The buzz and the thrill was intense, super intense, the roar of the crowd as the last notes and chords rung out, the oohs and the ahhs and the whistling, the look of awe he could just make out on shadowed faces, the reactions for him, for Blaine, for them, was like nothing he had ever felt in way of applause and appreciation. A light layer of sweat broke out on his forehead, he felt lightheaded, adrenaline coursing through his veins, heart pounding, as the single spot light beaming down on them, hot and bright started to fade as the curtains before them slowly swept forwards from the sides, closing gracefully.

This was everything, what he was feeling, the rush from a live performance, the buzz feeding back from the crowd, the music so heartfelt and fresh and pure, plucked from hands and instruments, the lights, the surroundings, Blaine and his beautiful voice and his beautiful face, his graceful fingers and flawless talent, his ability to constantly surprise Kurt, to knock the breath from his lungs blissfully so.

Kurt concentrated on catching his breath, skin tingling and barely aware that Blaine had dropped his hand and clasped his warm, moist palm within his tightly, fingers entwining, their legs laying heavily side by side as he glanced to the side to see one of the glass collectors pulling on a heavy rope dangling down from above and knotting it tightly around a metal bar once the curtains were back to centre. Another part-time worker who he vaguely recognised stood off to the side near a box of buttons and switches and dials on the walls, controlling the lights as they faded to grey and black before the dim backstage safety light appeared.

The young girl beside them giggled and lowered her violin, she beamed at them brightly as Blaine nodded in her direction, offering a quiet ‘well done' and ‘thank you' as she left them sitting at the piano. Blaine turned on the stool to make eye contact with the other couple members of Stage staff, they nodded at him with waves and smiles before exiting and leaving them alone on the stage in the near silence, save for the muffled cheers and whoops, applause and whistles which started to die off and turned into steady chatter and clinking glass on the other side of the curtain as quiet house music from the sound system started to filter through.

Kurt sat still, unable to move, unable to talk, unable to wipe the smile from his face, he watched and waited, listened until the stage door down by the steps leading to the bar clicked closed, it was very unsurprising how very happy and willing all these kids, his staff, were to help Blaine, sure he was their boss, he paid them, but they could have said no to this particular job, stage hands were not in their job description. But that was Blaine, who he was, that's the positive effect he had on people, anyone around him, these people yearned to please him, they enjoyed working for him because of his kind nature, just another reason why Kurt would forever be in love with him, why he would find something new every day to love about him.

Blaine swung his legs out to the other side of the stool and scooted forward, closer, now taking both of Kurt's hands in his own, tighter but gentle still, he lifted them up to his lips, kissed his fingers and knuckles, smiling as Kurt chuckled breathlessly, shaking his head.

“Well that, that was-” Blaine grinned harder, nibbled at the pad of his thumb. He looked calm and collected, elated, his warmth and delight radiated through him, into Kurt, through their touch, he swiped a tongue as he looked up at Kurt beyond dark fanned lashes framing dark golden eyes, flecking with bright green, teasing, playful, light hearted, but still searching, like he was still making completely sure that Kurt was ok, that it was all ok. Sometimes he reverted back to his humorous, flirtatious ways like back when they first met, as if he still didn't trust him self at times.   

“Surprising, beautiful, romantic, amazing-”

“Surreal, I mean yeah, sure all of those things also, but it was just so, so-I can't believe you did that-”

“I-I'm sorry, should I not have-” Kurt reached forward quickly, taking Blaine's face in his hands as he tried to pull away, his body tensing from its previous steady state. Kurt planted a hard quick kiss to his lips, shushing his no doubt flustered ramble he was about to embark on.

“Oh god, honey no, I mean yes you should have, I-I didn't mean that-”  Blaine kissed him back a little flushed and flourished, like the two of them couldn't decide what was more important, talking or just having at each other. Kurt pulled back with little butterfly pecks around his face, giggling lightly into his skin, tugging at his suspenders playfully.

“I'm so, so proud of you Blaine, you were incredible, I loved it, everybody loved it, I just never expected it-”

“I-I'm sorry about that, I knew that if I told you about it, if I asked you, well I just knew that I never would actually do it, too caught up in my own head, I didn't trust myself, I um, I tried to think back to how I felt when I used to perform all those years ago, with the guys and stuff, and I um, well yeah I just got the idea that it would be cool if they were here too, moral support, to psych me up you know-” Kurt leaned in and kissed his forehead, he fingered a loose curl by his temple, and brushed his fingers back through to the nape of his neck.

“You were all great, the song was great, and oh my god do NOT apologise for that ever again, I can see how you guys were like rock stars back in the day,” He winked and Blaine rolled his eyes at him and nudged his thigh,  “thank you, thank you for singing that to me-”

“It was for you, it's all for you, everything is for you Kurt-” His response was immediate, instant, like he shouldn't even have to explain.

“Blaine-” Kurt's throat dried up and he blinked back wet, sudden and raw but happy, oh so happy tears.

“Did you like it? Did you like singing with me up here, in front of everyone, I um, I didn't think, I didn't know if you were going to get up-”

“Are you crazy, of course, of course I did, how could I not, that song honey, my god that song, I cant believe that you chose that, our special little crazy song, to share with everyone, Blaine you have no idea how much that meant, seeing you up there waiting for me to join you, how much I've wanted this, wanted to share this with you-”

“You have?” Kurt nodded and hummed, bending forward brushing small, soft kisses against his stubble lined jaw, they couldn't get enough of each other tonight, but it wasn't all entirely sexual or flirtatious. Exciting and desirable yes, but also pure and grounding, an undiluted need to just be close to one another, he breathed into Blaine's neck, his voice hushed, warm to his flesh.

“So much-”

“Would you do it again, would you sing with me again, like that? I know that I kind of just sprung that upon you then, I'm sorry but-” Kurt's head snapped up, blue piercing eyes melting into heated golden ones, eyebrows curved beautifully, his face alight and smile threatening to his split his face, teeth and dimples, completely uncaring of Blaine's worries, he nodded frantically, remembering to add some teasing punishment later on if one more apology was uttered.

“Honey you, you mean it, you want to, again with me?” Blaine smiled and offered a shaky head nod, his eyes softening and shrinking around crinkles, Kurt's heart skipped a beat.

“Always you Kurt, always, we can- can we talk about it, can we try? See what happens, see where it leads-” Kurt threw himself into Blaine, making him his open his arms wide for him and draw him in close, laughing, the deep rumble vibrating though his chest, he kissed his hair once, twice until Kurt pulled back, eyes full and bright.

“Of course we can, we so, so can,” He giggled against Blaine's lips, licking and nibbling and drawing him in. Blaine smiled and tightened his embrace around Kurt's broad shoulders, his muscles easing and tension flowing from him, a weight lifted, another check off of his life list he didn't even know he was keeping, he sighed happily into the deepening kiss, as if completely forgetting where they were.

A throat cleared with a short cough a little off to the side of the stage, and Blaine groaned playfully, not even bothering to open his eyes as he tried to chase after Kurt's lips, smiling as Kurt let out a little squeak and tried to pull back and straighten up.

“Time and a place Ivan, and I was referring to you there, not us-” He chuckled as Kurt gasped and giggled and only then did he blink his eyes open, he took one last look at Kurt's flushed beautiful face, his eyes closed, features soft and then turned his head, his eyes slowly following the movement, rolling away from Kurt's face, his smile wide and infectious and Kurt followed, moving slightly to look off to the side.

It was not Ivan, it was a man, an older man possibly around his late Sixties, his hair was short, a dark grey, slicked back and a little to the side. His eyes were a little recognisable, and his suit was cut sharp, a dark grey with a white shirt and a black patterned tie, he wore a slight grimace on his lips with a shadowing smirk and tried to avert his gaze, yet superior and confidence dripped from this man.   

“Funny that son, cause I would have assumed it to be the other way around-” His voice was deep and authoritative yet laced with sarcasm and slight irritated humour.  

Blaine's blood ran cold, and his throat dried like he couldn't breathe as his eyes widened. He tried to stand but his thighs felt like lead weights and his calves like jelly, seconds felt like hours as he sat frozen, his fingers gripped tightly to Kurt's thigh, god Kurt, he couldn't even look at him right now, he could feel him tense under his hands.

The man started to walk forwards, a few slow steps towards them, his gaze intense and lips tight, stretched into a thin smile,

“Don't you have a bar out there to look after, some sort of big night or whatever-” There was a slight tinge of humour in his voice, Blaine pulled himself out of his momentary stricken state, his skin tingling and senses returning, no matter what differences they had settled or just plain forgotten about, this man would always have this effect on Blaine, even if it were for just for a split second. But now things were different, now Blaine had the encouragement and the drive to look past him, to not care, no matter how much over everything that had happened or been said in the past, they knew deep down inside that they would still, always love each other in a way that families did, this was just how it was now, how it worked with them.

Blaine's only new active thought and concern right now was Kurt, who remained still and quiet, he didn't look but he could sense that Kurt was surprisingly calm, taking it all in, listening and watching with eyes that were no doubt kind and soft. He sucked in a breath and curled a hand around Kurt's and stood, making Kurt rise with him, they stepped out from behind the stool and took a few small steps forward.

His father may not be all entirely comfortable with Blaine's choices in life, both personal and professional, but he was not an intentional cold hearted man, he may have made not so great choices himself as a father in the past and may not have played a large vital part in both of his son's lives, but he was not mean. He was raised by somebody else, his own father, he had his way, grown and brought up that way, somebody who had not made time for Blaine either, and Blaine would not and could not resent or begrudge that. Blaine was lucky enough to also have been raised by his warm hearted mom, and instead he would learn from the past and his father and grandfather, and make sure that his own children someday were never to be made to feel like he was, but what he would take from his father and his roots would be pride, even a little bent but still the ability to remain truthful, and slight but simple integrity, and that although not always greatly shown, family is always prioritised somewhere lost in the mind and heart.     

“Dad, what are you doing here?”

“Your mom mentioned about the bar being open a year now or something, thought I'd come and check it out, see what all the fuss is about-”

“Is mom here?” Blaine shoulders rose with excitement, but then dropped almost instantly, why would his mom not have said anything to him?

“She didn't know I was coming, she would have loved to, you know how she is, she um talks about you,” His gaze dropped sheepishly and he wiggled a finger quickly between the two boys before dropping his hands to his pockets, “probably get my ass kicked when I get back, my flight's at Eleven-Thirty, you know how I like to sleep through the night up in the air-” Blaine laughed lowly and knowingly, he knew his mom wouldn't let him down, and Kurt's hand twitched in his own, his lips pulling up into a small smirk of his own, it was no surprise his dad wasn't staying for more than an hour and that he knew if his mom joined him she would have wanted to make a whole excited trip out of it.

“So this is, um, this is your-this is Kurt?” He nodded over, his eyes dark and deep but soft, not judging, just curious, Blaine glanced over to Kurt for the first time since their interruption, he squeezed his hand and smiled as Kurt looked back at him, his features relaxed and passive, Blaine looked back at his dad, just about to answer when Kurt's fingers fell from his hold and he stepped forward holding a hand out, smiling broadly, politely, shoulders high, friendly and firm and proud but not challenging.

“Yes, I'm Kurt, it's great to meet you Mr Anderson,” The man looked a little startled, but allowed a small grin to edge his thin lips, and Blaine wanted to laugh, he met Kurt's hand and shook firmly once then stepped back, Kurt seemed satisfied with the response and stepped back alongside Blaine, who placed a firm hand to the small of his back, rubbing in small subtle circles.

“Yes, um, you-you too Kurt-” Mr Anderson's gaze dropped to his feet with a tight smile, there was no other offering, no first name deals or small talk, but it was enough, being here, interacting, somewhat interested was enough, he looked back up at Blaine, his eyes big, like everything on his mind was just sitting there behind them like a window, looking for a way out. Kurt knew that Blaine's father was not an awful person, he just wasn't like his dad, nobody would be as amazing as Burt in Kurt's eyes, and he knew that Blaine agreed, on so many other and different levels.

Kurt placed a hand on Blaine's arm before moving away from them, smiling brightly and looking between the two men, lingering on Blaine slightly longer, Blaine smiled and nodded, a subtle tilt of the chin, eyes lighting up, a silent message passed between them, strong and knowing, supportive.

“I'm gonna go back out front and see how everyone's doing, I um I hope to see you again soon Mr Anderson,” It was a lazy half truth, but polite nonetheless, surprisingly the man stepped to the side, catching Kurt gaze before he disappeared.

“Yes, um, good job tonight boy,” He nodded to Blaine, the piano, then back to Kurt, “you sounded good, you both did,” Kurt smiled, holding his gasp and nodded, his skin tingling with warmth, for Blaine, knowing how that would have made Blaine feel, Kurt didn't need or want Mr Anderson's kind words as much as the other assholes he'd met in his life but he appreciated it, the effort. 

“Oh um thank you,” He glanced at Blaine who looked incredulous, gobsmacked almost, he held his chuckle and moved off towards the steps at the back, leaving the two of them staring at anything but each other. Kurt was well aware of how awkward and rare this was, his heart melted for Blaine, he knew how he would be feeling right now, he didn't need to hang around, to expect something, to wait for anything else to be said, he knew the best thing to do is leave, hopeful and happy.

After a beat of silence save for the clink of Kurt's shoes against the steps and the click of the door opening and closing, Blaine looked at his dad.

“You um, you saw us, you heard?”

“Well everyone out there did Blaine-”

“But you- you liked it?”

“Blaine,” His dad stepped forward, coming to stop just a mere few feet apart, he rubbed nervously at the back of his head, straightening his dark grey suit jacket he wore, “You're talented, you're special, you're different, you always have been, and I've never not known that about you Blaine or not liked that ambition you have in you,” Blaine could hardly move, afraid that even breathing was too much noise, “I just always wished that you had chosen to place it somewhere else, and not waste your time singing about it-”  Blaine deflated slightly but he wasn't surprised, this was what he was used to, this is what it will always be like.

“But tonight I can see that you have, this place Blaine, it's-” He looked around the building with his eyes, his lips curling down toward his chin in appreciation, nodding over towards the curtain where the throng of happy, loudening customers await, “it's something special alright, you've created a legacy here, and you've done it all on your own, and in your own way, and uh, yeah well done Blaine, it's uh, it's pretty great.” He didn't have to say he was proud, Blaine didn't have to hear it, he'd learnt how to not expect those words, but the words were there, silent and heavy.  

Blaine's knees felt like they could crumble beneath him, his breath came up short from his lungs and he had to control his hands, keeping them at his sides, stopping them from reaching out, he wasn't quite sure what they wanted to do, hugging was something they hadn't done, together, for almost Twenty-Five years, he'd learnt to appreciate hugs better from other bodies, but his mind flashed with the thought and his body reacted.

His father smiled nervously and rubbed a hand over his facial hair not too dissimilar from Blaine's own, he knew guiltily, that Blaine wouldn't know how to react to this, he felt awkward and embarrassed and a little ashamed, but helpless to put the feelings into action, neither man knew what to do, how to deal with these new feelings they had just experienced with each other. He reached out and placed a hand on Blaine's shoulder, patting firmly, squeezing once quickly before stepping back.

“I uh, I've got to go son, but um yeah, good job,” Blaine swallowed hard and nodded, a small grin appearing on his lips as he watched his dad slowly start to retreat, he nodded his head backwards to the direction where Kurt had left, “he's um, he is- you two seem happy, I'm-I'm glad that you're happy Blaine,” Blaine nodded, not trusting himself to do anything else, his eyes cleared and he was glad for the safety light being so dim, thankful he could almost hide in the shadows, he cleared his throat quietly.

“We uh, we are dad, he makes me happier than I've ever been-”

“Good, keep it up boy, all of it, all that you're doing here, whatever it is it's working, and the um, the singing and stuff too, keep doing that too,” He smiled and waved his hand before retrieving his cell phone from his pants pocket and held it up, “Took a  video recording to show your mom,” And with a tight smirk he exited, his steps hollowing through the brick walls, leaving Blaine alone, alone in the near darkness on the empty stage, alone and grateful, at peace, and completely happy, and finally for once from his own  father's doing.

This was all he needed, and he never even realised it, no large embrace or touching, no overly enthusiastic words or gestures, not even a blessing, Blaine never needed nor wanted his fathers permission for anything at all, whether it be his love life or job or living arrangements, yes he was there but her never got the overall say, not after Blaine became able to put himself first.

But the fact that he had said that he wanted him to continue with something that was of interest to Blaine, something and someone that Blaine loved, to explore and expand, solely for the reason that it made him happy, no business matter or anything else, this was something that Blaine would hold close and use it, use the feeling to strive forward and keep taking from the rest of his life, all it had to offer him, no holding back.

*

“So typically how long do ‘Lock-Ins' last? Is breakfast included in this?”

“I actually think I can hear the birds singing outside, listen-”

“What time even is it?”

“Uh, ha-ha oh my god, it's like Three-Forty in the morning,-”

“cool-”

“We haven't done this since NYU-”

“Ah Christ, I have to get that early train back in just a few hours, the Mrs is dragging me to Home Depot, say's it's vital I help make the re-decorating choices-” 

Blaine laughed tiredly at his friends as Kurt smiled into his shirt, snuggled into his side with their arms wrapped around each other, humming and giggling at what was being said. He curled his fingers around Blaine's suspenders, his eyes fluttering closed when Blaine left gentle kisses to his head whilst grinning and joining in with the bits of tired, sobering banter, they were so content, so relaxed, so lucky.

At One O'clock AM when the last of the customers had been escorted from the building, drunk and happy with slurs of ‘more' and ‘coming back next Saturday to see hot guys sing' the doors had been locked and the remaining staff had rallied around cleaning up and preparing for the next day as quickly as they could, tired and ready to get home. Kurt had helped set up a row of tables, creating one big one for the next celebration of the evening to commence with only their closest of peers after the staff save for Ivan had retired home for the night/morning.

Trays of finger foods, leftovers from the kitchen, bar snacks and such were brought over for all to pick at, and on Blaine's instruction Ivan had brought over bottles of wine, beer, carafes of spirits and mixers and buckets of ice for all to share, so that everybody could sit right where they were, no rushing or being waited on and serve themselves, enjoying every moment.

The next couple of hours were spent with quiet laughter and cheers, talk and chatter amongst friends with refills and top ups, Blaine had even made himself a small glass tumbler of one finger full of his oldest and finest Whisky and two fingers ginger ale with ice. He liked the slight tang on his tongue with each tiny sip, and the way that the cool glass felt in his finger tips, as he leaned back in his chair, his free arm slung around Kurt's, their bodies close and his eyes on him and his ears listening to the sounds of his friends enjoying themselves. He was with friends, family almost, he was home, with Kurt, he was relaxed, everybody was relaxed, no need to worry, to over or under think about anything, much like the time in his kitchen when he and Kurt were sampling the finest wines to mix with their Italian meal, every now and then he could allow himself this, to let go. Drinking alcohol didn't have to lead to drunkenness, being able to enjoy the fine bitter/sweet taste of an old specially created liquor on your tongue and taste buds was a joy that didn't have to result in getting wasted, and everyone around him, everyone who knew him, knew that and respected him for it, another reason to love Blaine Anderson.

Elliott had proposed a random, embarrassing toast to the couple which went on for far too long, but funnily so, about them moving in together, how happy and great they are and their non-existent house warming which Kurt had then piped up and claimed that this was the best he was going to get, everybody laughed and whooped when it was over, and Kurt couldn't help but think of a time when Elliott may have to make another speech for them of a similar fashion.

This had then lead to some of the others proclaiming their embarrassing love for the couple, and the bar, the success and the many more happy years to come, which had then some how lead to an impromptu Warblers performance, dancing around the table with doo-wops and finger clicks, clinking glasses in toasts and dedicating the old, familiar upbeat, once a Warbler favourite track to them, as Blaine leaned back in his seat laughing at his buddies, serenading him for once, but he still couldn't help but join in with the lyrics as Kurt positively beamed at him from the side, whispering in his ear, how oddly sexy their love of Female pop artists was.

This then of course had Rachel up and out of her seat and before they all knew it, the gathering along with all of the drinks and food had been moved to around the piano area up on the stage. Most of the group sat on the floor around it, crossed legged in a semi circle with the small buffet and arrangement of drinks in the middle. Rachel was squeezed beside Blaine on the stool, excitedly offering song suggestions as Kurt perched himself up on the edge, legs swinging, looking down at them, grinning widely with a glass in his hand.

They all remained there, singing and dancing, laughing and drinking and eating together, Elliott had thrilled the group when he belted out an old rock classic and then duet-ed with both Rachel and Kurt on separate occasions. Kurt eventually had slinked down from above and managed to push Rachel away after her attempted third duet with Blaine, sliding up close to him, as close as possible. Blaine looked at him as he played a small tune, singing along lightly with the back up chorus on the floor behind them, his smile around the words, his eyes so warm and crinkled, every feature on his face screamed contentment.

He looked like he did in that photo in his living room, careless and happy only this time there was something else added there, there was love in his eyes, an extra glint and glimmer and it was there whenever he looked at Kurt, from now until forever.      

Kurt and Blaine had shared a very brief emotional yet ecstatic talk after Blaine's dad had left, sweet reverent words, hauled up into a corner of Blaine's office behind the closed door, composing themselves. Blaine had explained that he was thinking about hiring some stagehands to help put the main stage back to good use, set markers and such if so needed, Kurt's face had lit up excitedly at the prospect and possibilities and they had agreed to discuss it at a more convenient time.

Rachel had sent a photo message of the pair up at the piano to Burt, and Kurt had received a very excited message from both his dad and Carole, expressing their love and well wishes to both he and Blaine, about how lovely and natural they both looked up their together and that they couldn't wait to come and see them perform in the near future. Blaine had then panicked and started apologising profusely, fumbling over his words, explaining that he should have told Burt and Carole about it, that he didn't do it on purpose, that it was all very rough and not very well planned and Kurt had to shush him the best way he knew how, laughing into his swallowed up silent words as his breath caught in his throat, humming and gasping in pleasant surprise.    

Little pecks had turned into licking and nibbling, giddy and giggling, tugging at hair and clothes until their phones in their pockets buzzed and beeped with incessant messages from their friends downstairs, taunting and teasing about them being unsociable. Regrettably they allowed themselves time and space to cool off, with definite plans and promises to finish what they had started later, and they made their way back downstairs, light headed and cheeks blushed, their eyes and smiles bright and wide betraying any mask they were trying to wear, covering what they had been trying to do upstairs.

At around Five-ish Kurt and Blaine had finally made it up and into bed after shedding their clothes into a combined careless pile on the floor, collapsing together, thrilling in the joint warmth and coolness of their sheets and pillows against their tired bones.

They had ushered their friends safely out of the back entrance and into waiting taxis to take them home and to their respective hotels out on the sun-rising street, the Warblers making some sort of tribal chant of a sing song manner, wrapped up in each others strong embraces with back slaps and the like. Wes had pulled Kurt to one side and offered a warm friendly hug, whispering ‘thank you' into his ear, pulling back and nodding with a soft smile, Kurt didn't need an explanation he knew what he meant and he would be forever thankful that Blaine had Wes, that Blaine had all of the guys. Blaine strolled up behind them, giving Wes the biggest of bear hugs before pulling Kurt into his arms and making plans for a future dinner with Wes's wife.

Elliott, Jon and Isabelle had all got into the back of a cab and rolled the window down, leaning out with mumbles of a hangover lasting till Tuesday and that god awful meeting they had to look forward to. Kurt didn't miss the way that Isabelle looked at him as she hung out of the window, before the cab pulled away with a screech, she looked at both he and Blaine together out on the sidewalk holding hands, with a smile in her eyes, like she got them, she understood them, she always was one of their biggest fans, along with Rachel and Elliott of course, but her face was so honest and sincere and Kurt couldn't help but beam back at her, still a little unsure.

Ivan had took off down the sidewalk with back claps and waves and blushed when Kurt kissed him messily on the cheek, he only lived one block over but promised to text Blaine when he got home. Which just left Rachel, who was actually nowhere to be seen, but after locking up completely, setting alarms, closing doors and flicking off switches, making their way upstairs they sharp realised what had happened. How could they forget that she had commandeered Kurt's old spare key and had memorised their pass code to get through to the apartment building, her room mate had left a lot earlier in the evening and Rachel obviously had no need to get home.  

Blaine laughed whilst he untied his bowtie and unclipped his suspenders, as he leaned against the open doorway of the guest bedroom, watching Kurt peel off Rachel's high heels as she lay sprawled face down on top of the covers, knocking out some serious Z's. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he fished it out with a frown at who would be sending him messages at the this time, maybe one of the Warblers, thumbing the screen open just as Rachel mumbled something as Kurt tried to unclip her chain so that it wouldn't tangle in her hair and break in her sleep.

The message was the photo of he and Kurt that had been taken by Wes earlier in the evening, but the sender this time was his brother, who Wes had obviously forwarded the picture to also, Blaine smiled wide and proud as he read the accompanying message.

‘LOVE u both, u look so happy, want 2 hear&see u both sing maybe I'll join in ;) D misses u and wants 2 meet his new unc so get ur asses over here ASAP!! C X'.

His heart skipped a beat and eyes clouded over as he thought about the prospect of Kurt and Cooper being family, how Devon would adore Kurt and ask him to make him something to wear, maybe a bowtie to match his own, he looked up from the phone as Kurt padded over towards him, grinning, his face quizzical, tired and gorgeous, his eyes shining and promising.     

Blaine stretched out on to his back, arms spread and Kurt immediately followed, flopping over the top of him, legs entwining and bare thighs brushing, any earlier thoughts and promises they had made for carrying on their devotion for each others bodies had definitely been mutually and silently agreed to wait. Kurt ducked his head under his chin, smiling at the instant light lazy kisses Blaine pressed to his head, tucking his fingers just under his ribcage, his lashes fluttering and tickling Blaine's hairy chest, warm breath raising the gooseflesh of his skin. The early morning sun shone brightly into the bedroom, trying it's best to crack though the drapes, the birds sang loudly, calling out wake up songs, but the boys were already well on their way to a deep sleep, only light unspoken words ready to roll off of their tongues and into the other's hearts could keep them from a long, uninterrupted slumber now.

“I love you honey, goodnight or morning-whatever-” The words were no more than a strained whisper hushed into hair and skin, but still heard, still felt, rasped from alcohol and a need for rest. They were met with equally quiet mumbled but no less felt or meant words, deep and hoarse, rough from song and laughter, breathed out into soft hair with a familiar scent, homely and grounding.

“Mm I love you sweetheart, always, sweet dreams baby-”

I don't need them, not now, I have the real thing.. Kurt thought with a sweet smile on his lips as sleep eventually came, pushing him deeper into the warmth and flesh and pumping blood beneath him.

In the morning, or rather early Noon later that day, their bodies stirred to wakefulness with the dip of the mattress and Kurt felt himself being tugged away backwards from the heat of Blaine and back into another pair of arms, softer, smaller. He groaned and blinked a sleep crusted eye open, smiling tiredly when he saw Blaine staring back at him, sleepy yet wide eyed with a lazy, knowing, familiar smirk.

“Rachel you best get up and take your time making some coffee to bring back with you, Blaine and I need to locate our underwear and.… uh deal with something.”

*

“What are you wearing on Saturday Kurt?”

“It's a surprise-”

“Oh come on, I won't copy-”

“I know you won't, you cant, Blaine and I are dressing up together its a couple thing-”

“Hmm a couple themed Halloween outfit…intriguing.. the possibilities are endless-” Kurt smirked, pulling his eyes away from the screen momentarily, watching Elliott across the desk make an overly enthusiastic face, his pen against his bottom lip, looking deep in thought.

“Are you and Jon not matching up?”

“Nah his jack-ass boss is holding a party at his house the same night which he's stated all employees should go to if they care about their job, I don't like the guy that much personally, but Jon needs that promotion, he deserves it, he may swing by The Stage afterwards though-”

Kurt tilted his head to the side, a small cute pout on his lips, “Aw no that sucks, Maybe Isabelle will team up with you-” Elliott snapped his fingers, bouncing up off of his chair excitedly just as Isabelle swept in to the room behind them, a white box in her hand with the faint aroma of frosting and freshly whipped cream swirling around.

“Team up for what? …Cream cakes anyone?” She opened the lid and offered the box out as she sat down in Elliott's newly vacated seat, Elliott swooped forward and scooped up a cake, immediately digging in.

“Halloween,” he swallowed a mouthful, “this weekend at The Stage, you wanna go as a pair? I want to beat Kurt and Mr Handsome Mc'Bowtie,” Isabelle laughed and licked her finger tip which she had swiped through the pink frosting of her cake, Kurt laughed along with her, shaking his head and picked up a cake with blue frosting from the box.

“Sure hon, whatever, go and look up some ideas,” Elliott finished his cake in three and a half bites and all but skipped out of the room, sarcastically so, the door slowly sliding closed behind him as he called out ‘suck it Hummel' playfully almost out of earshot, Kurt laughed and wiped his fingers on a napkin.

“So, tell me,” Isabelle started, her face lighting up, warm and generous and leaning back in the chair, crossing her legs, “Can we look forward to a Kurt and Blaine performance at this event, got something ‘spooktacular' planned? A smooth piano instrumental of Ghostbusters perhaps?” Kurt giggled and Isabelle nudged his foot with hers under the desk.

“I think he's got something else planned actually, he's invited one of the local children's Theater groups to come and perform some of their favourite Halloween numbers, and then later in the evening he's doing a set with some back up from students of the NYU music program, I may join in for one song, but I headlined last week-” Kurt beamed, bright and happy, pride etched into every feature, it was infectious and Isabelle couldn't help but copy, nodding a response.

For almost two months now since Kurt and Blaine both sang at the anniversary event, the response had been so great and immediate that now for most Friday and Saturday nights The Stage has been filled with live music from both or one or the other, or outside guests and acquaintances that have been invited up to join them, Rachel and Elliott sometimes being one of them. The customers file in, in their groups of little and large and all types, all happy for the weekend and ready to eat and drink and listen and dance in their seats, ready for something different from their local waterholes, something new and appealing.

It started off with just the odd occasional song that Blaine would gingerly try out, whilst the bar was quiet, maybe in the afternoon or early evening, or last thing night whilst the last handful of regulars listened eagerly whilst propped over the bar. His staff would quietly encourage him, offering song choices and options, then getting Kurt up to join him for a second, and maybe a third number.

As word spread around of the new occasional light hearted entertainment, the need and want for them to perform both together and separately, both in equal amounts, for others to get up and join them and do their own thing, to boast that they had too performed up at ‘The Stage', had become too great to ignore.

The buzz and the adrenaline rush that they got in return, the need and love for being up there, the memories flooding back from all those years ago, of how it was, how it felt to captivate an audience, to demand their attention with just voice and soul and live raw music, that was something that also became too difficult to push aside, and after every song and set, the excitement and the rush to get back up and do more, more, more was like a soothing balm, steadying and heavy, it felt like home.

With a little gentle encouragement and advice and opinions from everyone around, Blaine had then decided to start up an open mic night on Thursday's, which turned out to be a massive and instant success, where aspiring musicians could come up and share their talent and love of music with their guitars, Ukulele's, harmonicas and other instruments of the like, sometimes original pieces and sometimes quirky covers.

Sometimes Blaine would play the piano or the guitar whilst another genuine, nervous but talented soul sat beside him on a dainty bar stool, playing and singing and enjoying, lapping up the lights and flashes of cameras and applause.

Kurt's heart would swell with pride as he stood just off stage or down at the bar, peering up, eyes wide open and mouth almost agape as he watches Blaine up there, the way he encourages the other musicians, the way he supports and makes them feel about themselves and their music. Blaine had put and ad out locally to encourage students, buskers, street performers, anybody to come along and show what they got, what they had to offer. He approached local amateur music and musical theater groups explaining that he would love to help and extend them an invitation for them to join him up on the stage one time, to experience the thrill and the love of it.

Blaine had also given part time work to a handful of students who were majoring in stage management and production and aspiring lighting and sound technicians, hiring them on Thursdays and on the weekends to come down and help out back stage, and creating the perfect ambience for the performers. He gave them hope and guidance and experience and loved having them onboard, sharing this exciting new journey. The sheer fact that Blaine was in the middle of restoring his dreams and passion, and he was still thinking of others, wanting to help others, made Kurt's heart absolutely soar, and the sheer need to always be with this man, to support him in everything, to never let him go, pounds hard and deep within his flesh and bones.

They had talked about what Blaine wanted out of all this, besides the pleasure he gained from performing freely once again, Kurt had tried to entice a more than vague reply out of him, to suggest options of what to do next but all he was getting was a sheepish and adorable ‘I'm finally getting to do what I love again Kurt, I'm happy with that', so Kurt dropped it.

He knew that Blaine loved the bar, working there and establishing friendships with his customers and staff, and would not give that up just because he started performing again, Blaine found a new dream within his bar, and now has both old and new pleasantly alongside each other, dreams can be multiple and they can expand with each new tiny step and Kurt wanted to remind him of that fact. But for now Blaine appeared happy in all of its forms, so that was good enough for him, for now until Blaine (intentionally or not) expressed other wise, he would be satisfied, as was he.

Kurt also was allowing that old desire, the tantalising flame within his heart that he had buried down deep, to relight and simmer, slowing building up to something new and more. With Blaine he was allowing himself to open up the possibility that all was not lost, and that along with pretty much everything else, time was the steady answer in more than one way.      

Between the two of them, they receive regular and popular requests, more so the Indie kids and young singer/songwriters have their favourites that they like to hear Blaine play and perform, they like to watch the emotion play on his face and flow through the tips of his fingers into the keys of the piano. Kurt's chest thumps with love as he watches from the side, watches the way the audience respond to him, the way they hang off of his every word and lasting vibe of the chords, this is what he has always needed, he should have been loved and admired and watched for years, not hidden away, not made to feel irresponsible or any different from any other brave, crazy soul chasing their dreams. But Kurt is and will be forever thankful that he has been lucky enough to experience this part of him, that he has been privileged to share it with him and help draw it out from the shadows and out into the world once again.

The musical theater groupies and old classic lovers like listening to traditional Broadway favourites with Kurt's unique range and twist, Blaine laughs and smiles as he watches him pour his heart and soul and body into each song whether it be emotional or humorous or anything, nonetheless each performance is just as heartfelt as the last, his ability to change dramatically with each new genre, the atmosphere dropping or spiking along with him is amazing, It's all so endearing and heart-warming to watch him come into his own again, to appear like he's right at home when he's up there. The happiness and the feeling of satisfaction and acceptance literally seeps from his pores with each roar and holler from the crowd, and much like himself Kurt is just as coy and stubborn, and Blaine wishes that he could get through to him, to push him.

They both know that they will always have each other behind and beside them in anything and everything, in any direction but for now, they will resort to brushing off each others supportive chimes and chirps, blushing with kisses and cuddles and distracting in the best ways they know.    

The tips jar that sits on the end of the bar, next to the one that is dedicated to the regular bar and kitchen staff, fills up rather quickly, even after being replaced with a larger glass canister. Coins and bills and even small notes with messages of well wishes and love of what they are seeing and hearing are slotted into the jar consistently throughout all of the performances, and at the end of each week Blaine sees that the staff get their well deserved portion, the messages are taped to the mirror behind the bar and the rest are donated to a local charity of he and Kurt's choice.

They're pretty sure that they have established a small familiar fan base, the actual thought of it alone and the reactions that they receive from some of them, causes them to grin and blush in a coy but very-ok self-indulgent way, they deserve it.

Ok so some of them maybe older ladies enjoying a Bloody Mary before the bingo halls open, and some of them maybe girls and guys who try to pass their numbers on through the bar and staff and message in a jar system, and haven't stayed around long enough afterwards to realise that they are in fact together as a couple, but they are fans and flattering nonetheless.

“Kurt?” Isabelle nudged his foot again under the desk with a grin, Kurt's eyes snapped to hers, “Well I hope we do you get to see you sing again, you know how much I love it,” Kurt preened, blushing at the compliment and dropping his gaze slightly as he picked at the last of his cake, “especially in whatever fabulous Halloween get-up you'll be sporting-” They laughed together and Kurt took his last mouthful, crumpling up the paper packaging and pitching it towards the waste paper basket in the corner, Isabelle peeked at the closed door and back at him, she seized the opportune moment.

“He told me you know-” Kurt's stomach dropped, he knew what this was about, had been waiting for even, he kept his gaze down and quickly tried to think how he could avoid, but knew all along that it was a lost cause, he swallowed slowly allowing her to continue, she would have anyway.

“Why didn't you?” That he did not expect, he dragged his eyes up to hers, her face and eyes soft and passive, her head tilted to the side as if waiting for him to answer but she wasn't, she had more to say before he could interject, all of these months of getting on and pussyfooting around, had lead to this moment, it was time to hear her out.

“You know that I love you, you know that I think you're fabulous, that I wish I could go back and relive my younger years with your drive and fierce passion and ambition, I've tried to promote you which is way less than you deserve, but it's the best I can offer you here, on several occasions in fact-” A lump started to form in Kurt's throat as he swallowed away the remnants of butter frosting and soft sponge.

“And of course you know that I absolutely DO NOT want to see the back of you, why do you think I've been throwing so many options and offers your way? But you're finally happy Kurt, with something else that isn't fashion, and its ok to love and possibly want both, you're happy again, you have your Mr Amazing and you now have your music and performing back, you cant let go of it, not again-”

“I can't leave this place Isabelle, I can't give this all up for something so, so-”

“You don't have to, not all of it, and so what? Something so believable, something so worthy, something that you fine well know you haven't stopped thinking about-” Kurt dropped his gaze, he thought Elliott and Rachel were bad opponents for debates because of their relentless tongue and sass, but Isabelle was worse and better. Isabelle had just as much power and charge and use of vocabulary, but she was calm and collected, she spoke and you listened full stop, she had that air about her, the shine in her eyes was complete truth and experience and wisdom and all spurred on by her warm heart. She wheeled forward in her chair, grasping Kurt's hands within her own and tilting her head, demanding that gentle eye contact once again.

“You're young still Kurt, so young, use it, use this chance, it is ok to be afraid and it is also ok to chase something you don't feel right about chasing, you have a home, you have love, you have a job and you have a stage to perform on once again, but it's ok to keep chasing Kurt, the time is now for you.” Kurt's eyes filled and he bit his lip, he was awe struck, mind spinning and his shoulders sagging with a shuddering breath past his widening smile.

“I-I'm not, Isabelle, I don't know if I want to quit-”

“Praise the lord-” She winked, “so don't, but I know that, that talent scout came meandering unknown into that beautiful bar and handed his card over to you and you still haven't done anything with it, so don't quit here, but you're most certainly not quitting that before you've even started, no sir I wont let you, watching you up there is something unique and special Kurt, you and Blaine both, you both have a bright future together ahead, go get it, go get more of it.”

Kurt moved his palms on top of Isabelle's and squeezed, his grin too big for his face and his wide blue eyes shedding stray tears, he knew this, he knew all of this. Everybody had been trying to push him into gear, and all it took was this, to be told it was actually ok to feel selfish, it was ok to want more even though he was already so happy he felt like his heart could burst, even though secretly all he wanted more than this was for Blaine to snap out of his stubborn reverie and be pushed too, he wanted somebody to want Blaine too, to hand him a card. As if on cue, Isabelle snapped her fingers in his line of vision, causing him to startle and sniffle, she handed him a tissue from the box by the computer. 

“He'll be ok, he'll have what he wants to, he already does, but he'll get there if he needs to, like you, he has his own little adventure now, his own empire-” She nodded along with her own words, like she totally knew, like he had every reason to believe and trust her, this was all so much to take in, to think about, nothing may ever come of it, but all he has to do is call that number on that crumpled up piece of white card that almost went through the laundry in his pants until Blaine saved it, it all starts there, baby steps.

“Thank you Isabelle, thank you so much-”

“Oh you're so very welcome my dear friend-” Kurt's eyes snapped up to the open doorway, where Elliott stood, propped up against the frame, like he had been hanging there for more time than Kurt cared to think about, he had a shit eating grin on his face and strode over to the desk, leaning his hands over the back of Isabelle's chair as she sighed looking up at him, rolling her eyes. Kurt stared at the pair, his mouth pulled into a pretty pout, confused and slightly irritated.

“Oh come on you didn't think that you're old man, and by old man I mean you're loyal, trustworthy hot piece of ass, would tell on you, did you? Of course I told her-” He nodded his chin down at Isabelle, his grin still intact and Isabelle's growing.

Kurt's mind ticked over for a little while and then his own smile started to emerge incredulously, he cant remember telling Elliott or anyone about the scout who randomly turned up last week, approaching him after he had performed his own full Twenty Minute set. Blaine was watching from down at the bar, the biggest smile on his face that met his eyes and crinkled them at the corners, Kurt had asked the girl with the violin and some of her orchestra friends to accompany him, so that he could have Blaine's full attention, singing and dedicating each piece to him silently through their strong deep unbroken gazes.

Blaine knew that if he told Elliott, Elliott would want to knock some sense into Kurt after all of his own trying and begging and pleading failed, but Elliott wouldn't want to scare him like Blaine, so he called in the big guns Isabelle, knowing that she would take the right approach.

Kurt wanted to cry again at the thought of Blaine doing all of this for him, not giving up, he had started this all, making sure that Kurt heard what was being said, what was being offered. He simply shook his head and smiled at the two before him at his desk, who were making triumphant faces and hi-fived each other. He was completely and utterly at a loss for words, but knowing what he wanted, needed to do, who he had to turn to now, he pulled out his phone and called up the message screen.

Me;

13.49

I love you so, so much Mr Anderson, you don't happen to have that…thing…that I asked you to rip up for me? Xxxx

He bit his lip, and wiped at his tear stained cheeks with the back of his hand, he smirked when the reply came not a minute later, the message popped up with a notification explaining that a picture was downloading, Elliott peered over the desk as Isabelle tried to shoo him back playfully.

“Oohh a dirty picture…niiiicee..-” He laughed at the double shoulder slap he received and his eyes lit up as Kurt's phone buzzed again on the desk before them.

Blaine;

13.49

Picture Downloaded

Blaine's beautiful curly head appeared, down to his gorgeous eyes, so wide and full and sincere, lit up a bright green with golden flecks from the flash of the internal camera, an adorable kissy/pouty face in the middle of a sexy scruffy jaw line and the little white familiar card tucked into his skin, causing a crease just by the edge of his full lips.

Message Text;

You didn't think I would let you give this up did you sweetheart?? No matter how big or little or what it does or doesn't turn out to be, I wont let it go, Never!! Love you baby, always! Xxxx