Kurt grinned when he spotted Blaine at his locker on Monday morning. Even after spending most of the weekend together, Kurt was still thrilled to see him.

“Good morning,” Kurt said as he reached Blaine’s side, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Good morning,” Blaine echoed back, quietly.

Kurt wrapped an arm around Blaine’s shoulders and pulled him in close to his side as they walked to class, but Blaine remained quiet. Kurt was confused by Blaine’s reserved behavior, he thought he had finally been drawing the boy out of his shell.

Kurt left Blaine at his Calculus class with a promise to find him in passing before second period, before turning down the hall towards his own class.

"I'm seriously going to hurl if you don't stop parading your fuck buddy around, Hummel."

Kurt caught sight of Rick, leaning against a locker with a few of his friends, variations of a disgusted sneer smeared on their faces.

"It's bad enough imagining what you two get up to in the backseat of your car, I don't need a demonstration," Rick said.

"I didn't realize you spent so much time fantasizing about gay sex," Kurt snapped, feeling himself get quickly riled up. He was glad they were out of earshot of Blaine's classroom; he wanted to be able to protect Blaine from shit like this.

"Why you-"

"Bring it!" Kurt snapped, lunging forward.

"Kurt!" Finn yelled, suddenly there and pulling Kurt back before he could take a swing.

Puck appeared out of nowhere and shoved Rick hard into the lockers behind him.

"You leave my boys alone!" Puck shouted, but quickly retreated to help Finn push Kurt down the hall and away from the quickly escalating confrontation.

"That fucking asshole," Kurt growled, pulling out of Finn's grip and stalking down the hall towards their English room. He didn't say another word as the three of them found their seats.

"We should have known they'd get worse now that you have a boyfriend," Finn said eventually. He looked angry and Kurt could appreciate that his brother cared.

"He's not my boyfriend yet," Kurt admitted, reaching into his bag for his homework.

"What?" Puck seemed confused, "But you're all over him, all the time. Is it just a friends-with-benefits thing? Cause I had that with Santana before she gave up on guys all together, and it was pretty awesome."

Kurt shook his head. "It's not like that, Blaine is really important to me," he said. He wasn't sure how much he wanted to reveal about his relationship with Blaine; even he didn't entirely understand it most days.

"We’re still getting to know each other. And, well, I haven't kissed him yet."

--

As Blaine approached the cafeteria, he spotted Kurt waiting for him in the hallway. He was standing with Puck and the two of them appeared absorbed in a rather serious looking conversation.

"I don't understand why you don't just go for it!" Puck was saying, clearly exasperated

"It's complicated!" Kurt replied, and he clearly hadn't noticed Blaine approaching.

"If I were you, I totally would have tapped that by now."

Oh god, Blaine thought, they're talking about a girl!

Kurt rolled his eyes, "I'm interested in more than just 'tapping that,' now will you leave it alone? I've got everything under control."

"Fine, fine," Puck grumbled and turned to head into the cafeteria. 

Blaine stood frozen for a minute, but then Kurt turned and caught his eye. Blaine moved towards him as if he were drawn by a magnetic force.

"Hi," Kurt whispered as he pulled Blaine into his arms. 

"Hi," Blaine replied, burying his face in Kurt's neck and clinging to the lapels of his jacket. Kurt's strong arms wrapped around his waist, and Blaine wanted to stay there forever.

Blaine let Kurt lead him into the cafeteria, let Kurt buy him lunch, let Kurt lead him over to their seats with a hand on his back. When they sat down, Blaine pressed in as close as he could to Kurt's side and clutched tightly when Kurt took his hand in his. 

Staring blankly at the plate of food in front of him, Blaine tried to imagine how he was going to get by without Kurt. Because sooner or later, he was going to have to. He didn't know who the girl was, but somehow he doubted she'd want to share Kurt. Blaine knew Kurt would be forced to pull away from their friendship, and Blaine wasn't sure he could stand it.

"Hey," Kurt said, squeezing Blaine's hand. "Come on, eat."

Blaine picked up his fork and started to eat his lunch. If he was good, if he was really good, maybe Kurt wouldn't leave him.

--

It was a long week for Blaine, He spent every day worrying over the possibility of losing Kurt. He felt better whenever he was close to Kurt, but as soon as they would part, he'd start to feel the anxiety building.

Part of him tried to argue that he should just pull away from Kurt now. That it would be better than waiting for Kurt to abandon him. But Blaine just couldn't, he was so dependent on Kurt that he didn't know how to let go. It scared Blaine how quickly he'd become attached to the other boy; he'd only known Kurt for three weeks!

As Blaine approached his locker on Friday morning he desperately scanned the crowd for Kurt, but he didn't see him anywhere. He did see one of the hockey boys rounding the corner, headed straight for him. He had a slushy in hand that was pointed right at him. Blaine flinched back against his locker, but the guy stopped when someone shouted. 

"Hey, that's Hummel's boy! You got a death wish?"

Blaine opened his eyes when he didn't feel the cold sting of ice hit his face. He found the glaring boy right in front of his face, staring him in the eye and holding the slushy. Blaine’s heart raced with fear, but unexpectedly, the boy turned and walked away, slushy still in hand.

Blaine slumped and leaned heavily against the lockers, feeling shaken and confused. He felt the familiar anger start to well up in his chest as the fear faded, and he turned and slammed his fist into his locker door.

"What the hell was that?" Kurt's voice snapped and strong arms were suddenly wrapped around Blaine's waist.

Blaine let out a small whimper of relief and buried his face in Kurt's shirt. The anger drained out of him, just as quickly as it had risen. 

"If he had slushied you...” Kurt growled protectively, glaring at the hockey boy’s retreating back. He turned back to Blaine and took his hand, inspecting his throbbing knuckles. They might bruise, but fortunately they weren’t bleeding. “Why did you do that? You could have hurt yourself.”

“I know,” Blaine muttered.

“Please, don’t do that again,” Kurt said gently, but the expression on his face was stern. “If you’re angry, tell me. Or go to the gym and take it out on the bag. OK?”

“OK,” Blaine said, easily accepting Kurt’s directions. He cuddled in closer, absorbed in the feeling of safety and security that Kurt always gave him. The anger was gone and Blaine involuntarily shivered at the memory of his first and only experience with a slushy.

Kurt responded by opening his jacket and wrapping it around Blaine, cocooning Blaine in the warmth of his body.

"I got you."

Blaine tried to sink into the feeling of Kurt’s arms around him. He wanted to memorize it and save it to be pulled out later, when he didn’t have it anymore.

--

"Party tonight, at el casa de Puck!"

"And to think he only got a C in Spanish 101," Santana dead-panned from her seat at the lunch table. She was obviously more interested than she was pretending, since she was now giving Puck her full attention.

"Shut your mouth, woman," Puck snapped, playfully. "Party, my house, tonight. You better all better there," he said, and pointed at Kurt and Blaine. "Especially you two."

Kurt wasn't sure if this was a terribly great idea. Something had obviously been up with Blaine all week and Kurt still didn't know what it was. But he knew that Puck would be very disappointed if he didn't go and they could always leave early. And maybe a little change of pace would be good for Blaine; he'd hardly made any friends other than Kurt so far.

"Do you want to go?" Kurt asked Blaine, careful not to tell him he was going, but rather to ask what he actually wanted.

Blaine looked at Kurt with complete trust. "If you're going, I want to go with you."

Kurt nodded and turned back to Puck. "We’ll be there."

--

Blaine stood at the window by the front door, watching carefully for Kurt's car. Kurt had told him to be ready, and he wanted to be sure that he was when Kurt arrived.

His house was quiet; his parents were both out for the night as they often were on Fridays. As he watched, headlights came around the bend in the road, and Blaine was out the front door the moment he recognized Kurt's Navigator. 

Kurt took Blaine's hand the moment he got in the car and squeezed it. Blaine smiled at him, taking the gesture as approval and feeling something warm bloom in the pit of his stomach.

Blaine was a little nervous when they arrived at Puck's house, but he relaxed when Kurt  took his hand to lead him through Puck's house. They passed through the kitchen and down a steep set of stairs into the finished basement. The lights were dimmed and there was music playing over the sound of voices.

It was early yet, the party was mostly just the Glee club group and a few random football players. Regardless, Blaine still leaned in close to Kurt, naturally drawing on him in this new situation. 

"How are you feeling?" Kurt asked, squeezing his hand.

"Nervous," Blaine admitted, unwilling to lie to Kurt.

"Come on." Kurt led Blaine over to a table where there were drinks and snacks. At a Puck party, that means chips, beer, hard alcohol and mixers.

"I want you to stay away from the alcohol tonight, alright?" Kurt said, seriousness in his eyes. "If you get nervous, I'll take care of you. You don't need to drink."

Kurt poured some Diet Coke into a red plastic cup and handed it to Blaine.

"OK," Blaine nodded, willing to accept Kurt's instructions.

Kurt himself grabbed a bottle of water that Puck had stashed under the table before he pulled Blaine over to the brown leather couch against the wall. The whole room had a vintage 70s look to it that Blaine could really appreciate, even if the room was a bit worn-in.

"Hello, boys." Santana smiled at them as they both took a seat next to her on the couch. "Aren't you looking sexy tonight, Blainers."

Blaine blushed - Santana wasn't exactly the type he was looking to attract, but it was nice to be noticed. He'd spent ages picking out the simple snug tee shirt, a nice slate grey with black stripes. And his favorite jeans, of course.

Blaine glanced at Kurt and there was an intent look in his eyes that Blaine couldn't quite put his finger on.

"It's warm down here," Kurt commented, leaning forward so he could take off his letterman's jacket and then drape it across the couch behind him. 

Blaine stared. Kurt was wearing a simple black wife-beater, bootcut jeans and a black leather belt. When he leaned back on the couch he slung his arm over Blaine's shoulders, and Blaine pressed his face to Kurt's bare arm. Kurt's hand rested on Blaine's chest and his thumb rubbed softly on Blaine's collar bone.

Blaine was pretty sure he could stay exactly where he was for the rest of his life and be perfectly happy.

"Kurt!" Puck shouted from across the room. "Get your ass over here for a minute."

Kurt sighed, and looked to Blaine. "Will you be OK for a minute?"

"I think so," Blaine answered truthfully, even though he really didn’t want Kurt to go. 

"Just come get me if you need me." Kurt gave his shoulders a squeeze and got up from the couch to find out what Puck wanted.

Blaine watched him go, a worried frown on his face. He was afraid this had everything to do with that girl. Oh god, what if she was coming to the party?

"Oh my god, Anderson, he's only on the other side of the room." Santana sounded exasperated. "I swear, you two are like Siamese twins."

Blaine blushed. He knew it was only a matter of time before people started to comment on his friendship with Kurt. He was just glad no one had accused him of trying to turn Kurt gay.

"I'm serious, Mijo. What's wrong?"

Blaine was pulled from his thoughts by the surprising sincerity in Santana's voice. He looked at her and blinked a couple times, trying to come up with an answer that would make sense.

"Have you ever wanted someone you can't have?" Blaine asked, biting his lower lip.

This apparently confused Santana, judging by the frown on her face.

"What?"

"Nothing." Blaine shook his head, looking back at Kurt. He was talking to Puck with an irritated expression. 

Their voices were low, but he thought he heard Puck say, "If you don't get on it Hummel, I will seriously smash your faces together."

"Wait, wait, wait." Santana brought Blaine's attention back with a wag of her finger. "If you're thinking about cheating on that boy with someone else, you'd better think twice, because I may not particularly like Hummel, but I'll still kick your ass."

Blaine stared at her blankly, and it was his turn to be completely confused.

"What?"

"I said: Don't. Cheat. On. Hummel." Santana snapped. "Got it?"

It took Blaine a second to process what Santana was saying, but he somehow managed to find his voice again.

"What? How can I cheat on Kurt, we're not even together," Blaine spluttered. "He's not even gay!"

And it came back full circle to Santana who was again gaping at Blaine. She opened and closed her mouth several times, seemingly having no idea where to start. 

"OK, wow, OK," Santana said, waving a finger at Blaine again. "First of all. Hummel is as gay as a rainbow flag at a pride parade. Seriously. Secondly, what do you mean you're not together? You two are constantly all over each other like a couple of cats in heat. What the hell?"

Blaine stared at her. His head was spinning and he was pretty sure his world was tilting on its axis. He looked over at Kurt. Kurt, who he trusted more than anyone else in the world. Kurt, who he had only known for three whole weeks. Kurt, who held him and took care of him and protected him. Kurt, who was apparently gay.  

Kurt, who had kept that fact from Blaine this entire time.

Kurt saw Blaine looking and Blaine's confusion must have been written all over his face, because Kurt frowned and started to move towards him.

Blaine panicked. He was up off the couch, across the room and up the stairs. Blaine burst into the kitchen, gasping for breath, feeling the beginning of a full blown panic attack. Breathing heavily, he leaned over the kitchen counter, dropping his face to his arms.

"Blaine!" Kurt's voice came from behind him, and Blaine spun around, eyes wild. Kurt stopped approaching when he saw the look on Blaine's face. "What's wrong?"

"You're gay," Blaine managed. A simple statement, but with so much weight.

"Yes," Kurt said, dragging the word out as if looking for the meaning behind it. "So are you. You're panicking, Blaine, will you please let me help you?" Kurt was taking slow steps towards him as he spoke.

Blaine just looked at Kurt, and suddenly he didn't know why he didn't see it before; and he knew why everyone assumed that he would. 

"I didn't know, I thought-" Blaine stumbled. "And Puck, I thought there was a girl..."

"Let me get this right," Kurt said slowly, finally getting close enough to reach out and gently take Blaine's hand and Blaine clutched it tightly. "All this time, you thought I was straight?"

Blaine nodded, blushing and looking down at his feet. Kurt carefully wrapped his arms around Blaine's waist and pulled him to his chest. Blaine caved and dropped his face to Kurt's neck with a weary sigh, feeling the stress begin to drain from him.

"Just a nice straight boy who likes to cuddle his best friend and hold his hand?" Kurt said, voice teasing, but kind.

Blaine huffed. "Well when you say it that way, it sounds ridiculous."

"A little bit." Kurt chuckled, rubbing circles on Blaine’s back in a familiar pattern.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Blaine asked, face hidden in Kurt’s neck.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep it from you,” Kurt said, pressing his cheek to Blaine’s curls. “I thought you knew. I thought we were just taking it slow."

Blaine's heart started to pound in his chest. 

"Taking it slow?"

"Mhmm." Kurt hummed, ducking his face to Blaine's ear. "I've been waiting for you to give me sign that you're ready."

"Ready for what?" Blaine breathed, barely daring to hope.

"Ready to be kissed," Kurt whispered, face pressed to Blaine's and hot breath tickling Blaine's ear.

Blaine gasped and he pulled back to look at Kurt, hands still clutching at him.

That was apparently the only sign Kurt needed, since he immediately swooped down to claim Blaine's mouth with a kiss. His lips were firm and very much in control, and when Kurt's tongue brushed Blaine's lower lip, his mouth dropped open. Kurt's tongue dove in,  tangling with Blaine's and exploring every part of Blaine's mouth it could reach.

Blaine moaned into the kiss as Kurt pulled him closer with arms that suddenly felt so possessive. Kurt groaned and pushed Blaine up against the counter, sharing all of his pent up need without words.

Blaine arched up against Kurt’s body, responding eagerly and without reservation. He returned the kiss with passion, and his mind swam with desire. Blaine could hardly believe he wasn’t dreaming, and he might have pinched himself if he had enough conscious thought to consider it. 

As it was, Blaine could only focus on Kurt’s lips, Kurt’s arms, Kurt’s body pressed against his own. 

After what felt like forever and not nearly long enough, Kurt pulled back from Blaine with a sigh. Blaine tried to follow his mouth with a small whine, missing Kurt’s kiss immediately. Kurt leaned back in to nip lightly at Blaine’s jaw and and press a kiss to his cheek, giving Blaine the distinct impression that stopping was actually the last thing Kurt wanted to do.

Kurt took a deep breath, and used a hand to guide Blaine's head back to snuggle into his neck. Blaine breathed in Kurt's scent and tried to slow his racing heart.

"I've wanted to do that since the day I met you," Kurt said, voice a little thick with slowly calming desire. 

"Me too," Blaine whispered, letting out a breathless laugh. As his thoughts cleared Blaine began to consider the last three weeks from a new perspective. He paused before saying, "Everyone thinks we're dating, don't they?"

"Mhmm," Kurt hummed. He pressed a kiss to Blaine's brow, lips lingering for long seconds. “Would you like it if we were boyfriends?” Kurt asked gently, searching Blaine’s face.

“Yes,” Blaine said, quickly and easily, and a huge grin was spreading across his face. “Yes, I want that more than anything.”

Kurt smiled softly. “Alright then, we’re boyfriends.”

Blaine just grinned up at Kurt.

This time when Kurt kissed him it was soft and sweet, lips slowly exploring and caressing. Kurt pressed several small kisses to Blaine’s lips before he finally pulled back.

"Come on," Kurt said, taking Blaine's hand and lacing their fingers together. He lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to the back of Blaine's hand. "As much as I'd love to keep making out with you until we get caught by Puck's mom..." He paused and Blaine giggled. "We should go back downstairs. They'll be worried."

"OK," Blaine agreed, happy to be led back down the stairs and into the basement again.

Everyone was clustered around, and they all turned to Kurt and Blaine as they entered the room. Puck had an empty fifth of vodka in his hand.

"Just in time!" Puck grinned. "We're gonna play spin the bottle!" 

Everyone seemed strangely excited about this.

"I think we'll pass, guys," Kurt said. "I already kissed the only boy I want tonight."

Blaine blushed as Kurt leaned over to press a kiss to his temple.

"Ah, damn it!" Puck grumbled, even as a huge grin broke over his face. "We were only going to play to try to hook you two up!"

Kurt and Blaine ended up cuddling on the couch, watching everyone else play spin the bottle. Kurt's fingers had ventured under the hem of his shirt, and they were drawing figure-eights on the small of Blaine's back. It was starting to make Blaine feel rather warm, and it didn't help that Kurt kept pressing small kisses across his face. It felt amazing.

"I can’t wait to walk down the hall with my new boyfriend," Kurt said.

Blaine’s heart rate sped up as Kurt ducked his head to press an open mouthed kiss to Blaine's neck. But it was sudden fear that made heart race, at the idea of facing an entire student body that knew he was gay.

"Get it, Hummel!"

Kurt grumbled at Santana and pulled back, letting Blaine tuck back down against his chest. 

Blaine was breathing a little heavily as he pressed his face to Kurt's shirt. He tried not to think about school on Monday; he tried to suppress the fear that came with the thought. Blaine closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could handle this, as long as he had Kurt.

At least, he hoped he could.