kurt smiled, holding the bouquet of roses. "You were saying?"

Blaine shook his head. He didn't want to ask Kurt to be his boyfriend here… not like this. Not in a loud room full of people with some kindergartener's slobber all over their hands and arms, and not when they were about to… it just wasn't right.

Kurt deserved better, Blaine thought. Kurt deserved a real date with maybe candles and a home cooked meal, maybe even a dumb romantic comedy.

So he shook his head no and choked out a laugh, looking everywhere before finally finding Kurt's eyes again. "Uh… my bad. I know I'm wasting your time but, just let me know you're going to call me when you land."

Kurt's face dropped a bit but Blaine appeared to miss it. After a moment Kurt nodded his head with a look on his face that said 'of course I will, you dummy'. He then pinched Blaine on the arm, trying to hide the disappointment on his face. "You have to know that. Promise me that we'll keep in touch as often as possible? Don't forget that you have my number and the other half of my tattoo, mister. No matter how cute the boys may be..."

Blaine nodded. "I could never forget you, Kurt."

Kurt smiled and took a deep breath. "So. This is goodbye, I presume."

"No way," Blaine held Kurt by the waist and smiled sadly as Kurt dropped his head until their cheeks were touching. "Call me crazy but, I'm never saying goodbye to you."

Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of Blaine as he wrapped his arms around the man's strong shoulders. He found his fingers playing in the lightly gelled hair at the nape of his neck and cursed his voice for cracking when he spoke. "I have a confession. I stole one of your university t-shirts because it smelled a lot like you and I don't think you're ever going to get it back."

Blaine realized he was holding Kurt really tightly when he could feel the New Yorker's heart beating against his own. He didn't react to the news at all, and Kurt wondered if he'd heard him.

"Blaine?"

"Seriously I can pay for you to go back on Sunday," the man whispered. "I… please?"

Kurt smiled as he pulled away, not even bothering to dry his tear stained cheek. "I promise that I'll call you as soon as I land."

Blaine forced a smile and looked away. "I can't take seeing tears in your eyes, baby—"

"I know I'm an ugly crier," Kurt said with a laugh. "But I promise—"

"That's not what I meant," Blaine turned and faced him once more; his thumb drying the tears off his face. "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and I don't know if I can take watching you walk away. Especially knowing that you have tears in your eyes, Kurt."

Kurt slowly began to pull away and Blaine reluctantly let him go. "I'll call you."

Blaine nodded. "I'll answer."

"Get home," Kurt smiled as he blew a kiss and shouldered his carry on. "Get some rest. It's been a long week."

"Yeah," Blaine stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I miss you already, Kurt Hummel."

Kurt stared at him for a moment longer before turning away. Blaine only watched him take a couple steps before turning around himself. He walked straight over to his friends who were by a couple TSA agents and ignored their million and one questions.

"Looks like you owe me fifty bucks," Puck whispered to Finn.

….

Kurt wanted to take a sleeping pill for the flight but decided against it. He didn't need to be drowsy when he got off the plane. Who knew where the taxi driver would dump him off…

And he always assumed that every time he'd arrive back in New York from someplace else, he'd feel at home. Everything about this city screamed home for Kurt Hummel. Only this time when he got back, he felt as if he'd left a great part of him somewhere else.

The arrivals area of JFK airport was crowded. It seemed like more people got off the plane than went on and Kurt couldn't understand it. So not only did he have a shitty flight where he thought about Blaine for about 98.5% of it, but now he had to deal with hundreds of people who were exhausted from travel and were clogging up baggage claim.

Kurt smiled down at his tattoo as he stood in line. He saw Blaine's all-caps handwritten message to him on his forearm, along with the half heart, and it made him smile. It made him smile the toothy smile that he rarely gave.

He dialed his father to let him know he arrived at JFK safely and when the man asked if he had a boyfriend, he felt bad that he had to tell him no. He had a feeling that Burt was really rooting for them. But like his father said himself, it was in their timing, not anyone else's.

Next, he dialed Blaine and smiled when the footballer answered on the first ring. Kurt had no clue he was being watched and then eventually eavesdropped on while he spoke.

"I miss you too, handsome. Please let Finn know I'll call him as soon as I'm in the loft. Right now I'm at baggage claim and it is taking years," Kurt shook his head as two flyers argued over a piece of luggage before scanning the others on the belt. He then smiled at Blaine's response as someone walked up behind him. "You're writing me an email? Why?" he laughed and shouldered his bag. "You have me on the phone so you can say whatever you want to say now…"

James parked his luggage behind Kurt and smirked at the younger man. He was definitely on the phone with Blaine. There was no doubt about it.

"Ok weirdo," Kurt laughed. "I see my baggage coming so I'll call you as soon as I'm home… or we can text. Skype. Whatever. If you want… oh, okay. That's great," he smiled. "Bye Blaine."

Once the call was disconnected and Kurt reached over the woman and her slobbery adult child for his belongings, James cleared his throat and spoke.

"Fancy seeing you here, Kurt."

Kurt dropped his suitcases to the ground and winced at the voice. There was no fucking way in hell the face could match the voice. But when he turned around, surely it did.

"James? Weren't you in Ireland?"

James' smug smile fell from his face at Kurt's question. "I was in Greece."

Kurt started to walk his things away from the group of people and to a clearer area, not at all surprised when James started to follow him. "Ok… I guess what's confusing me is why you're back so soon and why you're in NYC instead of Florida…"

James' eyes were glued to the countertenor's arm and Kurt almost smiled when he saw him staring. Hell, he smiled. He may've even flashed the tattoo off a bit. "That's… Blaine's handwriting isn't it? Are you serious?" James started to laugh and shook his head. "Wow you two are so going to regret that when he's fucking around again."

Kurt's smile dropped from his lips.

"And to answer your question, Greece just wasn't what I thought it would be. I don't know why but—"

"Maybe it's because you went alone? Who does that? Were you visiting family or…?"

James smiled. "I wanted to travel. I thought I would be missed but I should've known Blaine could always find some replacement cock."

Kurt nodded. "He really loved taking this replacement cock too, by the way."

"You'll be replaced shortly—"

"I wouldn't be so sure," Kurt cut him off.

James smiled and the younger man hated how sinister it looked. "So back to my entertaining story," Kurt ignored his phone's chirping noise, "I booked a last minute flight back but had to come to New York first before connecting to another flight going to Florida which is why I'm here, and why you get to see my darling face again."

Kurt nodded. "That's a lovely story. I better get going, though."

"Oh?" James licked his lips and gave Kurt a once over. "Blaine isn't here to cock block if you do want to get together… I have a few hours before my next flight and I really was interested back at that frat party on Saturday."

Kurt laughed as he shook his head and stared the man in his eyes. "You really are pathetic. But I'm taken."

"By Blaine?" James asked with a chuckle.

"By Blaine," Kurt repeated seriously. "And I'm sure you're going to try to slither your way into his bed when you get back but I just want you to know you'll be greatly disappointed—"

"Kurt!" Felix ran over after he finally spotted his ex and Kurt was startled when the man lifted him up effortlessly. "God I missed you… I—" he laughed when he noticed that Kurt was already holding a bouquet of flowers, "I got you some carnations to add to your collection. Welcome home, sweetheart!"

James felt his jaw drop when the guy grabbed Kurt's face and kissed him hard on the lips. Kurt didn't pull away until after a moment and his eyes were wide with shock.

"Felix? What're you…?" he trailed off in disbelief and then turned to look at James. The Floridian had the sneakiest grin on his face.

"What was that you were saying about me being greatly disappointed? Because I'm pretty sure it was all bullshit. "

….

Dear Kurt,

I know this is probably the lamest thing a guy has ever done for you, but I never claimed to be cool. And you're totally into those romantic comedies so what the hell. Here's Blaine Anderson's grand gesture.

I feel like such a fool because right now you're just getting off of a plane that landed in New York and you're still a single man. What I want you to know is that wasn't my intention at all. I was supposed to make you mine officially. I was supposed to take you off the market so that I could have a real reason to get jealous when guys try and talk to you or take you out on dates, because you'd be my boyfriend. I should be the only one getting to court you because you're mine and we both know that.

But I was too much of a pussy to tell you that in person. I feel like such an idiot.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that we should really be together.

I can see your face right now. You're probably wondering why I didn't say any of this and why I'm writing a fucking email, but I just think having my thoughts written down for you to see can come in handy later. Plus, I started to stutter earlier when I wanted to ask you and then chickened out so this is definitely a better, more smooth option if I say so myself.

I don't want to ramble on for hours because you know I'm capable of it. There's probably a million things I could say. Like for instance I could tell you that I love the color of your eyes and how when you stare into mine I feel like the luckiest man alive. Anybody who has even a second of your attention should feel like the luckiest person alive. It's an honor to be the center of Kurt Hummel's universe and the focus of such a lovely man's attention for even a split second.

I could go on about how perfect it felt when our lips touched. Like, literally. I could literally go on for days about it. Your lips are beautiful and you have no idea how much I miss them. I miss them everywhere but specifically on my lips.

I could talk about how great it is when you hold me, or when I hold you. I could tell you that I know for sure that we're meant to be together. But talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than my mere words could even attempt. I could never communicate just how badly I want to be with you, so I'm willing to show you. I

Ring.

Ring.

Blaine rolled his eyes at the caller ID but decided that if he didn't take the call, James would only dial his number over and over again and he wouldn't be able to get back to his letter for Kurt. He didn't want James ruining his vibe but the quicker he got this conversation over with, the quicker he could get back to writing this for Kurt. Besides, James probably just wanted to tell him about how his vacation in South Africa was going anyway.

"Hello James."

"You'll never guess where I am."

Blaine yawned before slouching back. "Uh… aren't you on vacation?"

"Well I left early because I was kind of lonely," James told him, "so I get off the plane in NY so that I could switch over to a flight to Gainesville when I run into none other than your boy toy Kurt… oh, and his boyfriend Felix who was picking him up from JFK."

Blaine sat up; eyes wide. "What?"

"I was shocked. We talked for a little while. I got to meet this Felix guy who was all over him. I guess they really missed each other. It was cute."

"You're lying, James—"

"You could always ask him yourself. Kurt wouldn't lie to you, I'm sure."

Blaine gripped his phone tightly as he stared at the email on his laptop screen.

"Anyway, I just thought it was a funny story and I'd share it. It's such a small world. By the way, that tattoo is very tacky."

Blaine hung up the phone and dialed Kurt's number. It went straight to voicemail, so he tried again. Again, it went to voicemail.

Before crawling into bed, Blaine deleted all of the text on his computer screen.