Kurt was leaning against his locker with his phone in hand, forcing himself to hold back giggles from the texts from Blaine he was going through; all filled with what should have been repulsive comments about his ass. He was so absorbed in his own world that he was completely startled when a shadow fell over him.

"So, Hummel – are you ever going to invite me into your little world of being arm-candy for Sugar Daddy?" Puck's husky voice sounded and Kurt almost dropped his phone.

He had done his best to avoid speaking to Puck after their encounter on the ice rink. Always an excuse of being busy or heading for the library where Puck would never follow him in. He simply was way too afraid of the comments the Mohawk undoubtedly would have to offer him, but what he mostly was afraid of was that he would say that he couldn't keep Kurt's secret anymore and would tell Finn.

"Puckerman, not here! There's people everywhere," Kurt hissed as he shot a glance around the crowded hallway to make sure no one he knew had heard, shoving his phone into his pocket as if all of Blaine's filthy, dirty messages about what they had done together or what he wanted them to do would be blasted onto a billboard if he didn't hide the evidence.

Before Kurt could flee or even get a hold of his head Puck had taken a firm grip of his elbow and was pulling him into the abandoned choir room before he forcefully shut the door and turned to face Kurt.

"There's no one around now. You're not getting out of it this time. You're telling me everything, Kurt," Puck demanded and pointed at the chairs at the back of the room.

With a heavy sigh Kurt faced his defeat and let his bag dump to the floor before he sat on one of the red plastic chairs. Puck sat down on the one next to him, eyes piercing on his skin and obviously waiting for the story to come.

What was he supposed to tell him? Should he be honest, or should he do his best to get away with saying nothing but what Puck already knew? This was too hard to deal with.

"What's it gonna be? If I'm keeping your dirty little secret I want details. How long have you been screwing him? Cause I'm assuming you're getting it on, considering his little comment." Apparently this was going straight to business.

"We've been together since New Years," Kurt said shyly.

"That's not what I asked. You're not stupid, Kurt. Don't try to sneak out. All cards on the table here."

God! Hopefully he won't start blackmailing me.

"Since my birthday. In November. We met at a bar and... we've seen each other frequently since then," Kurt sighed, knowing that he would be able to twist himself out of this one regardless of how skilled he was in manipulating people with words.

"It's just... my dad can't know. And you know this school; if it gets out everyone will know, and then my dad will know too. So far he knows that I'm seeing someone, but he still doesn't know how old he is. Until now I've been able to hold it off by using excuses of being tired or having homework or something – or his phone started ringing, or something whenever he tried taking it up. But he's losing his patience, and I have no idea what to tell him. I can't lie to him anymore. It's too much! But I can't tell him how old Blaine really is, either. He's gonna kill him," Kurt blurted out, flustered and frantic, unable to stop the words falling from his mouth like a broken pipe under a cartoon sink.

"You know, the age of consent is 16 in Ohio – I looked it up to be safe with my own adventures. There's nothing he can do," Puck said and it was then it occurred to Kurt that Puck didn't have any intentions on using it against him or using it to blackmail him – he really just wanted to help.

"I know, but that little detail disappears when we're talking about a legal adult and a minor. It's just so ridiculous because I never feel the age difference between us. Sure, he's got work and a fancy car and his own apartment here and in New York, but when we're together we're just together -"

"Yeah, but you've always been older than you really are. So basically you just met in the middle of your real ages, probably -" Puck commented and Kurt was surprised. Never had he known that Puck cared enough about him to even notice stuff like that, and he hadn't even considered that himself – he was more mature than others his age, and it did actually seem like he and Blaine met in between age-wise.

"That is true. I guess," Kurt agreed quietly, not sure how to handle this sudden feeling of care and interest from a guy who found throwing empty beer cans at bikers to be a fun pastime.

"If you want my advice I think you should just tell your dad. It's not gonna be pretty, but he's a cool dude and he wants you happy. It's obvious that you really like this guy, and from the way you've bubbled up since the holidays I'd say he makes you happy and treats you good. And of course that he's apparently stinking rich he takes good care of you in more than one way.

Puck shrugged like he had just explained about the peepholes he had drilled into the girls' locker room, as if that was the most logical thing and natural thing in the world.

"He's not... stinking rich. He does good, that's all. Most of the clothes he gives me are drafts, or free gifts from..."

"From designers. And they're just drafts doesn't that mean they're one of a kind? Aka a gazillion dollars worth with those labels on them and no one else having them. And stuff like that one isn't just a free sample, Kurt. There's some feelings behind that thing. It's like it's hand picked for you," Puck argued and gestured to the silver brooch of the drama masks on Kurt's scarf.

The scarf he still had no idea how Blaine got a hold of. But even before they got together Blaine had gone through extreme lengths to get it for him – and the brooch that not only was hand picked for him, but custom made for him after Blaine had got an idea and decided and paid for having it made. Only for Kurt.

"I really like him. I've never felt like this before. All I ever think of his him and that I wanna be with him. When we're not together I just wanna call him or text him until the next time I'm seeing him. But the best part is that even though he wasn't exactly virtuous when we met I never doubt for a second that he feels the same way about me -" The uncontrollable sink pipe had run over again.

Puck shifted a little uncomfortable in his seat, his eyes flickering around the room before falling to his hands in his lap.

"That sounds pretty awesome. That's exactly what I wish I could find. You're not so bad, Hummel -" He huffed and shot him a smile through his characteristic pursed lips.

"You'll get there, Puckerman. One day. So – does that mean I can count on you?" Kurt asked, still not wanting to jump the gun and expect to be safe if the news were all over school – and town – the next day.

"Your secret's safe with me. But you gotta tell your dad. I'm coming to your house for a game tonight, so you can do it then. Then you won't feel like you're standing with it all alone," Puck offered and Kurt's stomach took a roll.

"You would do that for me? Thank you so much. I guess I'll think about it," Kurt nodded, confused but happy about the way things were working out between them. It was only six months ago Puck had thrown him into dumpsters and locked him up in supply closets. And here they were; Puck helping him out with this major issue that could potentially change his life depending on the outcome.

"Of course. But on one condition -"

Oh god! Of course there would be a condition. How could he have been so stupid to believe that it would go by so easily?

"What?" He asked insecurely, apprehensively, not sure he was brave enough to hear it.

"Tell me – how's the sex?" Puck smirked and Kurt's heart dropped. Was that it? Really?

"I think – in the past three months I've had more sex than you've had in your entire life. And it has certainly been... should we call it interesting? To not hurt your ego -" Kurt grinned triumphantly and watched Puck's jaw drop.

"Gotta say I'm impressed. Didn't think you had it in you," he chuckled and made Kurt's cheeks flame up right as his phone started ringing.

"Shit. It's Blaine -" Kurt hissed as he looked on the display to see a few weeks old picture he had found of Blaine online all dressed up on a red carpet from a fashion event in New York.

He loved that picture a lot. He would never admit it to Blaine but over the weekends they hadn't seen each other Kurt had spent his time going through pictures from from former events to see if he could catch a peek of Blaine between models and designers and stylists. All the old photos he had found Blaine's smile had been charming as ever and his posture gentlemanesque, his outfits naturally classy with an edge. But his eyes didn't sparkle and the charming smile seemed plastered on and not genuine like in Kurt's favorite one where his eyes were visibly chocolate brown with stars and his smile was warm and heartfelt – that was the Blaine he knew and loved.

He looked from his phone to Puck and was met by wiggling eyebrows and a knowing grin, so he figured he might as well pick up the phone.

"Hey. I have a few minutes break from this disaster of a meeting and I figured I would call to hear how school life is -" Blaine's voice sounded flirtatiously through the speaker and Kurt wondered how he was still seated on the chair as opposed to having melted and spread to a puddle on the floor under him instead.

"It's... fine. I uhm – I talked to Puck. You know, from the ice rink -" Kurt said, figuring he'd better tell him everything. It concerned him as well, after all.

He could feel Puck's eyes locked on him, but he did his best to not be distracted – to be natural, yet not as natural as usual where he didn't see himself too good to play along with Blaine's sexual games if the mood was for it.

"Oh – so we're screwed now?" Blaine asked. It was impossible for Kurt to hear how he was taking it, his voice was stripped off all emotions, something Kurt hated when happened.

"No. Not at all. He promised not to say anything, but... he wants me to tell my dad. Tonight," Kurt explained, hoping it would provoke some sort of reaction out of Blaine.

"Tonight? Okay. Let me know how it goes," he simply said, voice still indifferent and Kurt wanted to shake him or slap him for not giving him anything to work with.

"Okay. I will. If I survive, that is..." Kurt murmured, mentally cursing that this was the conversation Puck was experiencing between them and not one of those where Blaine was in a good mood and kept being cute.

"Don't even joke about that. It's gonna be cool. And listen; if it all fucks up you'll just call me and we'll figure something out, alright?" Blaine said, his voice a little edgy now, but still not enough to stir up any other emotions in Kurt than annoyance.

"Okay. I will. Are you -"

"I have to get back to the meeting or I will get into a lot of problems with Calvin Klein – talk to you later," Blaine rushed out.

"Okay. Bye," Kurt mumbled, almost too late before Blaine had hung up.

"He's really busy. Spring fashion coming up and stuff -" Kurt said awkwardly as he let his phone slide back in his pocket right as the bell chimed and the other glee club members started streaming through the doors.

"You're cool, Hummel. I'll be there tonight," Puck whispered and squeezed his shoulder, making Santana raise an eyebrow with a dissatisfied snap of her tongue.

"What's going on? We're on for the game tonight, right?" Finn asked as he found a free seat next to Puck.

"Yeah. I just – agreed to let Kurt help me with some homework tonight," Puck shrugged as innocently as possible but Finn didn't look convinced.

The glee club session went easily through with Mercedes singing at the top of her lungs and Quinn talking about some song she and the celibacy club would be doing for mass in church the upcoming Sunday.

Kurt was left to fear the task that was waiting for him in the form of coming clean to his dad about Blaine. About everything about Blaine.

xXx

All through dinner Puck kept eyeing him out and Finn was staring at them like they had been making out. Kurt felt observed and he couldn't figure out if it was his nerves that were toying with him or if the tension around the table was really strained.

When dinner was over Kurt stayed and helped Carole clean up while his dad disappeared to finish up the booking for the tire shop before the game, Puck and Finn going to Finn's room to play video games.

Kurt went to his room and considered calling Blaine for moral support but he knew that he would only get more nervous and frustrated if Blaine was still still busy and in a weird mood, so he decided to wait so he could call him with the final report instead.

After an hour there was a knock on the door and he nearly jumped from the startle. It was Puck telling him that they were going downstairs for the game so he should probably work himself up to it.

This is it.

"Uhm, dad. Can I talk to you?" Kurt asked, feeling a little guilty over catching his dad off guard in the halftime of a game, but luckily his team was doing good which was a plus in the mood department.

"Can't it wait, Kurt? The game will be back on soon," he said, a little confused since it wasn't like Kurt to interrupt when watching sports.

Kurt nearly said that they could just do it in the morning, but then he noticed Puck's eyes on him and he knew that postponing it again would be a bad idea.

"It's actually kind of important so – but I promise I'll make it quick," Kurt said, internally cringing at how sick he was feeling about it.

"Okay then," his dad agreed and walked to the dining part of the living room, away from the TV area so they wouldn't be interrupted or eavesdropped on. Kurt was indescribably thankful that his dad could sense that this was private and yet he could still lean on Puck if needed.

"There's uhm... there's something I need to tell you. About my... boyfriend."

He still wasn't used to saying it out loud. He had only said it out loud (outside of his room) a few times, but it never stopped making the butterflies in his belly dance lively.

However, that was when the kicker happened. Puck walked by and stopped right behind Kurt. For some reason his dad's eyes darted from Kurt to Puck and back to Kurt.

"You're not telling me it's this guy, are you? Cause I am not sure I can -" his dad started saying and it took Kurt a while to register his words.

"What? No! Of course not..." Kurt burst out in horror. Puck was great and cute, but not at all boyfriend material for him.

"Kurt's great and all, but I'm liking the ladies a bit too much," Puck hurried to say.

After a few glances back and forth between all of them Kurt's dad's face turned soft again and he seemed like he believed them, relieved.

If only he knew what was coming.

"You two just seemed so weird and now you come here and – forget it. What is it you wanna tell me? I've been meaning to talk to you about that mysterious guy of yours," his dad said and Kurt's insides turned to ice. Now there was no way back.

"The thing is... he's not in school anymore. He's got a job. A really good job," Kurt stammered, figuring it was a good way of opening up, but he didn't have any idea where it to take it from there.

His dad was staring at him and Kurt couldn't make out if it was confusion or if he simply hadn't heard what it was Kurt had said to him.

"I'm not really getting what it is you're saying? So he dropped out of high school? Or went directly to work instead of going to college?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

It occurred to Kurt that he actually didn't even know if Blaine had even been to college, but he reminded himself that it wasn't the time to get lost in thoughts: he needed his focus in the situation at hand.

"Well, you could say that," Kurt murmured, unsure if it counted as a lie. He would say that he simply molded the truth to a little via his dad's words.

"What he's trying to say is that his dude is older than him," Puck suddenly broke in. Kurt had nearly forgotten his presence and judging from the look on his father's face he had as well.

"How old are talking about?" He asked, feigned calm as a threatening veil over him.

"Sixteen -"

"You are sixteen, Kurt..."

This was going to be bad. Very bad.

"...years older," Kurt ended and hid his face in his hands. He was going to die. He could feel it close.

"What? Kurt, with the sexual activity level of your generation this guy could be your father! This is practically pedophilia!"

Kurt cringed. No way. Pedophilia was wrong and disgusting and an awful, hurtful and traumatizing crime, but what he shared with Blaine was beautiful and perfect.

"Hey, it's not so bad. I've seen them hang out together, and they actually seemed pretty good together," Puck commented.

Kurt stared at him in disbelief, surprised over how he was acting as his apparently only support in this.

"He hasn't forced me into this, he isn't using his age against me for... anything. It is completely and one hundred per cent consensual between us. We've already been through the whole age-drama-thing with his brother and his boyfriend, but even they are starting to ease up. I love Blaine, and Blaine loves me – shouldn't that be enough?" He realized that he sounded naive and blue-eyed; like the musicals had eaten away his last sense of reason, but he was damn serious – he could feel that with his and Blaine's love for each other nothing else mattered.

His dad had been silent for uncomfortably long time now. He had staring blankly into the cabinet of filled with fancy glasses and plates but visibly not seeing them.

"Dad – please say something," Kurt pleaded quietly.

"I gotta say, Kurt, I feel really bad about this. But if this guy really makes you happy I guess I have to give him a chance. I have to meet him," his dad declared. He was reluctant, but most importantly was he stretching himself for Kurt's sake.

"Okay. I – will talk to him. But... what should I say?"

xXx

"Hey doll-face. Damn I miss your face so much," Blaine groaned into his phone as he picked up. Kurt's intestines did a little jump from the welcome.

"I miss you too. But uhm – I talked to my dad. About you."

Kurt could feel how Blaine went tense through the phone.

"Should I pack and move to Mexico?" He asked and Kurt coiled in on himself. It was hard enough that he currently was in New York for work, way too far away and making Kurt long for warm arms and soft kisses.

"That would make me really sad. I don't think I could live with that. But – he wants to meet you. Dinner on Monday. I think he needs some time to adjust to it," Kurt shared and hoped it wasn't a problem. He couldn't stand the idea of his dad hating Blaine, or disapprove of this turn in his life that allowed him to finally be happy.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Blaine asked a little hesitant.

"No. But it's the best I've got. It's not like we see each other too often as it is, and if my dad decides that he doesn't like me being with you our time will be even less and I don't wanna sneak around anymore," Kurt sighed with heavy heart and a headache enough to kill a lion.

"I know, babe. It just seems so risky -"

"If you don't wanna go just tell me, Blaine! I don't know what else to do now. I just wanna be with you -" Kurt blurted out. He immediately regretted his harsh tone, but he was frustrated. It wasn't like Blaine had a better plan himself.

"I don't wanna go! But of course I'm gonna do it anyway. I'm not exactly the son-in-law textbook example, and I don't wanna screw anything up for you," Blaine retorted, equally as frustrated.

"Oh – Blaine. It's gonna be fine. You'll do fine. Just talk to my dad about sports and you will win him over – and of course it won't hurt if you praise me a little on the side," Kurt assured him, hoping a little teasing would make him relax. He had been so damn tense over the last week and it was starting to trouble Kurt.

"Fine. I'll do it. I just have to fly out and then back to New York after, since I don't think I'll be really back home until late Friday," Blaine sighed.

"Oh. Cool. I guess. Are you okay? You've seemed so... I don't know, distant," Kurt tried nervously. It made him uneasy.

"It's all good. Just a hard day. But I'll see you in a few days and we'll talk tomorrow, right?" His voice was a little more himself now and that at least was comforting.

"Okay then. Can we like... Skype tomorrow? I miss you. Like, a lot," Kurt tried in one last attempt of cute talk between them. He was tired and really needed his boyfriend to show some affection.

It had been almost two weeks since they had seen each other last, the weekend of Blaine's mom's party and it was growing painful. Not to mention that Kurt had all of the upcoming week off school so he had hoped that he could spend some time with Blaine, but apparently he wasn't going to see him for more than a brief adult supervised moment.

"I don't think so. We're busy as hell. If we don't have this done before next weekend you'll be naked next season. But I'll try and squeeze it in," Blaine said.

What? Not even a creepy, dirty innuendo about the advantages of Kurt being naked? Something was definitely off.

"Okay. It's fine. Don't take time out of your schedule for me," Kurt said defeated.

"I have to get back to work. Goodnight, Kurt."

"Goodnight. I love you -" Kurt said and Blaine hung up.

That was less than fun. Kurt curled up on his side, disappointed and sad. He had already known that Blaine was busy, but he hadn't expected it to be taken out on their communication. It wasn't the first time this week he had been so short, and lately it became often that Blaine didn't even call him at night as promised, but sent a text in the middle of the night with "I'm sorry I didn't call. I'm buried in work. I haven't forgot you."

xXx

Monday was, to put it light, nerve wrecking. Kurt had spent all day pacing floors and checking his watch. Blaine was arriving for dinner at 5.30 and Kurt was cursing away that he hadn't been able to spend time with him beforehand for mental preparation, so when the doorbell ran he was certain he would die, but ran towards the door nonetheless.

Unfortunately Finn beat him to it, and Kurt had to stand at the end of the hall and watch as Finn awkwardly shook Blaine's hand and they introduced themselves.

"Kurt – hey," Blaine said sweetly when he noticed Kurt was watching them.

Kurt carefully met them in the middle of the hall and accepted Blaine's chaste kiss to his cheek and the squeeze on his elbow before Blaine put his brought flowers on the little table and took off his coat. It wasn't until then Kurt realized this probably was Blaine's first time in a middle class home with not too little but not too much either and his nerves tingled even more.

Finn showed Blaine to the living room, Kurt tiptoeing nervously behind them with a good distance behind. When Blaine met Carole he was sweet and respectful. He kissed her cheek and complimented her dress before handing her a bouquet of white lilies.

"Oh and Kurt – these are for you..." He smiled and turned around to offer Kurt his bouquet of blue roses, making Kurt's cheeks turn fuchsia and his knees go weak. They were absolutely gorgeous and unique. A typical gift from Blaine.

It was strange to have Blaine in his home. He didn't know how to react or what to do about himself, so instead he figured that it was best for him to keep in the background to not say too much – until his dad entered.

"So – you're the guy..." Was all he said as he approached them where they were standing by the dining table.

"Yes. Mr. Hummel. I am the guy – Blaine Anderson. I believe we've met. Very briefly," Blaine said and offered his hand.

"Yeah. You're the guy who dropped off a present for Kurt over Christmas. Thought he said you weren't together until New Year's," Kurt's dad said with a little suspicion in his voice.

"That is accurate. That was simply one of my many attempts of trying to show him my... feelings for him," Blaine said with steady voice, but Kurt knew him well enough to know that he was nervous.

"Maybe attempts you say? What else?" His dad asked and Kurt could to his death not figure out if he should take it as a good sign that they were talking and Blaine was still alive, or if he should call 911 already to save time when the blood started dripping.

"I have... told him how I feel. With words, and... material ways that holds his interest," Blaine told truthfully.

Kurt's heart throbbed a little faster from Blaine being so direct. Sure, it had all been because he wanted him in bed as a part of their former deal, but it didn't change that it was a show of consideration.

"And I wanna officially apologize for my lack of communication. I should have asked for permission to take Kurt to New York. It won't happen again," Blaine hurried to say and Kurt's eyes widened. He wasn't sure it would be a good idea to remind his dad of their discrete getaway.

"Hmm – alright. Apology accepted. But from now on I wanna know if Kurt even leaves the town. Got that?" His dad said.

Blaine promised, shooting a fleeting glance in Kurt's direction where he was chewing on his lower lip and holding his breath in anticipation.

They all sat down for dinner. To Kurt's surprise he and Blaine were seated next to each other and not on different sides of the table as expected. They kept clean, only a few discrete brushes of arms or thighs under the table, and Blaine twisted his ankle around Kurt's between their chairs, making Kurt's stomach jump.

The small-talk went to sports and Blaine's work, creating a natural balance of his conversations with Finn and Kurt's dad, and with Carole and Kurt. He made sure to have it all covered and was calm and kept together.

"How does your family stand on your... situation?" Kurt's dad asked and all Kurt could think about was how much Cooper hated him and how he would do anything to take them apart.

"My mother is very enchanted by Kurt. She has grown quite fond of him, and I suspect that she possibly likes him a bit more than she likes me. My brother on the other hand isn't as excited, but he never is when it comes to something I am passionate about. But his fiance and their daughter is just as taken with Kurt as my mother. No one seems to be able to resist his thrilling spirit," Blaine said and smiled at Kurt without meeting his eyes.

"Tell that to the bullies in his school," Kurt's dad grunted under his breath and Kurt could feel himself go pale. He really didn't want Blaine to know about that, he had done everything to keep it from him but with that comment Blaine's eyes rushed to Kurt, wide and confusing, but before he could say anything Burt was talking again and Kurt was thankful that the issue was pushed away just as quickly as it was brought up.

"Except your brother you say? And he's engaged? A wedding any time soon?" Mr. Hummel asked and Kurt was surprised by his interest.

"Yes. In April. And I would also like to ask permission to take Kurt with me to the event. Which will take place in New York since Ohio doesn't offer same-sex-marriages," Blaine said conversationally and Kurt had to squeeze his lips together to not squeal out loud.

"Let's see about that when it gets closer. April is still in two months. You might not be together then," his dad remarked, a purposely provoking edge to his voice the way Kurt knew he did it when he was trying someone out for something specific.

"I believe we will be. As long as Kurt still wants me. Kurt has – to say that he has given my life meaning sounds so cliché, but I would say that he had given my life content and substance. Now I actually do wanna take time off work to have a personal life and spend time with him," Blaine explained.

Kurt watched his dad turn it over in his head. Carole seemed impressed and Finn looked like he was struggling not to fall asleep.

"Good answer. Let's just see how the next month goes and we can take it back up," Kurt's dad finally nodded and Kurt realized he had been holding his breath.

They finished dessert and coffee with more small-talk in the form of Blaine asking to their jobs and to Kurt's great surprise he revealed that he enjoyed car building – something Kurt would never have guessed from overly clean, manicured and spa-addicted Blaine.

As the evening grew later Kurt knew that Blaine would soon have to leave to go back to New York. He hated it and didn't want him to leave, but there was nothing to do about it, so when Carole told Finn to help her clean the table Kurt declared that he wanted to show Blaine his room.

"Alright. But no shenanigans under my roof. Got it? He's only 16," His dad said and Kurt felt like running for hiding, but Blaine accepted with respect.

Kurt's room was smaller than Blaine's at his mom's and he had never felt their age more prominent than when Blaine entered his room.

"Tasteful. Elegant. Nothing I wouldn't have expected from you," Blaine nodded in approval, but Kurt pushed the door closed where Blaine had left it open, possibly because of the warning from his dad.

"Do you seriously think this was to show you my room? I'm not 12. I just wanted some time alone with you before you leave me again," Kurt muttered disappointed and let a finger ease its way into Blaine's fisted hand.

"You're sneaky. But I'm not gonna test your dad's limits," Blaine said and released Kurt's finger to gently squeeze a hand on each of his arms instead, offering a tender smile.

"Blaine, I've really missed you. It's been ages since I saw you the last time. And you've been so busy working we haven't even talk that much," Kurt moped and let his forehead fall to Blaine's collarbone.

To his pleasant surprise Blaine let his hands brush up his back and pulled him closer as he pressed a kiss to the back of his head with a heavy sigh.

"I know. It's not like I'm doing it to punish you or anything. But I have to work..." Blaine groaned.

"Punish me? I didn't do anything wrong," Kurt retorted and snapped his head up to see Blaine's face, but he was still avoiding his eyes.

"Exactly. You didn't. But after this week I'll mostly have events to go to so I'll have more time to be with you the next month," Blaine smiled and Kurt felt himself loosen up.

"That sounds good. Does that mean you're gonna kiss me now, cause I've been waiting for that -" Kurt grinned and pouted his lips with puppy eyes he hoped would work because damn he felt ridiculous for being so needy and touchy – but the separation was too heavy, and it was totally unfair that they had to keep from each other when they were so close and all alone.

Blaine rolled his eyes and released his grip on Kurt so he could take a few steps around the room, curiously taking in the decorations of the room and the entirety of the design Kurt had gone with when he had got his room a few months earlier.

He walked over to sit on the bed and cross his legs nonchalantly as always, showing off his bright blue socks, tight to his skin, smoothing their way from his patent leather shoes to disappear under his dark brown cotton slacks, and Kurt couldn't believe that their separation had made him so horny that he even found Blaine's ankles sexy.

"I have to go to the airport. I need to go back and work my ass off so I can keep you happy with stuff and things," Blaine sighed heavily.

"So you can keep me happy? Blaine, you could work at Starbucks and I would still date you," Kurt said, shifting nervously in the middle of the floor.

"Yes. But you've got some luxurious habits and I need to work to keep up with that," Blaine shrugged like it was obvious.

"Don't make me sound like a spoiled brat -" Kurt retorted and crossed his arms over his chest.

"You are a spoiled brat," Blaine pointed out and fell to his back on the bed, staring up to the ceiling where Kurt had a few plastic stars his mom had got him as a kid.

"Don't – don't make it sound like I'm only with you because you give me stuff. Because then I don't want your stupid stuff anymore," Kurt hissed and startled himself by ripping off the dusty green scarf he was wearing that Blaine had given him a few weeks prior.

He didn't know why he reacted so strongly. Blaine had probably just been joking, but it was like it hit an exposed nerve and he could feel tears pressing and it made him angry because he had no reason to cry, yet he still threw the scarf at Blaine with all of his force.

"Hey – what the hell is wrong with you, Kurt?" Blaine grunted and sat up as he fumbled to get the scarf off his face.

Kurt had moved to stand by the desk with his back on Blaine, squeezing his lips hard together to a thin line so he could hold the tears back because no way if he was going to cry when he didn't even know why. Especially not when they were trying to convince his dad that they were happy and that Blaine was good for him.

He could see in the dark glass of the window that Blaine was back to his feet and was coming over to put his hands on his arms, forcing him to turn around.

"I'm not having a conversation with you when you're having your back on me. And it's time for you to tell me what the fuck your problem is -" Blaine said firmly and it was hard to tell if he was mad or confused.

"you're such a fucking prick. I would never be with you just for the clothes. How can you say that?" Kurt whined and bit his tongue to stop it from running wild. Blaine would be leaving soon and he didn't want it to be in the middle of this situation – whatever it was.

"You were, Kurt. That's this started, remember?" Blaine pointed out and it didn't exactly help.

"How can you be that stupid? It wasn't about the clothes or the sex – it was about you. Always about you! I only wanted you! That's why I did it, that's why I stayed even through your lame rules and mean words," Kurt blabbered frustrated out.

"Kurt, calm down; would you? Why do I have the feeling that there's something you're keeping inside that I should know?" Blaine asked and raised one eyebrow as he put his hands softly on Kurt's hips, and it was too much he just went from asshat to caring in less than a second.

"I'm sorry! You've just been gone for so long and you forget to call and I just wait for you to call me when you promise you will, but you don't. Lately I've seen more pictures of you online than I've heard your voice. And you're so... cold and distant when you set off two minutes for me – and I just... miss you. But you don't seem to miss me," Kurt blabbered out, his voice cracking several times through his rambling and the tears were heavy but he fought just as heavy himself, refusing to let himself break.

With a little shake of his head Blaine sat back down on the edge of the bed and grabbed around Kurt's hips. He guided Kurt over to sit down, straddling his thighs so they almost were at eye level with each other.

"Do you really think that I don't miss you? Have you ever taken one minute to consider that maybe I would want to take you with me every time I go to New York? But I can't, okay? It's a job, and if I don't do it I won't have a job and I enjoy what I do, and I enjoy using my job to make you happy. But Kurt – I am only working this much right now to make sure I make that deadline in time so we can have all of next month together. Because after that I just have to show up at events and help out at some shows and I will be able to spend all of my energy on you. So please have a little patience," he said and brushed his hand up Kurt's back.

"I'm sorry. I just... miss you," Kurt groaned and lost the battle over the tears.

"Dammit, Kurt!" Blaine groaned and pulled Kurt closer, making his face disappear in the crook of his neck where he could feel the tears on his skin and he wondered if they would ruin the collar of Blaine's blue shirt.

"I know, Kurt. I know. It'll get better, I promise you it will. I just need some days. We'll have the weekend coming up if I work all night when I get back tonight," he cooed into Kurt's hair and Kurt felt sick with himself for being so pathetic because he knew how hard Blaine was working and he knew that he easily could go 48 hours of work before even sleeping.

"Come on and kiss me before we get caught," Blaine cooed and brushed a hand down Kurt's shoulder.

"I miss you too. I know that you aren't just with me for clothes. Just like I'm not with you for the incredible sex – I'm with you..." Blaine said and used his thumb and index finger on Kurt's chin to force eyecontact.

"...because I love you. Doll-face. Simple as that."

God he was good. Kurt felt like he was 8, being comforted by his dad, and yet he felt like he was 25 and in the most important discussion of his life with his partner. Kurt had always known exactly who he was, but somehow Blaine made him confused because he wanted, needed, to be much more for Blaine when Blaine was so much for him.

And then there were times like these. Blaine could be the worst jerk in the world, he had always known that. But then he did stuff like that; small gestures of love. Like that stupid nickname. Kurt hated it so much in the beginning. He recalled how he had wanted to yell at him to never say it again because he found it degrading – but now it felt like whenever Blaine called him that it was Blaine emphasizing just how much he loved him, and that what they had was something extraordinary.

"I love you too," he smiled and sighed a little heavy, suddenly exhausted. Right now he wished nothing more than to curl up in his own bed with Blaine's arms around him.

"When do you have to leave?" He asked. He didn't want the answer but rather that than be surprised in the moment.

"No later than 11.30 – I would stay here for the night if I could, you know that right?"

"Just... kiss me," Kurt demanded and caught Blaine's lips.

It was always amazing to kiss Blaine but whenever they had been separated for a long time the first kiss felt like it really was a first kiss. It started out soft and careful, then proceeded to be strong and needy.

Blaine's hands pressed on his back, trying to get his chest closer while Kurt's arms were locked around his neck, and the bubbling feeling from the soft velvet of Blaine's tongue and lips against his own was thrilling, and he simply couldn't stop his hips rolling forwards. He was throbbing and open and needing between his legs and Blaine was right there with the motions making Blaine's zipper press against Kurt's.

"Kurt, you're horny -" Blaine groaned and put his hands to his ass, and the squeezing just made his need so much stronger.

"You've been gone for so long," Kurt whined, embarrassed about how much he was craving it.

"What about that vibrator I gave you?" Blaine asked with hands on Kurt's hips, steering them to continue pressing and rubbing against Blaine's zipper.

"I tried. It's not you -" Kurt whined out and didn't even dare opening his eyes.

"Oh god – oh god no," he complained and found sense enough in himself to stop the motions and get to his feet. Blaine was staring at him like he didn't know where he was, and Kurt knew that he had to be a mess of ruffled hair tie askew.

"Do you want me to stay for the night? Cause I can get up and take the 6 o'clock flight if you want me to," Blaine offered, but quickly hurried to get up and put his arms around Kurt.

"Not for sex. I just – are you really making me say it? I miss you being close to me, and I miss feeling you when I go to sleep. I miss everything about you, Kurt -" Blaine groaned and pressed a peck to his lips.

Even though they had officially been a couple for over a month it was still hard for Blaine to admit things like when he missed him, or saying that he loved him, and Kurt understood that so he gave him time and space to adjust to the new commitment – and it only made it that much more special when he actually did it.

"Don't screw up your work for me. You have work to do," Kurt forced himself to say, but in reality he wanted to beg Blaine to stay and never leave again.

"It's gonna be fine. I'll just – call my assistant. Go ask your dad if it's okay," Blaine smiled and kissed his nose.

It wasn't fair that he offered himself like that when Kurt had to say no, because he would much rather have an entire weekend with Blaine than just a few hours.

"No. You better go. Now. So you can finish to that stupid deadline," Kurt whined and kissed Blaine.

"Aren't I supposed to be the mature one? I who should talk you into reason?" Blaine smiled.

"Let's just go downstairs. Then I will sleep until you are back with me," Kurt grunted pathetically, but far beyond the point of caring about it anymore.

So they fixed their clothes and hair before they walked back downstairs, hand-in-hand. Blaine politely shook everyone's hand and thanked them for a good night before Kurt followed him to his car where they exchanged sad kisses.

Kurt hurried to tell the family that he just wanted to sleep and went to bed before anyone could declare that they should discuss the evening's events. He quickly went through his nightly routines a little more sloppy than good was before he slipped into bed and curled up around a pillow. He had just drifted into sleep when he was woken up by his phone ringing.

"I'm at the airport now. I just – please don't think that I don't miss you, because you're all I think about. It's impossible for me to get any work done because fashion and clothes reminds me of you – I miss you," Blaine said apologetically, his voice curling around Kurt's spine.

"It's okay. I'm sorry I went crazy. I know that it's not your fault," Kurt assured him with sleep thick voice.

"Good. I have to go to the gate now. I just wanted to tell you goodnight. It was really good seeing you. I really love you, doll-face," Blaine said and his voice sounded different, sincere in a new way.

"I love you too, Blaine. Have a safe trip. Goodnight."

And Kurt could go to sleep untroubled for the first time in many days.