They say that domestic bliss has a time limit, like the initial honeymoon period, Kurt used to believe that, he used to be one of those people, sceptical and such, but right now he just can't ever see this feeling ever going away, he and Blaine had been dating for a little over Seven months and had been living together for Five weeks, and everything still felt, still was perfect.

Having somebody to come home to, not just an empty dark apartment with make-up smudges on the bathroom mirror, or someone who wouldn't be screeching or wailing at all times of day whether it be singing or complaining, or practising her Tony award acceptance speech on him as he tried to make coffee at Seven AM, having that, the comfort and warmth and knowledge that there would be arms to fall into, lips waiting to be kissed, tired eyes and crinkles to smooth out, having Blaine at the end of the day made Kurt's heart soar and sing.

Kurt loved and missed Rachel he always would, but in all honesty it kind of felt like the only difference was now they weren't just down the hall from each other, for Rachel to run in and jump on his bed screeching about an online review of the show, or Kurt couldn't hide by the bed on the floor waiting for her to enter and scare her half to death before snuggling up to her side and telling her about he and Blaine's newest relationship updates.

He sometimes went back to their, his, old apartment, to hang out, he was always made to feel welcome and he did really like the poor girl with the snapped tendon, he was happy that Rachel was still happy there, but often they would meet downtown after meetings and rehearsals, or on a couple of occasions he'd returned home to find Rachel balled up on the big leather couch engrossed in some reality show up on the big screen and murmuring something about Blaine letting her in earlier in the day, Kurt would shake his head with a smile shrug off his bag and coat and join her, then later the trio would be complete when Blaine would join them with leftover chicken wings and veggie rolls from the kitchen, squeezing in on the end tucked into Kurt's side.       

There would be times when a little space would be appreciated for both of them, somewhere to go and time to cool off for a short while, if even talking, listening or watching was too much for tired minds and eyes and muscles, but honestly, deep down he loved those moments too, loved how normal it felt to be so close, so wrapped up in somebody that you have to just take yourself away for a moment and collect your thoughts, before returning to a strong, warm embrace.

Like on days when Kurt's head was on overload from work among other things, his phone would not stop buzzing with email alerts, the bar downstairs was too busy, too loud, and even the vast space of the apartment seemed too small.

On one of those days in particular, a few days prior, Kurt had entered the apartment after a too-long full day of scurrying to and from meetings, his temples throbbed and heels and the pads of his feet ached, his fingers were calloused with indentations from holding the pencil or the correction pen too tightly, his eyes were tired and bleary and he could not decide what he wanted or needed to do first.

Blaine wasn't home yet and again he was in that mood, feeling that particular pissy way, with nobody to blame, where he didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry at the quiet of the empty space, as he made his way to the bedroom, ready to just crawl under the covers and stay there for the time being, he noticed that one of the doors to the smaller spare rooms was wide open, curiously he stepped forward and closer, the doors were normally kept closed, due to the fact they were just used as storage space and laundry rooms, though Kurt often thought that they could be used for better more creative reasons, he even dangerously allowed himself to think of a specific set of furniture that would easily fill the space, light and neutral and small.

As he got to the doorway he realised that Blaine had obviously been having similar thoughts, not the scary ones, the other ones and had put them into action, his heart fluttered as he entered with wide eyes, lips parted, his headache already easing. Everything had been cleared out of the room, and there sat in the corner was a brand new small rounded desk with a matching comfy looking chair placed in front tucked underneath. It was decorated with a cute little lamp, the same lamp that Kurt had looked at one too many times when walking by the store window arm in arm with Blaine, pencil pots, pads of paper, sticky notes and an obvious space for a laptop, Kurt's laptop.

In the far corner sat a plush cream loveseat, matching the walls and drapes, with a pull out foot rest and a stack of pastel coloured blankets and cushions piled up at the side. Beside that was a small light-wooden bookshelf pre-stacked with his favourite fashion magazines, some of his and Blaine's carefully chosen preferred novels and biographies and some old musical score books with scribbles and notes all over them. On the floor plugged into a nearby socket was Blaine's music station with inbuilt speakers, and connected to it was Kurt's iPod, all cued up ready to go.

Kurt looked around the room chest expanding with love and warmth when he noticed Blaine's old beat up guitar resting against the far wall in the corner, next to a potted plant which Kurt couldn't tell was real or false but couldn't care less, it was perfect, the room was perfect. Blaine had created a hang out space for them, mixing both of their stuff together, their likes and pleasures, somewhere to relax, for one or the other, or maybe sometimes both to go and enjoy whatever they wanted or needed to do in that moment, to get out of their own heads.

Later that evening Blaine opened the front door with a proud smile crossing his lips as he entered the apartment to find one single dim light filtering through from the back hallway and a faint sound of strings and piano keys, he quietly padded through the and propped himself up at the open doorway, shoulders bouncing up and down as he silently chuckled at the sight of Kurt, sprawled out over the nest of throw covers and fluffy pillows, his head face down on the foot rest and his long lean legs up and over the back of the little sofa, but Blaine didn't miss the small contented smile on Kurt's lips as he snuffled gracefully, breaths coming evenly.

An old brown leather notebook that Blaine had kept from his stay in Italy, filled with notes and pictures, scribbles and clippings was open on the floor and Kurt had obviously fallen asleep whilst peering at it from over the top of the foot stool, as quiet instrumental music which Blaine remembered telling Kurt was one of his favourite soundtracks played softly in the background.

It was the also the other things, sometimes small, sometimes bigger things, that Kurt loved so much about being with somebody in a shared space, to experience with, with Blaine, never knowing what he'd come home to, never mundane and if it was it would be blissfully, domestically so. Whether it be pleasantly exciting or maybe a little worrying or even at times a bit disconcerting for some reason. 

Like that one early Friday afternoon when Kurt had gotten home thankfully early to find Blaine already there, huddled over the bathroom sink, the water rushing quickly and as he stepped closer to him he noticed the basin filling with clear water and swirling, mixing with the thick, reddish tinge of blood.

“M'ok, a glass smashed, put my hand in the wrong place-” Blaine rasped deeply and hissed as he slowly turned his hand over, guiding it under the water, Kurt stepped up right behind him, pressed up tight and close, watching over his shoulder and holding his quiet gasp, he put a finger under the spray and immediately flinched a little at the temperature reaching out and turning the handle to the opposite direction.

“Need's to be colder than that honey, is it deep?” Blaine peeked up at him through the reflection of the mirror, Kurt could see his eyes softening, he wanted to smile at the endearment, the affection that Kurt instantly put it into place but he was obviously still in pain, if just a little and was starting to turn a worrying shade of pale. He shook his head and pulled his hand out from the spray to inspect the damage, tiny scarlet droplets falling from his skin helplessly.

“Don't think so, I did it about Twenty minutes ago, but just couldn't get away-”

“Who's your appointed first-Aider?”

“Me-”

“You should have gotten this checked out right away you idiot-” Kurt bent down a little and reached under the bathroom counter, springing back up with a bright green fabric pouch with a big white cross printed on the front, unzipping it and pulling out small packages, containers and a mini pair of scissors. He took Blaine's hand carefully in his own, stretching the palm up and out, Blaine winced slightly but tried to hold it as best he could.

“Sorry sweetheart, jump up there for me-” Kurt nodded his chin to the counter and stepped back to give Blaine room to hop up and sit comfortably, he stepped forward between Blaine's legs, placing his injured hand the way he needed it palm up on Blaine's knee, exposing the long thin cut right in the centre.

“There's no glass left in there right?” Blaine shook his head no, a half a grin and half grimace on his lips, looking deeply into Kurt's blue eyes, shining under the spot lights, his brow creased with thought and concentration. The cut was throbbing but the pain subsiding to just a light sting and Blaine knew it would be ok, it would start to scab in a few hours, but his stomach swooped and his heart leapt at how beautiful Kurt was right now, how he looked, how he was taking care of him, with no second thought to it, and Blaine could imagine another Five, Ten years of this, a lifetime, of what was left of Kurt caring for him and vice versa, and maybe, just maybe one more or maybe two other bodies to care for, smaller bodies, if Blaine dare let himself think that way for just a few seconds, to wonder, to hope.  

Kurt got to work straight away silently, nodding to himself adorably like he was talking the process over in his head, noting that the bleeding was starting to lessen and not deep enough to need stitches and that the cut was pretty tidy and clean, he pulled out a small square dressing telling Blaine to hold it over the cut tightly, whilst he cut up a strip of fabric bandage and started to wrap it around Blaine's hand over and over in a tight even pattern, only over his palm, Blaine flexed his fingers as Kurt finished up and tied the end of in a small knot and sticking it down with some tape.

Kurt washed his hands and placed everything back in the bag and back under the counter before Blaine hopped down and immediately pulled Kurt into his arms, holding his bandaged hand out of the way slightly, he crashed their lips together firmly making Kurt gasp and giggle lightly into his mouth, then planted wet kisses over his nose and cheeks, ending softly over his brow, softening the crinkles and worry lines and backing him out into the bedroom whilst whispering gentle ‘I love yous' and ‘thank yous' into his skin.

Blaine was also very good at reciprocating, he took every opportune moment he could to touch, to feel, to be close, to help Kurt in some way, whether it be massaging his hands and fingers, almost crippled by pens and pencils, stiffened by typing away all day and curled around phones and rulers and such. Rubbing his tired feet with Aloe Vera extracts or simply just running his fingers through his soft hair and rubbing gently at his temples in soft soothing motions with added little butterfly pecks as they lay back to chest together silently and happily after a busy day.

The house chores were pleasantly shared and didn't really feel like chores at all, not like when Kurt lived with Rachel and she refused to do most things for fear of catching some kind of bacterial virus which would harm her vocal chords. The dusting was enjoyed between tickle fights with the flow of background music or the TV playing re-runs of an old Eighties dramedy, the vacuum cleaning was performed in some cheesy dance routine type of way together around the floor, or sometimes sweeping under feet and legs as the other sat on the couch writing down that weeks grocery list.

Quiet Sunday mornings when Blaine wasn't needed downstairs, or Mondays when Kurt could take time off would be spent in the smallest spare room airing and folding laundry together, or sitting on the floor against the back wall, going over bills and such, how to divide and make payments fair and equal before filing the documents away in to plastic boxes.

When Kurt lived with Rachel, meal times were experimental to say the least, Kurt loved to cook and bake and play around in the kitchen, that was well known, but only if and when he had time, and if he had more than just himself to prepare a meal for, Rachel was hardly there half of the time and when she was, she preferred to just order take out or snack on creamed cheese and crackers.

But living with Blaine, cooking with him and for him, finding out his acquired tastes, his preferences, how he likes mayonnaise with potato products and ketchup with bread based products though Kurt likes to limit his allowance, whilst mumbling something about sugars. He likes feeding Blaine small spoon and forkfuls of his concoctions as he sits at the kitchen table looking over promotional ads for the bar, and peeking up with a happy grin when he sees Kurt coming forward with his newest dish to try, those moments are experimental and completely great in their own special way.

Like the time Blaine had taught him how to make real Italian pizza from scratch with home-made Napoletana dough and sauce. It was a late Saturday night and the bar had been packed out, Kurt had even been helping out in the back for a short while cleaning and drying glasses, taking orders from the bar staff to the kitchen staff and vice versa, anything he could to make himself useful. He enjoyed helping from time to time, doing a little a behind the scenes work, he felt very proud about it, proud that his boyfriend owned such a successful establishment, proud that he could offer his help and love and support and would never be turned away, Blaine was always thankful to have him around, no matter of what or which way.

After closing the bar around Twelve-Thirty AM, they tumbled up into the apartment together, a little tired but more hungry and irritable than anything, neither had had the time to eat anything save for a pack of nuts, and Kurt's one or two glasses of wine that Blaine brought for him whilst he was sitting in the back room, folding napkins and polishing cutlery ready for the wait staff to take away.

Kurt came out from their bedroom after changing into some sweat pants and an old loose t-shirt with a scratched out logo which he honestly couldn't remember was originally his or Blaine's, their personal stuff, their lives were so integrated now, gelling so nicely and easily together that nothing had to be second guessed or overly thought about.

He stepped into the kitchen to find Blaine standing at the counter looking busy with his hands, socks and shoes discarded, his generic black work shirt un-tucked from his pants, rolled up high at the sleeves and unbuttoned down low to a slight viewing of dark hair and a peek of black ink. His hair had come free from the last remnants of product, it looked hand swept and gorgeous, the slight greys twinkling under the kitchen lights in the dark night. Kurt approached him with a smile, checking out all of the ingredients spread out on the surface top and moved to wash his hands at the basin.

“What we making?”

“Pizza,” Kurt smiled at the overly enthusiastic accent and the accompanying for some reason flirtatious grin and wink, and his breath caught at the achingly soft, tender and a little longer than it needed to be kiss followed by a cheeky bite and suck that Blaine placed to his lips, his eyes smouldering, before pulling him into position alongside him at the counter and planting a lump of dough in his hands. Making pizzas really shouldn't have such a desired effect on Kurt, he was sure of it, but once again this was different, this was Blaine, and Kurt had to stop feeling so surprised at every new experience they shared.     

Before long the counters and their clothes and faces were covered in flour and yeast, diced up vegetables and splatters of olive oil, there was parmesan cheese in places where parmesan cheese shouldn't be, and Blaine had a small dollop of Tomato sauce attached to his stubble, which Kurt immediately volunteered to clean off, with his tongue, of course.

As the pizzas baked through, rising perfectly with the heat, glowing in the small light of the oven, they cleaned up the kitchen and utensils used, moving around each other expertly, handing each other dishes and bits of waste to dispose of, meeting in the middle for quick kisses, and if they were honest just blatantly eye fucking each other.

And as predicted when there were only a few slices left which were cast aside waiting to be refrigerated for tomorrows leftovers, Blaine found himself sprawled out, face up on his kitchen table, shirtless and a little in shock at himself and the fact that the table was holding his weight, both of their weights, but too far gone to actually care.

Kurt was straddling his waist and his tongue and hands relentless as they mapped out their route on and over is body, indicating exactly what was to be expected for the rest of the early hours of Sunday morning, both thankful that Blaine was off rotation that day.

Kurt grinned slyly at the low moans and deep rumbles coming from beneath him as he pinned Blaine's wrists down to the wooden surface, holding him in place, watching him writhe and submit to him, beautiful and wanting. He loved how Blaine could get so blissed out like this, so lost in the moment without needing the effects or courage of alcohol to spur him on, not that Kurt needed to either but it always added to the equation, always gave him that extra kick, but honestly each day spent with Blaine was like his very own boost of self love and appreciation and confidence, Blaine just made him feel special no matter what.   

The chilli powder from the seasoning stung deliciously on Kurt's red parted lips, and they sizzled against Blaine's, tongues hot and slick as they slid side by side furiously, Blaine's hips started to lift up and down carelessly as Kurt slid his warm tongue and dry lips down his sternum, circling both nipples, caressing with his teeth and lower, scratching over his rough trail of hair scattered over his abdomen.

The hotness of the chilli peppers tingled Blaine's skin deliciously, stretch by stretch, it was strangely erotic and weirdly wonderful, and this was just one of the types of domestic bliss that neither of them knew they longed so badly for, just another thing to add to the list that Kurt knew he wouldn't enjoy with anyone else, only Blaine.

There were also elements to their relationship which Kurt excitedly noted had expanded and flowed outside of the domesticity of their happy home, like for example the bar. Kurt was well known to most people now, known as Blaine's boyfriend to most of the staff and the regulars who were there most days at different times, but not everyone. And Blaine was still only known as the actual ‘owner' of the bar by a handful of people also, many people were still under the illusion that The Stage was owned by an unknown family who had left town, which in some ways was not untrue.

Kurt loved how easy they were in their own skin with each other now and how that developed when around others, in public places and not in the comfort of their apartment or just each other's personal space, they were wholly confident about their love and respect for one another, it was something that didn't have to be spoken aloud or discussed it was just a given.

Like when, on one early Thursday afternoon Kurt's department had been told to leave for the day due to rewiring issues the tech guys were having with some of the new systems, so with a slight diva strop about unprofessionalism but with also a secret internal happy dance, Kurt packed up his laptop and headed straight for the bar. When he got there he made eye contact with Ivan who looked like he was just leaving for the day with his coat and bag, he waved and smiled and pointed to the ‘Staff Only' door, meaning Blaine was up in his office, Kurt waved him off with a grin, finding a nearby vacant table in a quiet section just before the steps and setting up his laptop to carry on his work for the afternoon, Blaine didn't need to know he was there, not right away anyway.

He knew that if he went home he'd probably end up getting absolutely no work done whatsoever in favour of catching up on daytime TV or rearranging the underwear drawer, matching his and Blaine boxers together in colour and hotness order, much to the dismay and humour of his boyfriend. But at the bar he knew he would get on, or at least try to, spurred on by the  far off sight of his hardworking other half, hurrying around arms full with glasses and dishes, sleeves rolled up meaning business.

Kurt had been happily sitting in the same spot for a good twenty minutes with a freshly steamed cappuccino before he first noticed Blaine scurry past from behind him in a flourish, Kurt smiled as he looked up and watched him head straight to a table near the corner, not even looking around or noticing anything or anyone in his path. From what Kurt could see, sitting at the table were two women, maybes in their mid-twenties happily chatting and smiling, looking up as Blaine placed their meals down in front of them, Blaine smiled back, chuckling at something one of them had said to him, and then he stepped forward and lowered himself a little, bending over their table slightly. Kurt was not spying, of course he wasn't, but he did tilt his head just a bit to the right, just so, getting that perfect subtle angle, and what he saw made his stomach tighten.

Blaine was leaning past one of the women, looking down to the chair beside her and talking to a little girl, a girl maybe the age of two or three with short blonde curls and a tiny, adorable, slightly chubby body almost hidden most likely by her momma, or at least one of them. Kurt could only see the back of Blaine's head at this point, but the little girl was beaming brightly at him, and reached forward as Kurt craned his neck to see Blaine fish out a lollipop and a small pack of crayons from his apron pocket and hand them to her. Kurt watched for a few more seconds with eyes big and sparkling and a wide grin on his parted lips, he cleared his throat and ducked back behind his laptop screen as Blaine turned away from the table and started to walk towards the bar, his smile was big and bright as he looked back over his shoulder and wiggled his fingers at the little girl, making a funny face before doing some sort of comedy run away from the table making her chuckle and snort and clap her cute little hands.

Oh, Kurt thought, a small laugh escaping him, big, big OH, and it felt wonderful, it felt like another piece had fallen into place seamlessly, effortlessly.

Kurt continued his work for the next ten, fifteen minutes or so and rather distractedly to say the least, still unseen by Blaine he had assumed. Blaine hadn't re-emerged back out from the bar yet, and Kurt still had a big smile on his face, unable to scrub it from his lips, or the images of Blaine with the little girl, their faces lighting up with humour and happiness.

“What a beautiful smile you have there, I'd love to know what put it there-”

“Wha- uh, huh?” Kurt looked up, dazed, his eyes struggling to refocus as he turned from the screen and up to the stranger who was hovering over his table, looking down at him, with a scrutinizing, deep blue gaze and a too white smile. The stranger was male, with a mop of blonde hair swept up into a messy side-do, wearing a nice enough black jacket with a simple button down and jeans, he was good looking but he knew it.

“Oh um, Hi, I ah- I was just-”

The man moved quickly taking up residence in the vacant seat beside Kurt and leaning forward ever so slightly, Kurt startled and sat up straight, smiling with the sudden randomness of it all, Kurt cant remember the last he had been approached like this, he always avoided these situations for this exact reason, for fear of everything just turning out exactly like it always did, a waste of time.

Meanwhile over at the bar Blaine had emerged from the back room taking off of his serving apron and shoving it to the side, he lifted up the bar latch and made his way out to the main floor, looking over the nearby tables and patrons, smiling, nodding his head and dipping his chin, making sure everyone was happy and satisfied. As he took the steps to the next foundation, his eyes came into view with a very welcoming familiar face and recognisable smile, his breath caught in his throat surprisingly and happily but instantly choked off as he noticed the not so familiar tight grin flashing back at him, back at his boyfriend, his Kurt.

Blaine was not a jealous person, there was a difference between jealousy and simply feeling protective over what or who you love and care about and Blaine thought it very important to always remember that, however Blaine could not help feeling the dip in his gut, the quickening pace of his heart beat and not in the pleasant way, the feeling of somebody else wanting his Kurt and the possibility that he could be taken.

Blaine trusted Kurt completely, utterly and whole heartedly, and if for whatever heart breaking and unfathomable reason they should separate ways, cheating would not be the reason, for either of them, but it was only natural that Blaine felt a little sick at the thought of somebody else trying, trying to take his Kurt away from him. Kurt was beautiful and amazing, he had a lot to offer, a lot to give and share and he had chosen Blaine, Blaine who had been there and done that, but still had an awful a lot to achieve and give, he had everything to give to Kurt.

He drew in a breath and slowly approached the table, he could feel a little unsure inside but he wouldn't let it show, he would prove that Kurt was his and not in an overly protective, ridiculous way, a way that was right and respectable, a way that was expected from mature boyfriends. He sheepishly looked around as he got closer, wiping over table tops quickly and half heartedly with a rag from his pocket on his way, trying not to tilt his head to the side to hear a little clearer, but the unmistakable sharp giggle of his boyfriend pulled his head up and eyes determined, feet dragging him closer and quicker.

“Oh come on, seriously?” Kurt smiled and nodded his head to the man with blonde hair and a black jacket slightly creased at the shoulders.

“Yup, I'm afraid to say, my boyfriend is pretty amazing-” Blaine halted, his chest thumping and a small smirk threatening to break free, Kurt was still looking at the man at his table, his gaze serious and determined and his smile genuine.

“He sounds it, but I gotta say he's a lucky dude-” Blaine hovered slightly behind, shuffling his feet a little, trying to busy his hands in some way, just as Kurt glanced up, startled by his sudden presence but in no way offended, he shot him a wink before looking back at the other man.

“Maybe, but I'm luckier, very much so, now if you'll excuse me-” Blaine watched as Kurt shook hands with the stranger politely and not allowing time for anything more as he stood and packed up his things, the guy gave a little shrug with a tight smile, running his hands through his hair and leaving hastily as Blaine quietly approached from behind him.

Blaine was at work and Kurt knew this, so as he packed up his belongings he sent Blaine a sly smile and headed towards the Staff quarters at the back where the staircase leading to Blaine's office was, with a small cheeky sashay of his hips he disappeared through the door and made his way up. With only a few seconds spare Kurt had neatly placed himself on the edge of Blaine's desk just as the door swung open and clicked closed as Blaine strutted forward and placed himself between Kurt's legs, wrapping his arms around his neck and tugging him down towards his lips, he pecked and whispered hotly and reverently.

“You're wrong, so, so wrong, I'm luckier-” Kurt smiled into the kiss, running his fingers through Blaine's curls trying not to break the style.

“Well you have a pretty long time to try and prove it, I'd say.”          

*

“So when's the party?”

“What party?”

“The one for the bar of course, for the whole year thing, obviously not the one for your new house warming that you kindly decided not to have, and just moved in with the love of your life, after six months and after already berating your dearest friend over the exact same thing like it was no big-fucking-deal at all-” Kurt rolled his eyes and smirked as he stopped typing for a moment and flexed his fingers, he pushed his reading glasses back up his nose and looked over his desk at Elliott who was pretending to look busy over some papers and hide his matching smirk.

“What's your point?” Elliott laughed, a sharp burst and looked up his eyes shining mischievously and grinning wide from cheek to cheek.

“And there's not going to be a party as such, just a happy, busy celebratory atmosphere, so you and Jon best get your asses down, Isabelle's bringing half of the department in fact-” Elliott bit his lip and peered down as he shuffled through his papers, his eyes twinkling and Kurt just couldn't place what was with him today, he was even bigger and brighter, even more than his usual enthusiastic cheeky self.

It was two weeks until mid September, two weeks until the one year anniversary of The Stage re-opening as Blaine's wonderful bar, and Kurt had noticed that Blaine was a little antsy but he wasn't exactly sure why, yes it was a big thing, a huge thing, a milestone, but they had talked about it rather easily and calmly. A few extra promotional offers would be added to the bar that weekend, Blaine's chef had came up with a special menu that could be pre-booked, the place would be decked out with banners and balloons and complimentary champagne on arrival, easy simple, nothing to worry about, excited yes, but worry no, the bar was already a huge success that the celebration would only boost that surely.

“Gotcha, we'll be there man, wouldn't miss it, so will your dad be coming back to visit soon then? You mentioned how well he and Blaine had bonded,” Kurt smiled and ringed his wrists before taking his glasses off and took a sip from the afternoon coffee treat that Elliott had brought them to help them get through the rest of the day, Isabelle was out of town for a few days and the work load had been doubled between them, but happily and steadily they got through it together.

“I think so, I hope so, he did really love Blaine I could just tell, Carole too, I um I guess I did feel bad that they never met sooner, but you know-” 

“Yeah I know Hummel, you don't have to justify shit to me, I'm the last person you need to-”

“I know that but I just never wanted my dad to think it was because he wasn't important enough, with Blaine and I, it's-everything just happens you know, and I know Blaine felt awful about it too, he hates to think that my dad thought him disrespectful for things becoming that serious between us without meeting him first, but I guess things are different these days, and I know now that my dad definitely does not think like that,” Elliott smirked and leaned back in his chair, letting Kurt continue his sudden ramble. 

“But I definitely think that they have some sort of understanding, some kind of mutual respect for each other, he gave me some lame jokes and crap about being sidelined for another older guy and shacking up without his initial say so when we were out walking, but with Blaine he was very sweet, like they were old time buddies or something, I don't know maybe it is because of the age thing, but either way I liked it, I loved it-”

Elliott smiled and nodded, chewing the tip of his pen a little, listening to Kurt's every heart felt word, “and Blaine, I-I've never seen him like that before, he looked so young and precious, I mean with Carole he was just a doll, like he always is, we practically had to sweep her off of the floor from his feet-” Kurt chuckled and Elliott clucked his tongue around his smirk, “but with my dad, he was just so keen and eager to please and impress and for his age I found that incredibly endearing, like the first time he told me, tried to tell me that he loved me, no matter how many times he's said it before to other people and in what way, it was like it was so important to him that his inner child-like vulnerability just over powered him,” Kurt suddenly closed his mouth and looked at Elliott with blinking innocently, like he couldn't believe he'd just went off on one like that.

“I um, but yeah, I hope that my dad does visit again soon, maybe not this soon though, probably thanksgiving or something-”

“Yeah hopefully dude, have you uh have you thought anymore about your future, you know this place and stuff?” Kurt looked at him quizzically, he was full of the questions today. Elliott knew of Kurt's undying love and passion of performing, he knew of his silent and respectable jealousy of Rachel's success up on the stage, it was hard not to see when they all would go and watch her show together and Kurt's entire face would light up with admiration and want and hope. But Kurt had never made that so obviously known, and it was a thing that he was still working out in his head, still deciding what to do with it, he and Blaine had spoken about it many times, but there was still no conclusion, no answer.

“Oh I um, no, no not really, it's just, Blaine and I have talked about it, about..options but it's-”   

“It's ok Kurt it's cool, I just care about you, you know that, was just curious, well, anyway, I'ma get outta your hair, so we can get shit done and get rid, it's Friidaay,” Elliott winked and fist bumped Kurt's hand that was wrapped around his take-out mug before he stood up, his chair wheeling backwards and almost knocking over a potted plant as he made his way to the door, “You've got somebody who you're undeniably crazy about to get home to make out with, and guess what, me too-” Elliott stuck out his tongue in a crazy ‘rock' kind of gesture then left, leaving Kurt shaking his head and smiling, alone with his thoughts.

*

“So Elliott was asking me today about The Stage and the plans for the anniversary weekend-”

“He was?”

“Yeah, two weeks right?”

“Two weeks, what else did he say?” Blaine was lying beside Kurt face up in bed, hands resting over his stomach, trying not to tense as he stared up at the ceiling, quietly collecting his thoughts.

“Um nothing, just that, well he was asking about work and stuff, was quite weird actually, even more so than usual, but he added the usual hint that we didn't have a party when I moved in-” Blaine rolled over onto his side and wrapped Kurt tight around his middle pulling him close against his bare chest and quietly and slowly kissing the skin by his ear, causing him to drop his book he was reading with a ‘hmph' and a short chuckle.

“He's not getting over that one anytime soon is he, he didn't have his until a couple months later-”

“Do you want to do something like that, a party or something?” Their voices were low and quiet in the dim lighting of their bedroom, calm and quiet. Kurt had gone to bed to read around Nine-ish and when Blaine came upstairs around an hour later he had a quick shower and climbed under the sheets with him barely dry and gloriously naked.

“Hmm, maybe not-”

“I didn't think you would-”

“A dinner may be nice though, with close friends, or maybe we could have a quiet, private lock in downstairs?”

“A lock in, how scandalous, I'm impressed Mr A..sounds nice though, sounds great actually, we could maybe coincide it with the bar anniversary thing-” Kurt wriggled a little in Blaine's hold causing him to smile against his neck, as he mouthed at his skin, eyes fluttering closed sleepily, happily, humming deep in his throat.

“Sounds perfect sweetheart, so Mr A huh? New pet name?” Kurt snorted and Blaine nibbled lightly at his flesh.

“Oh god, you remember the night we met and you thought Rachel and I were a couple and she had pet names for me-”

“Of course I do, sorry to break it to you sweetheart but that was a ploy, I needed to find out if you were single and on my team and that was the best, quickest way I could think of at the time, no matter how lame it was-”

“Well it worked so Kudos to you, and maybe this new pet name works better than our old ones-” Kurt bit his lip, teasing and Blaine squeezed his side playfully.

“You never did congratulate me for getting through two days around your dad without slipping up, would he really have hated it that much though, if I called you that in front of him?” Kurt thought for a few seconds before pulling Blaine's hand up to his lips and kissing his knuckles gently, wrapping his palm around his hand as he opened it up, spreading his fingers and kissing slightly at the faded almost not there scar from his ‘glass accident' not long ago.

“Honestly? Probably not, I think he would have found it slightly amusing but purposely not shown it, however it's what he calls me, I mean it makes sense I am his kid, and I'm your boyfriend-” Kurt chuckled as he drawled off and continued to map out a trail of kisses along Blaine's hand and wrist as Blaine's free arm tightened around him, humming into his neck and growing silent.

A few quiet minutes passed and Kurt could hear, could feel the thoughts rolling around in Blaine's mind, “I can hear you thinking, come on Anderson, spit it”- Blaine bit his lip before turning his attention back to Kurt's neck, he groaned quietly in his chest and Kurt smiled, lying patiently, rubbing circles into Blaine's wrists and forearms.  

“I um, I guess, I need uh, I want to ask you something but I don't know how to do it, what words to use without possibly and unintentionally offending you-” Kurt frowned and turned in Blaine's arms, still close and tight and but moving so that he could look at Blaine properly, he was not worried but definitely intrigued.

“Ok? Come on honey, you always tell me to ask you anything, so come on ditto-” Blaine scooted forward and kissed his head long and slow before sitting up on his elbows slightly and watching Kurt do the same, mimic his position.

“Do um, how do, are you- do you consider yourself young?” Kurt smiled at the question, his brow furrowing, not completely understanding the true meaning of what Blaine was getting at.

“Is this an age joke? Because I thought that-”

“I mean do you think of yourself as too young, too young to um, to settle, to be satisfied with your life, to dedicate your time-”

“Blaine what are you- is this about the work and future thing again because we said that- and Elliott,-”

“Do you feel like you're too young to have kids, a family, to settle and want those things, do you even want those things at all?” Kurt's eyes softened immediately and his breath rushed past his lips, he got it, he finally understood, Blaine considered himself too old, Blaine was worried that he was getting older, and that they possibly wanted different things and everything that his father had explained that time over the phone came back to him, his head felt light and skin tingly, his heart thumping loudly and he was pretty sure he could feel Blaine's beating at the same speed, to the same rhythm.

Memories of Blaine and the little girl at the bar that they had never actually spoken about yet came flooding to the forefront of his mind, the enlightening conversations they had shared about Blaine's nephew Devon, how Blaine spoke about him so softly and kindly, they all came back and Kurt wanted to laugh and shout and squeal. Honestly he had never thought about it, not about the timeline or the process or order, but right now he knew, he knew exactly what he wanted, and now was most definitely one of those moments when fewer words spoke volumes, told a thousand truths and meant a million a promises. 

Kurt cupped Blaine's face so softly, his thumbs rubbing over his lips and cheekbones, their eyes fluttering shut and smiles breaking free, quietly, beautifully, “Blaine? I want everything thing with you.”

* 

The next morning, far too early for a Saturday, early enough that even the birds tweeting outside sounded tired and the sunrise was still slightly dark, waiting for the morning colours to spring into action and paint the way forward. Kurt had rolled over, wakefulness trying to pull his sleep crusted eyes open as he stretched his arms out, fingers flexing, reaching for that familiar warm skin but only to find the mattress space and pillows beside him cool and bare. Kurt's eyes flicked open, this was odd, this never happened, he flung his legs off of the side of the mattress and padded out of the room, maybe Blaine was making coffee to bring back to bed. Out in the hallway when he was expecting to hear the tell tale signs of the kettle or spoons clanging against the china of mugs, he heard nothing but silence, an eerie unusual silence, no floorboards creaking or chains flushing, no signs or sounds of anyone being anywhere in the apartment at all.

There was really only one place Blaine would, could be at this time, he pulled a hoodie off of the coat rack and shuffled into some slippers before pocketing his phone and keys from the side table and leaving the apartment, quickly skipping down the stairs and unlocking the big black door leading the corridor which back onto The Stage.

As he got closer, making his way through more corridors and doorways, he took out his phone ready to type a message out to Blaine, he never thought to do that in the first place, he just wanted, needed to see him, curious and worried in his still half asleep state, but as he got closer to the back entrance to the main stage, the very familiar pangs and twangs of quiet piano keys started to fill his ears.

A melody soft and low and familiar flowed through the silent atmosphere, pulling him closer and closer until he reached the dark surface, his footfalls so quiet and soft and there in front of him, wearing navy PJ bottoms and a white tank top was Blaine, neatly sprawled over the piano keys, head down, deep in concentration.

He started to sing, and Kurt could not stop himself from approaching carefully, this was a sight that he had ached to see once again, sounds he had yearned to hear again, he didn't want to startle him and ruin the beauty of the moment. He gradually rounded his steps, making it obvious that he was there, appearing in Blaine's far line of vision, as he continued to play and sing without fault, eventually Kurt stepped forward enough so that he was right beside the piano stool.

Blaine lifted his head and Kurt was sure he could see a slight tilt to his lips as he sang softly and quietly but didn't catch his gaze, he kept his eyes trained on his hands, gracefully moving over each key expertly, but very subtly shifted to the side, making room on the stool for another body, room for Kurt, always room for Kurt.

Kurt swallowed hard and sat down beside him silently, realisation and recognition homing in on what Blaine was singing, it was the song that Kurt had thought he was singing the first time he'd found him here before he was cut off by Kurt's cell beeping, back when things between them were still new and fresh and scary and unsure, but this was definitely the song, the same song on the same day that Blaine had needed to think about their possible future relationship, about his feelings. Kurt smiled to himself, watching Blaine's side profile carefully, his skin tingling with gooseflesh as Blaine's voice and words beautiful and reverent haunted him and moved and touched him in so many ways. He fought to hold back the pleasant sting of happy tears, and linked an arm through Blaine's carefully, trying not to knock him and placing his head on Blaine's shoulder, sighing deeply and wonderfully.

“…yes I'm in love…who looks at you the way I do.. when you smile…I can tell..we know each other very well.. how can I show you…”