Chapter 3

The car ride was awkward, but that wasnt a surprise. Blaine expected it to be awkward, and there wasnt a doubt that Kurt anticipated the tension as well. They both had just experienced an intense stare down in the hallway of the condo. But it wasnt just any intense stare down—one of them was still wet from a shower and had only a burgundy towel wrapped around his waist, and the other had on the tightest sleeveless workout shirt while sweat covered his arms and made his hair damp and curly, and wore shorts that hugged his muscular thighs. It was the King of All Stare Downs.

Kurt couldnt remember the last time his mind took him to a place where he wanted to be pinned against the wall by someone, but it had been quite some time since that wet dream happened. He was pretty sure the guy in said dream was faceless and nameless—he was sure that his imagination was running wild with the idea of someone driving him crazy, and the thought alone made him blush.

But this time, he knew exactly who it was in his fantasies. Seeing his boss standing there and staring back sent Kurt to a place no other had sent him.

A floral delivery truck stopped short at a red light Blaine thought the driver definitely could have beaten. Blaine placed his foot on the brakes and said a couple curses for the driver ahead of him as he drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. A Justin Timberlake song was playing, something from his recent album, Kurt remembered. They hadnt spoken since they said goodbye to the doorman Pernell and the teenager wasnt sure if he was grateful for that or concerned by it. Blaine always had something to say; something interesting to fill the quiet void, even if it was what most people considered small talk. It probably wasnt cause for concern though. Hopefully. After all, the two of them did have one hell of a morning.

As he adjusted his glasses, Kurt felt his phone vibrate from inside his backpack. He reached for it while wondering what Sebastian wanted now, knowing the only other person who ever texted him was right by his side behind the steering wheel.

Even after the light turned green, the pair barely inched down 5th Avenue in Blaines white BMW. Traffic had been pretty bad. Kurt was really late, and part of him had to acknowledge that his professor wouldnt even allow him into class. The text he read pretty much confirmed that.

From Sebastian:

Where are you? Last we spoke youd dropped off baby Anderson and was on your way. Youre usually here before Professor Duffy and earlier he refused to let that Marissa chick in when she showed up 5 minutes late. Theres no way hed let you in even though the guy thinks youre the greatest thing since Einstein. Im a little concerned so please text me back, Kurt.

Kurt didnt know he sighed until Blaine had commented on it, and when he heard the mans voice, he jumped a little.

"Everything okay?"

"Hm? Oh," Kurt smiled shyly and nodded, looking back down at his phone. Blaine didnt press him after that, only focusing on the road once more and cursing when a taxi tried to cut him off. They went back to being quiet as Kurt replied to his friend.

To Sebastian:

Srry, Bas. I had a very long morning. Im trying to get to campus but the traffic is a bit alarming right now. Its one of those times where I maybe shouldve gotten on the train.

Blaine stared out the window, humming along to the song. His main focus that morning had been trying his best not to think about seeing Kurt the way he found him earlier in their hallway, because every time he did think about it, he got very, very excited. The type of excited he hadnt gotten in a while. The type of excited he didnt think hed ever get over a guy. Well… at least not since college. College didnt count, though. Everyone was a little curious in college and he probably had a few beers in his system at the time. Back to the topic at hand; there was so much wrong with this, and he couldnt come up with an excuse as to why it happened, so he just chose to force himself not to remember the way Kurts skin looked so creamy and kissable, or the way he could easily run his tongue along the dips in his abdomen muscles and give the teen something hed never felt befo—ok this was not working.

"Fuck."

As he stopped at another traffic light, Kurt turned to look at him. "Is everything okay?" he asked.

Did I say that out loud? Blaine wondered. "Oh! Um, nothing, sorry. I just, I was thinking that maybe I should go down 6th Avenue. It would make more sense, right?"

Kurt shrugged a bit and smiled. His cheeks were turning pink as he forced himself to look down at his cell phone.

The awkward wouldnt end for a while, Blaine was sure of that. The few times that he and Kurt made eye contact after what the attorney had branded The Incident, Kurt would quickly blush and look away. Part of Blaine wondered if it was because Kurt found him attractive, but the rest of Blaine told him not to entertain that idea. What would he even do with that information? Of course besides try to keep his distance so that he didnt make the familys employee any more nervous or maybe even make him want to find a new job. Blaine didnt want to mess up a good thing. He wanted Kurt to stay around and in no way wanted him uncomfortable while under his roof, working for the Andersons.

He wanted Kurt to stay for Madison, of course. Madison needed someone she trusted and admired around, and someone that her family respected. His wife needed someone that could be trusted too, and they definitely found that in Kurt. Blaine… Blaine just needed to stop watching Kurts long fingers as they tapped at the screen of his cell phone. He was the one to sigh this time as he shook his head, signaling right on 57th street and driving over to 6th Avenue.

From Sebastian:

Well can you get your driver (I cant believe you have a driver, Im so fucking jealous of you you asshole) to drop you off by a train station? I mean, not that it really matters because youre going to miss this class but at least youll be around for your second one.

Kurt looked out the window and saw a tourist family smiling as they posed for pictures. He looked up at the red light as he thought and then replied.

To Sebastian:

I guess, but Im with Mr. Anderson right now. I probably should let him off the hook because today is his day off and he rarely gets any of those, but I dont know if hell even go along with me telling him that I can get there on my own. He said hed drive me and hes pretty stubborn, but in a good way.

"Sixth Avenue looks a lot better."

Kurt peeked up and nodded. "It does."

"I…" Blaine trailed off. He took a deep breath, hoping that he could phrase what he wanted to say in a way that would make things better between the two of them going forward, as opposed to upping the awkward. "Im sorry about earlier. I didnt know you were there and I definitely didnt know youd be—"

"How could you?" Kurt rushed the words out louder than hed spoken all morning, succeeding in interrupting his boss before Blaine could say the word naked. "Its not your fault at all. Its nobodys fault."

Blaine nodded. "I know but I just dont want things to be weird. I dont want you to feel uncomfortable."

From Sebastian:

So youre with Mr. Anderson? Dude, dont bother coming to class. Take the day off. Didnt you say he was hot?

Kurt felt his cheeks heating up as he put his phone back into his backpack. "It was a little weird I guess but Im not uncomfortable. Ill just try… not to wander around in my towel." He smiled and Blaine laughed a bit as he drove a little more freely now, this road less populated. Kurt fidgeted with his glasses. "We can talk about something else if youd like. Dont worry about earlier. I promise Im fine."

Blaine turned the radios volume down a bit. "Im happy to hear it. And alright, that sounds like a plan. So tell me more about yourself."

Kurt ignored his vibrating phone as he thought about where to start. "There isnt much for me to tell. Youre going to get bored easily like most people do when Im asked this question."

Blaine smiled. "I bet you I wont, Kurt."

Kurt shrugged in response. He knew that his boss would probably pretend to be interested in attempts to spare the nerdy teens feelings, but he didnt want to put him through the pain of sitting through The Life and Times of Kurt Hummel to begin with.

"Are you going to answer that?"

Kurt noticed his phone started to vibrate more incessantly this time. He sighed and dug for it. "Its only Sebastian."

Blaine didnt reply. Was this Sebastian kid more than a friend? Kurt could tell him if Sebastian was his boyfriend. "I dont mind if you take the call, you know."

Kurt looked at the curly haired man for a moment and then accepted the call. "Yes?"

"Whyd you stop replying? Are you two messing around?"

"Good morning to you too, Sebastian." Kurt stared out the window to hide his blushing face from Blaine. "How are you calling me from the lecture hall?"

"I stepped out of the lecture hall. Listen, I know hes married and all but hed be great preparation for our double date on Friday. Skip the day and stay with him."

Kurt closed his eyes, rubbing at his temple. What part of Blaine Anderson is married to a woman didnt Sebastian understand? "Im not entirely sure I have the patience for this conversation, Bas. Can I call you back later? Or Ill just… well see each other soon."

"No we wont. As a matter of fact, if you come here, Im going to be waiting outside the building for you, and Ill even introduce myself to Mr. Anderson—"

"Oh my god, Sebastian."

Blaine glanced over at the young man in the passenger side as he drove, wondering what the conversation was about. He started to hum along to the melody playing as they approached lower Manhattan, eventually singing when the song started.

"What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in and you kicking me out. Youve got my head spinning, no kidding, I cant pin you down."

Sebastian obviously heard the voice based on his response. "IS that HIM singing? Shit. He sounds beautiful. Can you imagine him singing around your cock?"

"Im going to go. Talk to you later."

"Ill be waiting in front of the building."

Kurt hung up and threw his head back against the seats rest, taking a slow, deep breath. Blaine smiled at him even though he was a tad bit concerned at the stress lines on Kurts forehead.

"So I take it that this is what conversations with Sebastian reduce you to?"

"Hes so annoying," Kurt added with a smile. Blaine smiled too.

"I want to meet him. I bet Ill get a lot more out of him about you than youre willing to spill, Kurt."

Kurt opened his eyes at that. That sounded absolutely terrible. No. Fucking. Way. "Um, Mr. Anderson?"

"Mr. Hummel?" Blaine teased, looking at him as they stopped for traffic. "Whats up?"

"Youre p-probably going to think Im crazy after we spent so much time in the car trying to get to NYU, but, I dont know if I want to go to school today. I think a day off would be great."

Blaine lifted an eyebrow as he looked at Kurt suspiciously. "You dont exactly seem like the type to skip class. Excuse me for making judgments on your behalf, but…"

"I dont usually," Kurt said. "I know finals are coming up soon and all, but Im going to ace them anyway. Id just rather relax. Ive made every other class all semester long and a day wouldnt hurt me. This morning was crazy… you know?"

Blaine glanced over at him before looking back at the road. "So where would you like to go? We can go to Barnes & Noble if youd like. Ill show you that book I was talking about. Youd love it." Blaine pulled over in front of a diner and looked at Kurt. "We can go to the one by Union Square. Its my favorite. There are also some smaller bookstores in Brooklyn that Im crazy about—"

"You dont have to feel obligated to take me anywhere, Blaine." Kurt fixed his bowtie out of his nervousness, needing something to do with his hands. "I um… its your day off. I dont want to impose or make you take me anywhere—"

"You dont want to hang out with me? Am I too old?" Blaine was teasing but Kurt wasnt so sure. "Are you gonna go meet up with Sebastian or something? I can take the heart break."

Kurt rolled his eyes and looked at his boss. "I doubt Id ditch you to go hang out with Sebastian. Hed probably just talk about this double date for the whole entire time and I am not looking forward to it. Its a blind date on my half."

Blaine looked at Kurt for a moment before replying. "A blind date? … That sounds like fun."

"Ha. If you say so."

His boss licked his dry lips. "Well I met Sarah like that, believe it or not. A mutual friend invited each of us to this party on campus and promised wed love each other. At first, we didnt get along at all but look at us now. A blind date got us Madison."

Kurt smiled at that. Maybe all blind dates werent from hell, but that didnt change the fact that he wasnt looking forward to Friday. "I suppose thats true. What if I dont really care about the whole dating thing? At least not now. One day, no doubt about it. And I dont know; things were probably different for you two. Youre both successful and youre both attractive people. Thats a no brainer. "

Blaine was quiet at first, only shrugging in response. He thought about it and turned to Kurt. "About the dating thing…about what you said, thats fair. I dont think youll have a lot of fun if you feel pressured to go. But at the same time, you wont know for sure until after your date, right? It could be the opposite of what you expected it to be."

Kurt shrugged. "Thats what Bas says but Im pretty sure. I dont know though. You both could be right."

They fell quiet again and Blaine continued when hed formulated a cohered thought. "When I met Sarah, we werent all that successful by the way. We were still in college—our junior years at that. I wasnt even sure of what I wanted to do… well thats not entirely true." Blaine ran his fingers along the leather steering wheel and Kurt watched the action, not wanting to look at the mans face. "I knew what I wanted to do but my mother and father would never be on board with it. I respected the fact that they were paying for my education. Thats where law school came in. But, back to the story… we were young and she was a good girl with a good head on her shoulders. We began dating. It was cool. After a few months, wed broken up, gotten back together, and broke up again. She thought I wasnt ready for commitment and I doubted that I was, too. Well not with Sarah because… we had our differences. I didnt know if I liked the person I was when I was with her, but eventually we worked through all of it and focused on each other."

Kurt smiled, albeit sadly. "People can change for the ones they love."

Blaine nodded. "I wouldnt say I did a whole 180 but I did grow up. I think I had to, though. We didnt plan on getting pregnant with Maddie in our senior year at Princeton but we did, and I did what I thought was best for the both of us and proposed."

The radio continued to play at a low volume. Kurt frowned at that. It sounded like the only reason Blaine and Sarah were together was because of their little girl, and while it was probably for the best, he didnt know if settling was what either Blaine or Sarah wanted. Hed probably do the same if he had a little girl or boy as well. Growing up with your parents separated must be hard and hed hate to put his kid through that. The Andersons must have felt the same way. "So you two worked through it for Madison, but are you happy?"

Blaine turned to look at Kurt and was surprised when he locked eyes with the blue ones hiding behind the large framed glasses. It was odd having Kurt not turn away or blush, but this was a nice difference. Kurts eyes were beautiful. What did he ask again?

Oh yeah.

"Well…," Blaine began. "Im happy that I have Madison. I love my daughter and I do love my wife. Things arent great between us. They probably arent even good between us but what marriage is perfect? Were 29 and have been married for six years. Youd think Id have an understanding of some things but its still like Im new at this."

Kurt nodded.

"We could do better in our communication and I know were busy and all but, I would love it if there was more of an effort put forth. A majority of the time I feel like Im in a relationship by myself, or that Im pulling all of the weight. I feel like whenever we organize a date night, something comes up. Something work related. Except for last month, but the date was like… so forced that it was almost painful. I think that Madison notices these things too and its the last thing Id want."

Kurt gave him a sad smile. "Shes too smart for her own good. Im pretty sure she gets that from the both of you."

Blaine laughed and looked away, back down at the steering wheel. "The girl is brilliant. And Im sorry for dumping all of this on you. I feel like I deterred you from blind dates instead of encouraging you to go on one."

Kurt smiled, looking down at his hands. "Dont worry about it. No relationship is perfect but I have faith you both will pull through."

Blaine stared out the window.

"I promised my friend Id go anyway. He even bought me new outfits and everything. I have to admit though, I feel like changing anything about myself to impress someone is a cop out. Sebastian thinks its just trying something new but…" Kurt shrugged. "Honestly, I feel like he wants to create a new Kurt just so that Ill have a boyfriend but everything will be based on a lie."

Blaine looked over at Kurt. "Youre amazing the way you are."

He blushed, shrugging again. "Im glad you think so. But Im not exactly boyfriend material. Theres a competitive market here in NYC."

"I suppose," Blaine said with a smile. "But my thing is, you can change your outfit and still stay true to yourself. Just be honest and be Kurt Hummel; same interests and dislikes and things that make you you. If you do that, I doubt this date of yours will give a damn about the clothes. Hell, maybe hell even try getting you out of them—"

"Oh. My. God." Kurt covered his face with both hands and laughed; his boss chuckling at his reaction.

"I mean, once that happens, trust me hell like what he sees."

Kurt laughed again, reaching forward to turn on the AC. "Its a bit hot."

"Your cheeks are so red," Blaine said with a laugh. "Ok. Ill stop teasing. But ultimately Kurt, its up to you. So…" Blaine turned forward in his seat and bit on his bottom lip as he checked his phone. "Where should I take you? Its almost noon."

Kurt checked the time and sighed. "Yeah, no sense in going to classes. We can hang around until its time to get Maddie, I guess. She and I made plans to do a fashion show and a runway type of thing in the living room tonight. She wants to see all of my new outfits and help me pick one for Friday."

Blaine internally cheered at the we part of Kurts sentence. "That sounds great. Im going to be a judge as well. No work for me tonight. But first, she and I will take you to Café Grumpy!" Blaine cheered and began to pull the car out of their spot. "So, are we off to Barnes and Noble or back to home?"

Kurt smiled. Mr. Anderson was honestly adorable. "Books first, home second."

"Sounds like a plan," Blaine said with a smile.

Kurt looked at his phone, typing a text.

To Sebastian:

Ill see you tomorrow.

…

The day went by much too quickly in Kurts opinion. He and Blaine spent a couple hours, if not a little more, in Barnes & Noble at Union Square. They read Zero at the Bone in its entirety in the corner of the enormous book store, sitting on the carpeted floor with their sides pressed together. It probably wouldve been easier to buy the book and take it back to the condo but there was something about lounging in the book store and taking turns reading that both men found… more appealing. For Kurt, it mayve been that his boss didnt see him strolling through Barnes and Nobles partially nude, but that was neither nor there.

After they finished, Blaine made no effort to get up. They sat there and talked about how amazing the story was for a while before Kurt stood up and started browsing the aisle again. Blaine watched him pick out a couple books before he stood as well, taking them from Kurts hands when they got to the register and paying despite the teens many protests.

They got takeout on the way back to the condo and ate once they arrived, mostly in silence. Being back in the condo reminded them of that morning, and Kurt felt his cheeks turning pink every time he looked in the direction of the hallway. He felt that Blaine mustve sensed it because of the mans smirk when they caught eyes, but eventually Blaine would look back down at his food and pretend that he was clueless to the things going on in Kurts head.

After disappearing into their separate rooms for a while, Kurt came out first and ended up in the living room. He watched something on Sci-Fi before that bored him, and then he turned on Netflix. When Blaine came out, he was dressed in a dark track suit with a t-shirt underneath. Kurt smiled at his boss as Blaine took a seat next to him and looked up at the screen.

"So how much time is there before Maddie is out from school? I would love to take a quick nap before then."

Blaine stretched out a bit; his green-socked feet up on the coffee table. "Theres about an hour and a half. Ill pick her up today though, so you can nap away if youd like."

Kurt considered it as he looked up at the movie playing. "I guess I will. Shell be so excited to see you, you know."

Blaine smiled. "You can relax. I want to spend some more time with her so Ill help with homework and getting her ready for bed tonight and all." Blaine turned to look at the nanny who had his head propped on one of the sofa pillows; body folded into the side of the beige couch. "Youre going to need all of your energy for the fashion show tonight."

Kurt smiled, rubbing at his temple above his glasses. "Im nervous about that. What if Madison thinks I look ridiculous in the new clothes? I already know Im going to look stupid."

"Youll look great," Blaine told him. "Im certain the guy will like you regardless of what youre wearing, Kurt. That is if he has any good sense. And if he doesnt have any good sense then you shouldnt waste your time on him. "

Kurt played with the ends of the pillow as he listened. "You know hes British? He could probably get a ton of cute guys on his accent alone. People are into that."

Blaine stared at the television as he took in that statement. "Are you into British guys?"

Kurt blushed, not believing they were about to partake in this conversation. "I dont know if I have a type, per se, but if I did it would definitely be an intelligent, independent thinker—maybe someone who is passionate in what his interests are and doesnt care what other people have to say about him because of what he likes. It doesnt necessarily matter where hes from or how he speaks."

Blaine listened to him and nodded, turning to face the teen with a small smile. "It sounds like you have a type, but thats a great answer. That says a lot about you. What are you interested in or passionate about?"

Kurt bit his lip and stared up at the high ceiling as he thought. "Im definitely passionate about writing and reading. I also draw but not as often as Id like."

Blaine hummed. "What do you write?"

"Mostly short stories for fun, but I really want to go into journalism more than anything. I used to write for my high school paper. I basically wrote the high school paper," he said with a smile that looked to be a bit forced. "I was teased but I didnt care too much. That was one thing I actually loved being a part of, and in high school, there wasnt a lot that made me happy. I think that if I met someone who was the same way, Id be attracted to that."

Blaine laid down now. His head was by Kurts chest and his feet were propped on the arm of the couch. Kurt moved aside a bit so that they could both be comfortable, but he couldnt deny how tense he felt being this close to his boss. No matter how much he wanted to forget what happened that morning, he knew for sure that the embarrassment he felt would be etched into his memory forever, along with the image of his boss standing there looking as sexy as he did. Blaine spoke and distracted him from his thoughts.

"I admire you for that, honestly. I kind of did the opposite of what you did, and I let people tell me that my passions werent worth a damn and that I should make a life for myself doing something that would keep me and my family well off… financially and socially."

Kurt looked down at him. Blaine was still looking at the ceiling, but he could tell the man had a lot on his mind by the look on his face alone. And wow, he was gorgeous. Focus. "What is that you were passionate about?" Kurt asked instead.

"Not were," Blaine said. "I still am passionate about it. Music is everything to me. But, my parents thought that Id be wasting my time pursuing that and I listened."

Kurt was quiet.

"Its mainly because they were the ones paying for my schooling. But also because I really respect my mother and father and going against their wishes… I just wouldnt do it." Blaine realized after a while that Kurt really wasnt saying anything. Kurt rarely spoke but, he knew why he was quiet this time. It had less to be about him being shy and more about him being disappointed. "I guess that means you wouldnt be interested in me, huh?"

Kurt smiled, placing a hand on Blaines shoulder without thinking twice about it. "I heard you singing in the car and youre incredible."

Blaine moved closer into the teen, his eyes still focused on the ceiling. "Thank you."

"And I can understand your situation. But the thing is, youre almost 30 right? Whats stopping you from doing what you want to now?"

Blaine shrugged, sighing a bit. "I do have a family and thats my priority."

"You cant convince me that Madison wouldnt support you 110 percent."

"But my wife?" Blaine said with a laugh, rolling onto his stomach to look at Kurt. Kurt blushed at their closeness and fidgeted with glasses. "Maddie isnt my question."

"Well Sarah is your wife. Why wouldnt she want you to do something you enjoy?"

"Maybe she thinks its a waste of time as well," Blaine said. "And now that I say that out loud, I really do hope that you find someone who is not only passionate about their interests, but loves that youre passionate about yours as well."

Kurt nodded. They looked away from one another; Blaine down at his nails before he started to bite on a few of them and Kurt at the rug. "You wont know unless you try."

Blaine nodded. "Yeah. Would you support me though?"

"Without a doubt. Well… if youre any good." He smiled and Blaine chuckled. "Then definitely."

Blaine moved his arm and each man adjusted themselves so that they were face to face. Kurt ignored the fact that he was this close to his boss because he and Blaine were just friends. He liked this. Blaine was easy to talk to and Kurt never considered himself someone that liked to engage in conversation. Maybe it was because Blaine was an older guy, and because he was really smart. Maybe it was because he was incredibly hot. Kurt didnt care the reason why, he just liked having someone he felt comfortable around who didnt judge him for being a nerdy kid or attracted to boys only. As he thought about all of this, he realized that Blaines hand was on his bicep; the mans thumb rubbing over his smooth, pale skin.

"Remind me to send a thank you card to Best Care Agency for placing you with us."

Kurt was silent at first. He looked at Blaine and as the man gazed back at him through those long, dark lashes, Kurt fought his hardest not to blush. He didnt want to scare his boss away and make him think that he had a crush on him. Who knew what making Blaine uncomfortable would do? Hed probably lose a good job over a silly crush and that was really, really stupid. "W-Why would you do that?"

Blaine looked down at his fingers on Kurts arm and answered. "I mean, why wouldnt I? Youre an awesome caregiver. My daughter adores you. And out of all of this, I got a pretty good friend, at least I think."

Kurt smiled after a moment. "I think so too."

"Its like, not only are you important to this family for everything you do—despite not entirely wanting to be hired in the position they sent you here for—you are important to me as well. Its been a while since I had someone I could just chat with like this." The look on Blaines face was so sincere and Kurt was happy that he could be the one this friend of his opened up to. "Its not that I have no friends," he said with a laugh. "But you listen to me and I can be honest with you and you always have something clever to say in return. The agency couldve sent us a seventy year old woman who barely understands English unless its to ask for her paycheck. Theyve done that once."

Kurt couldnt help but laugh and shake his head. Instead of asking what he really wanted to ask about whether or not it was easy to talk to Sarah, he opted on something else. "That mustve been fun. No wonder you guys warmed up to me so quickly."

Mr. Anderson looked at Kurt smiling and did the same. "I think we warmed up to you because youre amazing."

Kurt blushed and looked down at Blaines hand on his arm. "And youre not just saying that because you saw me mostly naked this morning?"

Blaine burst out laughing and Kurt joined in after a moment, smiling at how comfortable the two of them were. He was definitely grateful that the whole look back at it and laugh mentality had been applied here. "Well, maybe it has something to do with it…"

Kurt dragged a hand down his face as he laughed. "Youre too much."

Blaine licked his lips. "I just think—" His phone started to ring and Blaine sat up as he reached for it. Kurt watched him, and for some reason now more than ever before, the mans silver wedding band stood out. It was on the hand that had been touching Kurts bicep but he paid it no attention. After Blaine answered the phone, it was even more of a reminder of why his dumb crush was the worst thing ever…

"Hey honey."

Sarah Anderson was a person that was real and who was married to Blaine Anderson. The smart, handsome, straight Blaine Anderson. The Blaine Anderson who was on the phone with Sarah Anderson right now.

Kurt fixed his The Big Bang Theory t-shirt as he sat up on the couch, not wanting to listen to the conversation. No matter how much he said for himself not to see Blaine as anything other than what he was—his boss—Kurt found himself maybe a little bit attracted to Blaine and how he treated him as a person. It was really, really bad.

"Ok. Well, just let me know when youre boarding your flight. Ill have a driver at the airport for you." Blaine rubbed at his temple and then scratched his jaw, mumbling his next sentence. "Nothing much. Just hanging out."

Kurt stood up and stretched, and when Blaine looked up at him he gestured to his bedroom, trying to imply that hed go take a nap in there. Blaine shook his head no as he listened to whatever his wife was saying on the phone, so Kurt stayed there; standing frozen in his spot. "Alright. Well if anything changes just give me a call. Yeah. Bye, Sarah."

He hung up the phone and Blaine took Kurts hand, pulling him back down to the sofa. "Dont go."

Kurt smiled as he plopped down on the couch. "Is everything ok?"

"She just finished her meeting in Boston but her flight isnt for another few hours for whatever reason so. Yeah. But shes fine," Blaine told him, yawning a bit afterwards. "Youre stuck with me and Maddie. Sorry."

"That sounds terrible. Well, the you part."

Blaine smirked and nudged the teen. "You dont mean that. You always fix your glasses when youre lying."

Kurt laughed as he moved his hands away from the glasses on his face. "That is not true at all. Im an honest person—stop that," Kurt said with a laugh, trying to bat Blaines hands away. "Mr. Anderson—"

"I want to see them." Blaine took Kurts glasses and smiled as the teen covered his face with both hands. "How bad is your eyesight?"

Kurt kept his hands over his face for a while before lowering them. "Terrible. Those are heavily prescribed so you shouldnt put them on."

Of course, Blaine put them on. "Jesus."

"I told you," Kurt said, rubbing at his eyes before kicking his feet up on the coffee table. "Seriously, youre going to ruin up your eyes. Dont wear them."

Blaine took them off and blinked a few times before facing the teen. "Have you ever worn contact lenses?"

"I actually have contact lenses. Ive just grown very fond of the glasses."

The man smiled. "They are part of you, for sure. But I can see your eyes a lot better without them on."

Kurt raised an eyebrow as he felt his cheeks tint pink. "A-Are you insinuating that looking into your nannys eyes is something you do often?"

Blaine smirked at the teasing nature of the question. "Im not insinuating anything at all. Just making an observation is all."

"Uh huh," Kurt said with a smile. "Youre also distracting me from my nap."

"Well, my bad." Blaine stood up and stretched. "Im going to go run and errand or two before getting Princess. You better get some rest."

Kurt looked up at him and nodded. "Promise I will. Bye, Mr. Anderson."

"Bye, Mr. Hummel."

After putting on shoes, getting his keys and wallet, and throwing on a light jacket, Blaine had exited the apartment while humming something unfamiliar. Kurt stared at the TV screen for a while after he was gone, trying his best not to think about how incredible the time theyd spent together that day made him feel. They still had the rest of the afternoon and evening to go since Mrs. Anderson would be getting back to New York late, but with Maddie being there, hopefully Kurt would have less time to wonder if Blaine was being flirty with him and less time to crush on his boss. If Blaine was being flirty purposely, that wasnt nice of him. Kurt took a deep breath and closed his eyes, forcing himself to think of anything else. Maybe when he woke up, hed Facebook people in his classes, or email his professors to find out if there were any homework assignments.

…

Madison really was excited when her father showed up at dismissal to take her home that afternoon. It was a while since hed gotten her from school. Blaine decided that they would walk home together instead of drive, and on the entire way there, they chatted about different things that happened during the day.

Blaine didnt tell Madison about his day. Shed be jealous that he got to spend time with Kurt for sure and would probably never be quiet about it. Instead, he allowed his beautiful little girl to go on about her school day and all that she learned.

Her only homework was math, so it wasnt too much of a task for them to tackle. After they stopped for ice cream and arrived back home, they settled in at the dining room table and got started. Kurt was fast asleep but in his bedroom, though that was fine because Blaine didnt want his very loud and eager daughter to wake him.

"Are you sure that 5+8 is 13? I got 743."

Madison laughed at her father. "I am positive 5 plus 8 is 13, papa."

Blaine sighed. "I dont know."

"What time is mommys plane?"

"Im not too sure. I asked her to call me when she was boarding." The man pulled out his cell phone and looked down at it. "Do you want to call her and say hey? Make sure shes doing super?"

Madison nodded after writing down the last answer on her worksheet. After her father dialed the number, she went over to him and jumped in his lap. It rang a couple times as Blaine went over the homework to make sure Madison did everything correctly. When he signed his name to say that hed helped her with it, he heard his wife answer even though the phone was pressed against the curly haired girls ear. "I told you that Id call before I got on, Blaine. You calling me isnt going to rush the process."

"Mom?"

"Sweetie? Oh, hi baby. Sorry. Hi, how are you?"

Blaine shook his head as he listened to the conversation. Her attitude was so uncalled for.

"Im good mommy. Papa let me call you because I know you will be home late. I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you."

"I miss you too, baby. Was school good today? Are you finished with your homework?"

Maddie nodded. "School was fun and Im all done with homework. Im waiting for Kurt to wake up so that we can hang out. Daddy surprised me at school this afternoon."

There wasnt a response.

"Hello? Mom?"

"Sweetie, put your father on the phone."

"Ok. Love you."

"Love you too, baby."

Madison handed the phone back to her father. "Mommy wants to speak to you."

Blaine kissed her cheek and said thank you before holding the phone to his ear. He watched her hop down and run towards the bedrooms, knowing that shed probably go and bother Kurt now that her dad was distracted. "Hello."

"Kurts asleep and youre doing the job we pay him good money for? I understand its your day off but that doesnt mean he doesnt have to do anything, Blaine. Its after 4 in the afternoon. Hes still on duty—"

"Im not paying Kurt to be a father to my daughter, Sarah. If I want to give him time to relax while I spend time with my little girl who I barely get to spend time with, then thats my decision, not yours."

His wife chuckled. "He behaves totally differently when Im there. Kurt knows that I expect him to be a nanny during the week. Just because we moved him in doesnt mean that he gets to freeload and do nothing."

Blaine shook his head. "Im not having this ridiculous conversation with you. Goodbye."

"Blaine."

"Bye, Sarah." Blaine hung up the phone and stood up. He looked around the rooms and shook his head seriously not believing the conversation he just took part in. Was Blaine not supposed to spend any quality time raising their daughter just because they hired someone to help out? What the hell?

"Hes awake!" Madison said, running out of the back of the home. Blaine smiled as Kurt slowly strolled in behind her, rubbing at his eyes. He was clearly startled out of his sleep.

"Yeah m up," the teen said, easing his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. "What did I miss?"

Blaine looked at Madison, not at all fooled by her innocent smile. "Did you wake up Kurt?"

Madison ignored the question. "Lets go to Café Grumpy so that we can come back in time for the fashion show!"

Kurt smiled at her enthusiasm even though he didnt feel any of it. He looked at Blaine and saw the man smiling at him. "She really is a mini-you, you know that?"

"Yup," Blaine told him. "Now go get ready."

…

Kurt was shunned the entire way home because he didnt think Café Grumpy was all that good. It was okay. Kurt happened to be fonder of Starbucks, which Blaine happened to dislike. Kurt didnt think their pastries were all that great either. There was a good twenty minute period where neither Blaine nor Madison would talk to him, despite his trying to start conversations. He broke Blaine first by saying "I think Ill get in the shower when we get back," which made the man laugh and eventually whisper "screw you."

Madison had to talk to her Nanny eventually because the whole silent treatment thing was torture. And it wasnt only because she was a motor mouth, but it was because she always had something fun to talk about with Kurt. It was like he knew everything. She really liked it when her dad was hanging out with them too, because her father and Kurt together were so much fun.

When they got back to the condo and Kurt reluctantly dragged himself to his room to prepare for this fashion show, Blaine received a call from his wife. He sighed as he answered it, not wanting to argue.

"I just wanted to let you know that Im boarding. This flight lands at LaGuardia so please have a driver there in an hour and a half."

Blaine ran a hand through his hair as Maddie brought snacks over to the coffee table, almost dropping a bowl of chips. "Will do. What gate?"

"Terminal C."

"Alright."

She hung up and Blaine didnt think much of it. They both had their moods from time to time.

But are you happy?

Blaine could hear Kurts voice clear as day as he remembered the question the boy asked him earlier that day in the car. He walked over to the couch and sat down next to his little girl.

"Pumpkin head."

"Broccoli head," Madison replied, sticking her tongue out at her father.

Blaine smiled. "Give me a kiss, Princess."

Madison swallowed her popcorn and knelt on the couch, landing a wet one on her fathers cheek. "I love you, elephant butt."

"I love you more, monkey face." Blaine kissed her in the hair and then reached over into the bowl for some snacks.

"Are you guys ready?" Kurt called out from deep in the hallway.

Madison turned around with a smile. "Yes! We were born ready, Kurt Hummel!"

"No peeking," Kurt said. He couldnt believe he was doing this. Why did these jeans need to be so tight, Sebastian? "And definitely no laughing."

Blaine rolled his eyes, but smiled after he finished chewing. "Hurry it up back there."

"Fine," Kurt mumbled. He walked out slowly, not even pretending to be a model on a runway like Blaine and Madison told him to do while they were enjoying their mediocre pastries and coffees at Café Grumpy. Modeling required confidence and Kurt didnt exactly feel confident in the things he had on. The outfit was for guys who could pull this off. Kurt didnt think that he could.

Of course, Madison was peeking as he walked from out of the back, smiling widely when she saw him. Kurt still saw the back of his bosss head, so that meant that he wasnt going to sneak a look. "Maddie…"

"You look great! Come on, walk!"

Kurt laughed and his cheeks went red, he just knew it. He walked the path to the living room and knowing he was already making a fool of himself, he decided to play with it. He stopped in the center of the room when Blaines eyes found his body and put both hands in his pockets (as best he could) leaning to his right side and posing like a high fashion runway model. Madison clapped loudly and tried her hardest to whistle. She made a loud squealing noise instead, but Kurt got the point.

Blaine had yet to move though. Well, anything other than his eyes had yet to move. Kurt didnt notice just how long they stayed glued to his navy blue denim jeans—the jeans that were glued to Kurts long legs and hips. He did notice how Blaine licked his lips when he glanced up at the low-cut V neck shirt and how much of his chest and neck were exposed because of it. Madison jumped on her dads lap and asked what he thought about it, and that seemed to knock the man out of his trance. Kurt watched his darkened hazel eyes brighten up a bit as he smiled at his little girl.

"Well, um its definitely different." Blaine looked away from Maddie and at Kurt. "I mean, its a good different though. How do you feel about it?"

Better now that I just caught you ogling me. "Im not sure. I think maybe if I wear this cardigan I bought with it. But, everything is a little tighter than I am accustomed to."

"Tight is fine," Madison told him, waving her hand. "Its in now. You look fab."

Blaine looked at her and shook his head before facing Kurt again. "Her mother is in the fashion industry."

Kurt laughed.

"I think," Blaine licked his lips and Kurt swore that the mans ears were turning a little red. "Maybe you should go try on another and let us compare."

Kurt smiled at him as he fixed his glasses. "Sounds like a plan."

He walked off slowly, knowing that hed be watched. He didnt know how or why, but he just knew Blaine would glance over his shoulder.

A little harmless fun, right? It wasnt like anything would come of it.

Kurt tried on his next outfit and did the skinny tie around his neck. He checked himself in the mirror and approved. This ensemble was a bit closer to what the stylish guys on campus wore—the ones everyone thought were cool. The teen decided that after he coiffed his hair a bit, hed switch to his contacts. That would be a total makeover and he didnt know how hed feel if they approved too much but, this was supposed to be him doing things differently. What the hell, right?

Kurt heard music playing when he walked out of his bedroom and he laughed when the lyrics registered. Fancy by Iggy Azalea played. Maddie was distracted by a tickle fight with her father when Kurt entered the living room, swaying over to the spot he occupied previously. Even if he looked like an idiot, he was having fun with it, and at the end of the day, that was what mattered.

"Ahem," Kurt bowed when he had their attention and did a little twirl. Madison smiled when she looked up and hopped up on the couch, pushing her father aside.

"Thats hot stuff! And wow, youre even more of a hunk without the spectacles!"

Kurt smiled and placed his hands in his pockets. That girl was going to be a huge flirt when she knew what she was capable of. Shed pretty much own all the boys.

Blaine had a small smirk on his lips as his eyes moved up and down Kurts body. "Those jeans are tighter than the last pair. I didnt think that was possible. But I love the color red. You look incredible."

"Agreed," Madison said with a nod of finality. "Really, really incredible!"

"Thank you both."

Blaine smiled at him; their eyes locked on one anothers as the man licked his lips. "And like I said earlier, being able to see your eyes is differently a good thing in my book. But, I am also a fan of the glasses."

Kurt nodded. "Ill c-consider that."

Blaine nodded back. "Are there any others?" His eyes had roamed back down to Kurts thighs but only for a moment. He was then feigning indifference, glancing over at the TV.

Kurt nodded. "Just one more outfit but I think Im going to go with this one. I am a fan of skinny ties, and this being a button-up shirt even though its all white, it feels like home."

Blaine smiled at that. "Yeah, that one looks really good. But I think it may be a tie with the first one."

"We need to see the last one to be sure," Madison added, rubbing her chin. Kurt smiled at her.

"I cant tell you no, Maddie. Ill be right back then."

Blaine was looking at the TV again as Madison said ok, and Kurt jogged back to the room. He heard the 6 year old attempting to sing along with the rap lyrics and not do so well, but she was definitely doing better than her father.

Madison decided that shed take a bathroom break a few minutes after Kurt had left. Blaine nodded and told her to hurry up as he took a drink of her apple juice. He nodded his head to the Usher song playing and stared at the TV, waiting for the final outfit.

Fucking gravy.

Kurt looked… shit. He looked incredibly fuckable in both of the outfits he came out in. Like, seriously. And Blaine was totally in a committed relationship with his beautiful wife but, like, shit. Kurt… he was a very attractive young man. There was nothing wrong with admitting that. It wasnt like Blaine didnt find guys handsome before. He just didnt automatically think let me take your virginity right here on my living room floor when he saw a handsome guy. Like, seriously.

Kurt strolled into the living room and looked around for Maddie, adjusting the sleeves of the fitted floral shirt he wore. His abdomen muscles were clearly visible. It was great. Blaine smiled when he saw Kurt had hooked suspenders onto his pants and let them hang down by his sides. The pants he wore were white and tucked into shin-length Doc Marten boots. "She had to run to the bathroom… damn."

Kurt froze where he was in the center of the room and looked at his boss. He blushed, and then smiled. "Damn? Is everything ok, Mr. Anderson?"

Blaine licked his lips and looked away, nodding. Mr. Anderson. Kurt would be the death of him. "Everything is fantastic. Do you want to place bets that Sebastian will change his mind about this blind date if he ever sees you in those?"

Kurt walked closer to Blaine and watched the mans eyes focus on his bottom half. He slowly turned around and smiled at Blaine nodding his head. "So you like this one too?"

After a deep breath came his answer. "Its… yeah. I like, I like it. Theyre all great. Yeah."

Kurt licked his lips and blushed, looking away. He didnt think he could go through with… whatever this was. This could only end badly, this crush. And his bosss flirting was going to make things even worse.

"Ill consider it, then."

Blaine looked at the teens face and saw it change. He cleared his throat and sat up straighter, hoping that the half hardness he felt right now wasnt visible. "Are you ok?"

Kurt still didnt give him any eye contact. "Sorry, yeah, Im fine."

"I hope you dont think I think that your style is bad because I love it, its you. But this… I guess you can wear anything well is what Im saying. Yes."

Kurt nodded and glanced at him for only a moment. "Thank you but Im not thinking that at all. Im fine."

Blaine nodded at him.

"Wow," Madison clapped slowly as she walked over. "I think the suspenders are a nice touch, and those boots. Very nice, very nice."

Kurt smiled when he saw her and did another twirl. "So yes? Is there a clear winner?"

"I think the one with the tie." Madison thought, and then sat down next to her father and looked at him. "Maybe add the suspenders to that one?"

Blaine smiled at her and nodded. "Maybe."

Kurt smiled at the both of them. "Well, I have a good four days to worry about all of that. Im going to get in my pajamas. Thanks for all your help."

"Glad we could help," Blaine told him. He took another look at Kurt and smiled as the teen hurried away. It was a few minutes of Madison going on about how perfect Kurt was going to look for his date while she ate her snacks before Blaine finally told her it was bath time.

Kurt didnt really come out of his room much after that.

…

At 10 oclock that evening, Sarah walked into the condo. Blaine was at the table reading over some emails he neglected that day. He looked up at the blonde as she pulled off her coat and hung it up. To be honest, Blaine wasnt expecting her to say much being that they were having their little ridiculous argument, but she smiled when she saw him and walked over; her short black skirt tight around her thighs and more cleavage than necessary showing through her red top.

"Hello, handsome."

Blaine looked back to his laptop screen before facing his wife again. "Sarah. How were the meetings—" she sat in his lap and smiled at the shock on her husbands face.

"Im sorry for being a shitty wife today. I was stressed out. Can I make it up to you?"

Blaine looked at her to see if she was being serious. Or maybe she wanted something. "If you really mean it, yeah."

"I mean it." She kissed his lips and stood up. "Ill go run the Jacuzzi. Meet me in 10?"

Blaine nodded as the woman walked away. He took a deep breath once he heard a door close and dragged a hand down his face.

But are you happy?