Kurt's cheek rubbed irritatingly yet very deliciously so against the smooth, coolness of the piano below him, the friction burning hotly against his dampening warm skin, he folded his forearms at the elbows, crossing them and rested his forehead on top, finally deciding on a softer surface to rest his head as he rocked back and forth slowly, gently. His hoodie had been discarded somewhere across the vast space of the stage where it was thrown in excited haste and his PJ pants pooled on the cool hard floor around his ankles.

The delightful sounds of squeaks and slides, skin on skin and shiny varnished wood filled the empty area, low moans and groans, deep huffs of breath swirled up into the air and echoed off of the bare brick walls and high rise ceilings where lights fixtures and metal prop bars hang. Kurt's fingers gripped tightly to the surface beneath him, anywhere he could find secure and steady as he shuffled his feet slightly a little more further apart, bent at the knees and stuck out his hips and ass up and backwards, his eyes closed and lips parted, teeth and tongue darting out to bite and suck and lick as his stomach danced with the familiar heat of love and lust and pure need.

Behind him Blaine moaned deep in his chest, eyes rolling back in his head as Kurt pushed himself back on to him, his gripped his hips a little tighter and dropped his forehead to Kurt's shoulder blade, kissed his tattoo. Kurt shuffled around slightly again, his heels rocking and arms stretching, a small whine escaping his throat and Blaine slowed even more so from the sinfully aching unhurried pace his hips at already set, his voice was a low rasp, as he mouthed into damp, heated skin.

“Sorry sweetheart, we can go, let's go back up-” He only moved back a half inch before Kurt's arms untangled and a hand snapped backwards gripping at Blaine's thigh.

“N-no, god no, please, stay please,” Kurt's voice was barely there, breathless, his throat dry and head light. Blaine smiled wide and lazy, long dark lashes sweeping his face as he pushed back in, thighs quaking at the slow intensity.

“Ok baby,” he thrust up and deep a few short times, taking Kurt completely so that this his glorious bare flushed ass was pressed flush up against Blaine's groin and tight thighs, before returning to slow delicious slides and drags, earning the most beautiful sounds tumble from Kurt's lips.

“God Blaine, more, h-harder, please honey-” Kurt lifted his head slightly, Blaine grinned again, devilish like into his flesh, he nibbled at a hard plane of muscle on his shoulder and nosed at his skin, rubbing from side to side as he shook his head, his voice quiet and playful.

“No baby, not yet, slow and easy like this, let me love you like this-” Blaine held his chuckle as he bit his lip and offered a deep thrust and slow withdrawal as Kurt's head fell back down and he moaned long gritty.

It was the truth, Blaine felt a little bit awful about the slightly uncomfortable position they had found themselves compromised in, no matter how much Kurt sounded like he thought otherwise, he needed Kurt and he needed this, reverence, loving worshipping, he needed Kurt to feel exactly what he was feeling right now, for him.

When Blaine had noticed Kurt approaching him at the piano not long before whilst he way playing, his first thought was to stop and sweep him up back to bed, but he knew he couldn't do that, not now, he was too far gone, Kurt deserved to hear it, to hear his heart and soul pouring from his mouth and fingers, flowing from him and into the ivory and black keys, he wanted him to hear it.

The night before he lay in bed wide wake as Kurt snuggled up into him, a tangle of warm flesh and bones around him, snuffling softly into his neck, he felt light headed and giddy with the honesty and thoughts that had been shared between them, elated and if not a little overwhelmed and scared as endless possibilities of the future swam around in his head. Silently he unwrapped Kurt from him, leaving kisses on his arms and hands and fingers, careful not to stir him as he placed them gently back down on the sheets and pillows, he slipped on some slippers, the tingle in his fingers, the need and want he could feel in them to flex and let creativity flow became too much and he knew exactly what he wanted, needed to do, he wouldn't push the feeling back down anymore.

The song was an old favourite of his, he remembered his mom playing it loudly around the house when doing some simple chores, as he sat and coloured at the table, bopping and singing along with her. It was the first song that sprung into his head not very long at all after meeting Kurt, and it scared him so much that he could already think like that, but he had never thought like that before, and that meant a hell of a lot more to him than any fears and worries he had. It was time for him to actually act on something, take control of his life once again, his wants and hopes and put them into place and Kurt was definitely the starting pointing for that, he just knew it, no matter how long they had known each other at that point.

So he carried on playing, playing and singing to Kurt, for him, quietly and careful not to look at him, fearing the emotion that would rush all at once upon seeing his beautiful face, his bright ocean coloured eyes clearing and lighting up the dark and black of the stage around them, save for the dim safety light he had clicked on above them. When Kurt carefully curled himself around him on the piano stool, Blaine allowed the hidden smile to spread over his lips, his heart racing as he continued playing and watching his hands glide and press.

After the song had finished, and the last chords strung out into the very early dark of the stage, they sat in silence and Kurt lifted his head, Blaine could see him out of the corner of his eye watching him carefully, he swallowed hard and turned to face him, bracing a hand in his lap. His breath caught when Kurt blinked back at him, eyes brimming with unshed tears, full and bright, his smile wide and blinding, cheeks blushed with pink and bed hair sticking up and out, gorgeous.

“Y-you um, that was, that song was what you-” Blaine nodded and smiled, cupping Kurt's face and bringing them closer.

“It was-” Kurt smiled, dropping his gaze to Blaine's lips and back up, swinging a leg over the side of the stool so that he was straddling it and Blaine scooting closer into the open space between his legs.

“So you uh, you felt that way, you-that song is-”

“I already knew, always knew, crazy I know-” And Kurt was on him, drawing his lips between his teeth, sighing and gasping into his mouth, the tastes and touches were so intimate, so private, Kurt pulled back and peeled off Blaine's tank top, bending low, his spine curling like a cat's, trailing his tongue down his chest, lower to the waist band of his pants and using nimble fingers to remove the obstruction of the fabric.

And that's how they ended up like this, like now, it was very experimental at first, pushing each other in and out of positions, laughing and smiling, gasping into damp skin as they grew harder and needy, until they were both almost completely naked and ready and wanting. Because of the unplanned spontaneity of the moment, and with no pre-thought or want of a better idea, they needed each other now, a little initiative had to be used in exchange of the usual required items, this resulted in wet mouths and hot tongues lapping and trailing, sucking, kissing messily again and again until broken sobs were howled into the empty quiet and with quivering skin and bones, saliva slicked fingers sliding and stretching, Blaine carefully placed Kurt where he wanted, where he needed him.

The need had become too great, too far gone and he couldn't wait to get him back upstairs he needed him now, needed to show him.

It wasn't the most romantic position they had ever found themselves in during their love making, but it wasn't fast and hard and reckless, not yet anyway, Blaine made sure Kurt knew, how much this moment meant to him, how much he would always mean to him, he took his time loving him, physically, emotionally, in all ways and always.

After a short while, even Blaine couldn't keep his own hips from snapping back and forth, the pace quickening, muscles tightening, he straightened up slightly, pulling Kurt up with him and bracing their arms and hands together along the smooth black surface as they rocked together, fingers entwining, pushing and pulling, the sharp smack of skin and bones sending them into a frenzy.

“Ah shit Blaine, Jesus, yes there, right there, don't stop, god yes-” Blaine bit his lip, concentration fogging his brain and the deep vital need to just keep going, plunging in and out of Kurt, giving him everything, anything he needed from him, from his body. He took a half step back and looked down between there bodies, he pulled Kurt's hips out and groaned at the sight of himself sliding in an out of his perfect body, the sexy slope of his chiselled spine and back, muscles stretching and shifting, tight ass and thighs squeezing, the sight almost tipping him over the edge, he was so close. Kurt's hands braced tightly on the piano top, fingers spreading widely, he had no control over movement or placement, his body was completely lax under Blaine's, under his hands, submissive and taking everything he was getting deliciously.

There was no actual preference between them when it came to sex, they both loved each position the other would propose just as much as the last, it all depended on moods and circumstance. Blaine knew Kurt liked to be taken in any position in the morning, woken with soft kisses and touches and opened up gently, loose and pliant. Blaine sometimes liked it hard and unexpected, late at night or on some surface around the apartment.

Kurt did love the feeling of taking Blaine, there was something incredibly hot about seeing the older man, broad and muscles tight and drawn, bronzed crinkled skin, spattered with dark hair ready to be nibbled whilst he's writhing beneath him, spreading his cheeks and just having him, all of him.

But this, right now, this made feel Kurt feel more connected, more safe and well rounded than anything, ever. Having Blaine above him, behind him, being able to trust him, shaping Kurt with his hands how he wants him, worshipping his body with all of himself, and all without actually being able to see Blaine doing this to him for the most part, this was something that Kurt would always gain extra, special pleasure from.

“God Blaine, h-honey, please I'm close, I'm so c-clo- ah just fuck me-” Blaine tensed, his hips stuttering slightly out of time, the filth cascading from Kurt's lips becoming too much, the slow and reverent pace, the soft moans and pants turning into cuss words and sharp hisses, Blaine loved this about them, how in-tune and in-sync they were with each other, feeling and thinking the same.

Blaine's hips thrust forward, rocking Kurt up on his heels and toes slightly, hard and fast, un-forgiving, again and again, closing his eyes and kissing any stretch of skin he could, trying not to skip out of time, he loved Kurt so, so much, and as hot and incredible as this had turned out to be, the emotion of it all was sinking deep down into Blaine's soul. He took Kurt with all that he had, he always would, his name would always silently spill from his lips no matter what they were doing or where.

Kurt cried out his name over and over with each grind and swivel, Blaine hit that spot so fucking-perfectly, the angle just right, with a string of juicy words under his breath.

Blaine slammed forward, crying out along with Kurt, his voice was broken, hoarse, teeth clenching, “Mmm baby, come for me, shit, come for me,” He unexpectedly wrapped his fist tight around Kurt's achingly hard, leaking shaft, he didn't even have to move not one bit before Kurt screamed his name, he didn't need his hand he was already there, rocking forward as he came, hot-white over his fingers and the black shiny surface below.

Blaine followed almost immediately, whining Kurt's name, filling him deeply, their bodies still moving together, sticky and sweet, “Fuck yes, yes, you're everything Kurt, e-everything to me-” Their bodies slowed and slumped together, words and thoughts swirling around their heads, cries and moans faded into deep breaths and pants, filling up the silence as their chests expanded together, sweat and skin rubbing, dragging in any possible air that they could.

Blaine rested his head between Kurt's shoulder blades, eyes screwed shut and unexplainable lump in his throat, he wrapped his arms tight around Kurt's middle, there was no holding back now, no time like the present. He kissed his skin, enjoying the feel of the warm moist cooling against his lips, his words low and deep, un-ashamed.

“Kurt, you make me want to play again, sing, to perform, for you, I lost that for while, lost the thrill of wanting to play for somebody, and then there was you-”

Kurt remained quiet and still beneath him, staring down into his slight reflection from the black shiny surface, blinking, eyes wide. He was aware of Blaine still inside of him, softening, slick and messy, but he was also very, very aware of what Blaine was saying right now, so important and so hard for him to admit, to share. Kurt's chest ached and his heart leaped.

“You um, you've tried to knock some sense in to me about this before, for a while now, but I'm ready now, ready to listen, ready to try… Kurt I want to play again, here, in the place that I love, with who I love, I want to play with you, you have already made me feel so much more complete and whole than I ever I thought that I would, but there's more, with you there will always be more, and I need you, I want you to be a part of it too, you can pursue your dreams too, or shit-something like that,” Kurt wanted to laugh and cry at his flustered boyfriend, quietly he did both, “together, we can do it together, will-will you do it with me, here at some point, some time soon, sing with me…please?”

A tear rolled down Kurt's cheek as he sobbed out a giggle, shaking his head slightly and trying to blink back the rest, Blaine was completely and utterly adorable, they can never do anything conventional, he is ridiculous, they are ridiculous, he was bent over a piano naked as sin with Blaine soft inside of him, come drying all around them and Blaine offering the most heartfelt words into his skin at an ungodly early hour in the middle of his god-damned bar, Kurt would always love this man, with all that he had, all that he was.

He turned his head, an offering, and Blaine took it immediately, ducking down and meeting his lips, smiling goofily, as Kurt nodded in to the kiss, whispering breathless ‘yes' and ‘adorable idiot' between brushes of lips and swipes of tongue, even at the awkward angle. There would be time to discuss and talk about it in more detail later, right now there was another very pressing matter to deal with.    

Blaine pulled back and kissed the back of Kurt's soft, damp hair as he pulled out slowly, their softer but no less excited state making the process slightly more uncomfortable, wincing at the feeling and the emptiness, Kurt hissed beneath him and Blaine gently, cheekily stroked a cheek, squeezing lightly, he made a face as his eyes came into focus with the sudden awareness of the mess they had made.

As if sensing it also Kurt giggled and tried to straighten before Blaine placed a hand on his back.

“Wait there sweetheart,” he pulled at himself a couple of times, wiping the access off on to his thigh and pulled his pants up back in to place, he reached for his tank top which was lying by the leg of the stool and gently started to clean Kurt, who grimaced and groaned dropping his head back down to the hard surface.

“Oh my god tell me that is not your Hanes tank I just got for you-” Blaine laughed, muttering an apology but not sounding very apologetic at all, more delighted than anything as he finished up and bent down, he kissed at Kurt's cheeks and thighs as he rolled his pants back up his legs, he gave one last squeeze before reaching out with the soiled clothing and started to clean the piano surface, he would come back later with some proper cleaning products, or no doubt Kurt would beat him to it, nobody else went back there anyway.

Kurt turned within Blaine's arms on either side of him, bent his head forward and kissed the underside of his jaw, sucking and licking slightly, teasing as Blaine gave one last swipe and balled the fabric up in his hands, he purred into his Adam's apple, “Can we go back to bed now?” Blaine smiled and kissed his temple when a sudden faint clicking and a far off tune of a vibrant hum and whistle brought their attention to front of the stage where the sound was filtering from beyond the heavy set curtain, a quiet muffle of words exchanged followed.

The early morning shift supervisors and chef's had entered through the far main entrance, ready to prepare for a busy Saturday morning of breakfast and brunches and completely unaware of what was happening on the far side of the curtain. Kurt's eyes almost fell from their sockets and Blaine smirked and bit his lip at his boyfriends expression, with his free hand he took Kurt's hand and pulled him over to his hoodie on the floor at the side, he messily scooped it up and they pattered out the back and ran quietly and breathlessly down the corridor, giggling like Fifteen year olds.

Once safely back home upstairs, Kurt bent Blaine over the side of the couch, stripped them both, uncaring of their already messy disgusting bodies, and took great pleasure in returning the favour that was given to him earlier, complete with the use of his relentless tongue and hands and fingers, before sending him off to the shower sated and tired and ready to join his poor oblivious co-workers downstairs.

*

The atmosphere in the bar was electric, alive with excitement and chatter, it was around Seven-ish and the place was filling up steadily and nicely. Most of The Stage's staff were on rotation and wearing especially printed t-shirts, black with white glittery writing on the back reading ‘Anniversary Weekend' and a silhouette of a balloon and champagne bottle in the corners, courtesy of one Mr Hummel of course.

Blaine was wearing a slightly shimmering grey shirt with black suspenders and a silk bowtie, superbly fitted tight black pants with a very not so obvious to the eye plaid pattern and boat shoes. His hair was mostly loose, with just a slight dollop of gel to control the fizz and even some slight shine serum to highlight his silvery tips that Kurt loved so much. He had shaved the night before meaning his stubble was just at the right, tidy length, he looked as handsome as ever, but tonight he had that unique spark about him.

As he paraded around the bar, nervous at first until he found his feet, he wasn't really working as such, more greeting and welcoming, but he had that special twinkle in his eye, something close to pride, he looked like he did when ever he first looked at Kurt first thing when waking up together in the morning.

Kurt of course picked his outfit and made sure that he was looking just as good, matching not ridiculously but subtly so, with tight black jeans and a white crisp fitted shirt with a grey waistcoat, silver cravat and black lace ups, his hair was perfectly coiffed as usual but this time he had amazingly allowed Blaine to run a steady, carefully placed hand through it, creating that neat-messy-yet styled look, and his jaw was lined with a very light line of hair. They were probably the sexiest couple to pass through the doors that evening if Kurt did think so himself.

He sat in the far corner on a large table filled with buckets of champagne, pitchers of cocktails and surrounded by an array of happily tipsy people, all enjoying their Saturday night. Rachel's very rare Saturday night off had been granted and she was sipping from a flute sharing stories from the stage with her room-mate, Elliott and Jon and Isabelle were on her other side, listening intently and offering quips in between top ups.

Rachel's status was becoming a little more well known now, and she quite frankly thrived on it, the odd musical theatre nerd would approach her, asking for photos or an autograph, Kurt would smile and stand back, offering to take the photos for them at times. He was happy for her, she deserved it, she worked hard, Kurt knew that, but he could, he had worked hard too, but he didn't need the celebrity status that Rachel craved, he just needed an accomplishment, another one, a different one, a sense of pride where he could say to himself, ‘I went for it, I tried and I can live happily for the rest of my life knowing that'.

It was loud in the bar, making it hard to hear what was going on around unless you could see beyond the crowds, there were groups of all walks of life filling every available space and vacant table, and steady background music played quietly over the speakers as the chatter and laughter roared over the top and up into the ceiling.

The bar was licensed to play music over the PA system or even live, as it was of course previously a Theater but Blaine never chose to, he liked how The Stage was a great place to come no matter time of day where people could enjoy the company of their friends amongst others, and not struggling to listen or batted out of the way by some crazy dance moves, but tonight a little music was required to flow with the atmosphere of the evening, his loyal and kind customers deserved something different, something special.

As the night slowly and happily proceeded onwards the table filled with more familiar faces, work colleagues neighbours, acquaintances and Blaine would come and go from the table, leaving quick chaste kisses on Kurt's cheeks and jaw, chatting with the girls, sharing jokes with Elliott and Jon and retreating through to the back now and then making sure everything was running just as smoothly behind the scenes.

Blaine had been tense earlier in the day, nervous and quiet, even though his behaviour was still a little odd Kurt had understood and given him his space and made himself around and available only when he needed him to be. Kurt would retreat to their ‘hang out' room but only to have Blaine follow him in a few minutes later, straddling his hips on the love seat and kissing him long and slow and breathless for several silent minutes, like it was some kind of reassurance some how, and burying into the curve of his neck, breathing in deeply before retreating for short periods of time and then returning for the same treatment a short while later.

Sometimes he would pick up his abandoned guitar from the corner, and strum a short familiar tune, humming lightly as Kurt smiled from behind his book and join in with the odd line or verse here and there, this was how the day was spent until Kurt dragged him into their bedroom and en-suite later in the day to get ready for the special night ahead.

For the past two weeks, since their little ‘piano fun and declaration' they had been spending more and more time down on the main stage, mostly on Monday's when the bar was closed, or before or after closing times when the pair weren't too tired and washed out. It started off as just a bit of fun, not that type of fun, but just experimenting, jamming as it were, Blaine would play anything that came to his head, and Kurt would sit with him, sometimes pitching in, playing the odd key on his end of the piano and harmonizing with him, swapping notes and lines and above all just enjoying it, experiencing this passion they share together. Then they realized which songs they could, did actually perform pretty amazingly well together, when their voices melted together smooth and fitting, and even without practice these songs became their go-to numbers, un-rehearsed and just ran with. Blaine was always eager to keep singing with Kurt, to convey his feelings and emotions to him through lyrics and chords.

Kurt loved, he loved the way Blaine was opening this side of himself up bit by bit, not just down at the piano but even out in the bar or upstairs, humming to himself, singing under his breath, adding the odd two-step shuffle when washing the odd glass or looking over some paper work, not bothering to glance around at who may be watching.

Blaine would surprise Kurt sometimes with a unique rendition of one his favourite musical numbers, or a very odd but brilliant acoustic version of something that Kurt never thought could be stripped down to just a piano accompaniment, Blaine was exceptionally talented and raw, a hidden treasure and Kurt yearned for him to share it, to propel forwards and upwards with it, but he would never push it, he had come this far in the still reasonably short time that they had known each other, this was enough for now, anything Blaine chose to share with him would be enough.

Although he would never reveal this, not yet, Kurt secretly pined to share a stage with Blaine, to watch as the audience react to his beautiful playing, the way his face moulds into shape with each bridge and new melody, he hopes, but for now the intimacy of performing together, just them, is enough, more than enough.

Kurt also loved the way that Blaine's eyes would light up and his eyebrows would raise and sometimes his fingers would miss a beat on the keys when Kurt sang soft and beautiful, hitting the highest of notes and dropping down low again, naturally exceptionally, even after all of the show choir DVD's Rachel had made him watch, whenever Kurt sang for him, he always reacted like it was the first time, like he was privileged to be hearing it, just them private and intimate.

Blaine's heart would ache when listening to Kurt, watching him, the emotion of the song passing over his features, and he would silently hope that he could watch Kurt from afar one day, but not too far, maybe the first or second row of well lit, rounded theatre hall. 

A short while later as the night went on, Kurt was just finishing a discussion with Elliott about a new piercing he was thinking about getting, weighing up the pro's and cons, with Jon's dismissive look in his peripheral vision, when those familiar arms wrapped firmly around his shoulders, and warm breath whispered into his ear,

“Hey sweetheart there's some people here who want to meet you-” Kurt's eyes widened as he swallowed his sip of champagne, and slowly turned in Blaine's embrace, Blaine reached a hand down and pulled him up smiling broadly, eyes alight and warm, walking with him a few steps to a nearby table where a group of around Six or Seven men sat, laughing and talking loudly, bottles and glasses in their hands.

They were all dressed smart in a range of colours, some dressed more casual than others, but all were wearing the same matching Tie around their necks, a Tie that Kurt very much recognised, a one that he used to own and wear for a short while, that his dad probably still has in storage back in Lima, also a tie that Blaine used to wear many a year ago.

The Warblers, the original one's before Kurt's time, Kurt scanned the table quickly and recognised their faces from the photo up on the mantle and in other places hidden away in the apartment. Blaine's friends, his old buddies, the guys whom he talks about so fondly had came for his big weekend, to see him, to celebrate and too meet his boyfriend, himself, and Kurt felt both sick and delighted at the surprise.

As they approached, before Blaine could say anything to bring the men out of their loud banter, one of them, a handsome Chinese guy with soft eyes and hair who Kurt instantly recognised as Wes, stood up smiling, rounding the table towards them with his arms out spread.

“Finally, Kurt, we get to meet the guy who has stolen the heart of our favourite idiot-” Blaine blushed and smiled, shaking his head slightly as Wes pulled Kurt into a hug and patted him on the back, laughing as one by one the other guys stood and offered their own greeting, sharing private jokes with him, quips about Blaine, about how they're a power couple, Warbler love and other silliness which Kurt could honestly say he loved.

Kurt caught Blaine's eye over the shoulder of a skinny blonde guy who introduced himself as Jeff, and his breath caught at Blaine's expression as he watched him interact with his friends.

His eyes had that ‘I am sorry you're objected to this' look but he certainly wasn't apologetic, he looked ecstatic, relaxed, he looked like he did in the photograph of the group from all of those years ago, and Kurt's stomach swooped with delight.

He watched him talk quietly with Wes in the background, watched the way his eyes would always dart back to him, warm and lingering, loving, like he was the most special person in that whole room. His grin would grow impossibly wider when talking to Wes and his buddies, soft at the edges, not a slither of tension and Kurt just wanted to stride over and kiss him all over, he would wait, their time alone together to celebrate would be a different story entirely.

Kurt's chest expanded at the way the men but more so Wes looked back at him, with a look so gentle and soft, like they were completely approving of him, thanking him for making their friend happy, for making him smile again, along with them.    

The next stretch of time was spent at the table with the guys, exchanging small talk and stories, Blaine sat on Kurt's left and they held hands tightly at the sides, swinging them together under the table as they talked animatedly. Blaine spent most of the time blushing, running a hand through his hair, shaking his head and laughing so much his eyes crinkled, he looked adorable, sitting reminiscing as he sipped on his soda.

“You're still not drinking the good stuff then huh?” One of the guys with Black hair and a cute face called from across the table with a grin, Nick, Blaine smiled into his soda and shook his head, swallowing.

“What'dya talking about? This is the finest fizzy stuff you'll ever find in the drinking establishments of New York City-” The group laughed, their faces reverent, they understood Blaine, they got him, they respected him. Kurt realised what it was about them as a whole that was so appealing, why Blaine loved them all so dearly, they were individual, they respected individualism, they loved each other for their differences and thought nothing of it, they would fight for each other, they were comrades and Kurt knew he had found fast friends in them also.

Kurt was asked a lot of questions about school, his family, his job, the comparisons between Lima and Westerville, who he preferred to sing with the ND's or The Warblers, Blaine jabbed David in the ribs with a laugh at that question, but Kurt took it all on his chin, swearing that he would never divulge that information. Photographs were taken between the group and Wes had taken special time to take one of just Kurt and Blaine, sitting tight and close with soft smiles, he sent photo message copies of it to Blaine and even his wife explaining that she would love Kurt, and they would all have to meet up and double date next time they were in the City.

“So guys, no impromptu performances tonight then? I heard that was your thing back in the day, gotta love a bit of a cappella huh?” Kurt smirked into his drink as the other guys laughed at his question, but he didn't miss the way, some of them shifted, or their eyes darted for another focal point, or the way Blaine tensed beside him ever so slightly before shrugging it off. Blaine looked back at him, his eyes looking a little far off but also shining with something unreadable, he smiled and winked at him and Kurt could do nothing but smile back at his beautiful face. One of the guys, Trent Kurt had assumed, shouted something about who was the better singer of the couple and with a laugh and a whoop the group continued their light hearted conversation.

At around Nine-ish Blaine had disappeared rather coyly after a soft kiss to his forehead and a hand squeeze, his gaze bore into Kurt's maybe a second too long before offering a tight smile and leaving Kurt in the very suitable, overly excited company of his friends as he went off on one of his supervisory rounds of the bar.

Eventually the group became less and fewer, some heading to the bar, some a bathroom trip, some just generally mingling with the other patrons, Wes recognised some people from his business trips and made small talk with them over clinking bottles before Kurt lost sight of him completely.

Kurt sauntered between tables, nodding and waving at familiar faces, listening to the positive words being said about the night and The stage, Ivan was around all happy and flustered, full of busy, making sure Kurt's drinks were refreshed and creating them specifically for him, not too strong, just the right amount of Gin mixed with soda and a slice of lime to achieve that buzz and ease any residual stress or worry but not too much to make him too light headed and tipsy, not yet, there was only so much Champagne he could drink without that bitter taste drying on his tongue and the back of his throat.

Between sips of his drink and looking around the bar Kurt seen Rachel smiling and waving at him frantically from their table, calling for him to go over, he returned to the table and took a seat between Rachel and Elliott, with Isabelle opposite, all looking oddly happy and expectant. He was just about to ask why they were all grinning so hard and being so weird, when a strange hush fell over the bar, and the main lights started to fade into a low dull glow. Kurt's stomach dropped, worried something had happened, maybe a power cut, he spun around in his chair facing the bar, looking for Blaine or Ivan or anyone and his heart flew to his throat.

He watched with eyes wide, and his throat dry as the heavy black curtain just above and behind the bar parted slowly, sweeping to the sides and in doing so revealing a single bright spotlight shining down, high lighting the grand piano perfectly as it sat in it's usual place, front and centre but maybe this time a little more directed towards the edge, allowing the onlookers from the bar a better view. The stage looked the same, just as clean, just a bare, hollow and stark, bare brick walls and black curtains, light fixtures hanging, now fully functional.

In the background just sitting off from the shadows Kurt could make out the faces of the Warblers, all sitting in a close horse shoe shape on bar stools, surrounding the piano, a couple of mic stands were set up in front of them and their faces were bright, happy and patient, waiting.

In front of them at the piano sat Blaine, a small mic wired to the top of the piano and pointing to him, wringing his wrists and flexing his fingers, hovering just above the ivory and black keys. His face was so utterly soft and beautiful, so, so beautiful, he looked fragile almost, highlighted by the shine of the white light beaming down on him. His eyes, those eyes, even from out in the distance, Kurt could see they were swirling, warming yellows and greens mixing and darkening, captivating, like watching ginger and soda mix together in a clear glass tumbler.

He blew out a short breath before looking up out the crowd, squinting slightly into the light, a small nervous smile on the corners of those full pink lips, he looked around slightly, his head swaying this way and that before his eyes locked on to exactly what they were looking for, what they needed, only needed in that moment, forever

Kurt gasped as they caught eyes, a hand flying to his chest as if holding it there firmly would keep his heart in place, to slow it from it's hammering pace, he was vaguely aware of Rachel grasping his free hand tightly as she beamed up at the stage, and Elliott placing a firm hand on his shoulder from somewhere around the table.

Blaine blinked once, twice, licked his lips and smiled brightly, Kurt's smile, the one that shone through his eyes also, open and so fucking clear and gorgeous, he cleared his throat and bent forward, lips just touching the round dark metal of the mic head.

“Um Hi, hey everybody, I'm uh, I'm Blaine-” The crowd erupted into cheers and Kurt laughed at the sound and at Blaine's adorable reaction, he held up a hand waving it, trying to quiet the cheers and whistles. The Warblers behind him all joined in with the cheers too, snickering and muttering under their breaths.

“Um thanks,” he laughed nervously, ducking his gaze before looking back up “um for those of you who may not know me, I have the extreme pleasure of running this beautiful building, and I would just like to say to you all thank you so much, for helping The Stage become such a success and helping us get here to a our One year anniversary, and for making it such a great place for us all to be, whether it's working, socialising, or just whatever, so um yeah, thank you-” The crowd cheered again, and Blaine applauded lightly towards the noise, towards his customers.

Kurt smiled bright and wide, his eyes large and clear, shaking gently and unable to move his hands enough to join in the applause, Blaine quieted the crowd again and shuffled slightly on the stool, “So um, I thought that this occasion deserves something different, something special, and hopefully here with the help of my very good friends,” He gestured behind him and The Warblers lapped up the applause as another spotlight appeared and shone down on them from the back, egging the crowd on, Blaine laughed and rolled his eyes at them, grinning, “Cut it out you guys, so uh yeah, hopefully we can offer you that tonight, something great, some light entertainment if you will.”

Momentarily he looked down and back up, directly at Kurt, his face highlighted out in the dark crowd, eyes so bright and so blue, skin so cream and flawless, he cleared his throat and got himself into position, readying his hands, “We uh, we used to perform with each other a lot, in school, in college, karaoke, the subway, wherever we didn't get kicked out,” The crowd laughed and the guys behind him high fived each other, “This um, this song was one of our favourites, we got a lot of requests for it, but we were a lot younger and fitter back then, complete with a dance routine, I'm afraid that, that was too many years ago to count now, so you'll have to make do with us sitting,” He grinned as more laughs erupted, “Now though, I feel, I know that I have a real reason, a meaning behind this song now, so um this, this is for you, you know who you are.” Blaine didn't look up, but Kurt knew that he was composing himself, preparing to play, and that if he did he would be looking right at him.

The melody started along with gentle ‘oohs and aahhs' and ‘bum bum's, one of the guys beat boxing expertly, clicking of fingers and knee pats, and Kurt recognised it instantly. It was a slower more rhythmic, flowing version, slower with a beat, but still just as catchy, he remembers Blaine telling him about singing it back at Dalton Academy, he's heard him sing it, hum it around the apartment, whispering the words into his ear, flirtatiously after a playful night together of listening to Blaine's old Top 40 Albums. After the first verse, Blaine looked up, smiling into the crowd as he sang, a little shakily at first, but still sounding amazing, smooth and haunting, some of the onlookers were dancing in their seats, some of them singing the catchy, well known words back to him, his eyes caught on to Kurt just as the chorus started, his smile as big as possible around the words flowing from his lungs, giving it all that he could.

‘You make me…feel like I'm living a… teenage dream…'

The song ended all too quickly for Kurt's liking, he sat entranced throughout the whole performance, grinning from ear to ear, enjoying the routine hand movements and knee and foot taps from the guys behind, astonished, his heart so full, his mind swirling with thoughts, unexpected and pleasant and delicious, barely aware that it was drawing near the end. Blaine played the last few notes and the crowd erupted into applause, as he thanked them quietly into the mic and smiling shyly, they shouted for more as The Warblers stood, took small cheeky bows and waved whilst exiting the stage off to the side.

Kurt's heart raced, he wanted more, but he also wanted to grab Blaine and devour him, he waited for him to get up and leave the stage, to come down into the bar, or out the back where Kurt could run into his embrace.

But he remained, sitting there on his stool looking out into the crowd, he looked so small out there on his own, he withdrew a breath and looked up into the light and back out, eyes deep and sincere, promise and hope and love and what looked like slight fear written all over his features, and Kurt panicked, air catching in his throat, trembling and heart pounding against his ribcage.

Blaine wouldn't, he wouldn't ask me…no not now, no he wouldn't, would he?

Kurt didn't know what exactly made him think that, there was just something about Blaine sitting there in that moment, looking like he was about to bare his soul, his heart on his sleeve. It wasn't that he didn't want him to ask, definitely not that, or maybe he might be the one to ask, one day. Yes it was still very early for them to think about that, but Kurt was 100% sure that if the question was asked no matter in what way or from whom, the answer would definitely be yes. And that's what scared him the most, the fact that he knew, he knew, and here in this bar, up on the stage in front of all of these people he would be helpless to deny Blaine, deny himself the truth, the no doubt inevitable no matter what anybody thought of the age and status of their relationship.

No time limit right? No right and wrong? If anybody or anything has been able to prove anything about the rights and wrongs and yes and no's of relationships, it's Kurt and Blaine and the fact that they are different, they are them, and they don't have time to waste, they don't need to wait.   

Kurt was able to breath again, and he couldn't work out if he was relieved or not when a young girl with strawberry blonde plaited hair came out from behind the curtain, she carried a Violin and pulled a stool closer to the piano, sitting on it and assuming her playing position, looking over at Blaine with a bright smile, Blaine winked at her and looked back out, out at Kurt.

Kurt recognised the girl, after her slightly freckled, pale face became highlighted by the spot light, she had done a few part-time weekend shifts at the bar when she was needed, he remembered having a pleasant conversation with her once about her Music Degree at NYU, she was currently in the middle of her second year and liked to perform anywhere she could to build experience, she was sweet and kind and reminded him of Blaine in a way.

Blaine sat up straighter, closer to the mic, his eyes were wider, like he was more aware of something, like he had something different to prove this time around, with this next song that he was going to perform with the violin accompaniment.

“So um, this next song and I also have to warn you, is the last song,” The crowd booed lightly and he smiled, “ I know, I know sorry, just starting off small tonight, but uh yeah, this song is pretty self explanatory, so uh all I'm gonna say is that,” He looked at Kurt once again, his eyes shining, “I recently made a very bold statement, I asked somebody to do something for me, with me, and with this song, I um, I hope that we can do just that-” He choked off very slightly, blinking once twice down at Kurt before readying his hands at the piano. Kurt swallowed hard, silently, Rachel gripped his hand tighter, a tell tale tear shining in her own eyes.

Slowly and quietly Blaine started to play, the chords from the piano starting out soft and vibrating gently into louder notes, mixing beautifully with the piercing strings of the violin playing alongside of him.

He started to sing low and reverent, a deep gorgeous rumble in his chest, his voice tilting and lifting softly, and Kurt positively melted.

‘You lift my heart up when the rest of me is down
You, you enchant me even when youre not around
If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down
I'm latching on, babe, now I know what I have found...'

They had, have been singing this song together, over and over, fallen completely in love with it, the music and the meaning. Kurt had came down to the stage one night to find Blaine in the quiet darkness playing the tune, singing with all that, and when he looked at Kurt with eyes shining and a smile so genuine and sincere, Kurt sat down and joined him immediately.

Later Blaine had told him that he was playing around with popular songs typically known in the pop genre, and had loved the idea of performing this song in his own way.

It had reminded him of when they first met, how he felt, about Kurt, about them, how he never wanted to let go, ever.

Though this particular version was obviously different with the added strings, haunting and beautiful, piercing through the notes and the melody.

The words hit home as Blaine sang to the crowd, sang to him, they struck deep and the visual and the sound of Blaine performing this song would forever haunt Kurt's thoughts. And even after his little panic and mini meltdown and the reckless thoughts from before, he even allowed himself, even dared to imagine the piece of music, or something similar flowing quietly in the background whilst he and Blaine wore complimentary suits, tuxes maybe, Rachel would lead a pathway for them in front in a flowing dusky pink gown whilst holding a matching bouquet, spattered with reds and yellows, bright and happy. Kurt dared, he hoped, he believed, maybe not now, or even soon, but definitely so, sooner rather than later.         

I feel were close enough
Could I lock in your love?
I feel we're close enough
Could I lock in your love?

Kurt's throat tightened, a single tear escaped him and he sniffled softly, eyes awash, smiling brightly back at Blaine, he tried to compose himself, willed himself to calm, he knew what was coming next. Blaine continued playing, creating a small instrumental break between the bridge and the chorus which wasn't typically supposed to be there, Kurt knew what he was doing, he was waiting. Blaine and the Violinist played beautifully together, keys and strings mixing and melting, bleeding life and emotion into the melody, Kurt took a long drawl from his straw and stood, swallowing hard and patting down his pants a little.

Rachel squealed and clapped as Kurt shakily rose from his chair, Elliott whooped and clinked his bottle against the table whilst Kurt edged forward between packed tables and chairs, receiving small, quiet cheers along the way from the people who knew and recognized him. He heard wolf whistles and cat calls which made him grin broadly, proudly and giggle, he was pretty sure they were coming from the direction of the bar as he made his way towards it, most likely Ivan and/or the Warbler guys.

Blaine looked up and smiled, wide and brilliant as he seen Kurt making his way forward, towards him, Ivan opened up the bar latch and nodded to the side where a small subtle staircase had been created off to the side, leading from behind the bar up to the corner of the stage.

He climbed each step tentatively, eyes locked on to Blaine's, teeth and dimples on display as he reached the stage surface and made his way over to the piano, aahhs and gasps and a small applause could be heard just over the din of the music, Blaine had already made room for him over at the piano.

They nudged shoulders as he sat and got comfortable, Kurt giggled under his breath, shaking his head slightly at how surreal it all was and Blaine just continued to play, smiling, eyes so soft and bright, glowing, he looked back and nodded at the young girl who was beaming at them as she played alongside Blaine, he looked back and winked at Kurt, giving him his cue and Kurt leaned forwards towards the mic.

Now I've got you in my space
I won't let go of you
Got you shackled in my embrace
I'm latching on to you

Kurt didn't dare look up, he could hear Rachel and Elliott's distinctive voices calling out from below, he composed himself, as the second verse melody started up, Blaine's leg lightly moved to the side as he pushed down on to the foot pedal and brushed against his thigh, and Kurt knew it was no mistake. He took a deep breath and started singing again, just catching Blaine's smile out the corner of his eye as he watched his own hands, nodding along lightly to the beat, his body moving and flowing, filling with life and music.

I'm so en-captured, got me wrapped up in your touch
Feel so enamored, hold me tight within your clutch
How do you do it, got me losing every breath
Why did you kiss me to make my heart beat out my chest?

Blaine looked at him, eyes and expression so readable and open, there were literally hearts in his liquid golden eyes, his chest expanded and he leaned forward, his face drawing closer to Kurt's as he changed key ready for the last bridge and chorus of the song.

I feel were close enough
Could I lock in your love?
I feel we're close enough
Could I lock in your love?

Their voices melted as one, mixed with the intensity of the lights and the dark and crowd, the live ting of the Violin, it was enchanting, a life changing moment, Kurt's heart sang in his chest and he could imagine this, this moment, this experience forever and onwards.

Now I've got you in my space
I won't let go of you
Got you shackled in my embrace
I'm latching on to you

I'm latching on to you…