….New Years Eve- Night…

“Do you see him?”

“Rach we just got here-”

“He's probably watching you somewhere, you think he'll send free drinks?”

“Rachel are we really doing this?”

“Come ooonn Kurt play along-”

Kurt rolled his eyes and scoffed into his drink, a Vodka on the rocks with lemon and lime to start off with tonight, something to steady him, set the night off, but not too strong, it had only just gone Seven O'clock, he disguised his smirk as best he could and took a long drink.

Secretly he loved that Rachel was playing this game, it was mostly the reason why he wanted her here tonight so badly, to help him reminisce. He rolled the ice around in his glass a little with a small clinking sound before setting it down on the table as he leaned back casually and crossed his right leg over his left knee, his tailor fitted beige-with a multi-coloured pinstripe pattern-trousers tightened gloriously over his thighs and backside with the movement.

He stretched an arm over the back of Rachel's chair and in doing so causing his crisp white shirt to shift over his biceps and broad muscular chest, he fingered lightly at his cravat around his neck which matched his pants perfectly and met the open V-shape in his shirt where he had undone the first two buttons of his collar, he had adorned his outfit with a brown slim leather belt and shoes to match, to say he looked model-esque would probably be right on the money maybe even an understatement, he subtly glanced around withholding his smirk once more, looking out over and around the bar, oh yeah he could play this game.

“No Rach I haven't seen him, he'll be busy, it's New Years Eve, lots of things to do, people to see-”

“Men to gawk at-”

“Man…singular-”

“Well duh, come on quit ruining it-”

“Sorry…so uh…should I text him?”

“Oh no, keep it up a little while longer, I'm sure he's having just as much fun-”

“Um I'm sorry, you're talking about your boyfriend right, the guy you live upstairs with, who owns this place?” Kurt and Rachel both spun around in their chairs, cheeky grins on their faces, to look at Rachel's date, Mr manager himself, Julian, who was staring back at them with his wine glass raised to his lips and an amused smile quirking around the edges, Rachel smiled sweetly at him and patted his hand playfully on the table ledge.

Julian was a very nice man, and Kurt knew instantly he would do right by Rachel, he would keep her grounded, he was quiet and a little introverted but also happy and friendly when spoken too, he was very excited about being at The Stage on New Years Eve and talked animatedly to Kurt about the future plans for the building, the Performance Arts event and Kurt's and now Blaine's own involvement with it, he had suggested some ideas and gave some opinions in which he could maybe help in some way with his history and experience in that area, which Kurt was very appreciative of.

“Oh yeah, sorry, long story I'll explain it to you another time-” Rachel winked and grinned widely as Julian laughed and made a playful face at her whilst shaking his head affectionately. Kurt watched the interaction as subtly as he could from behind the rim of his glass, a warm rush spread throughout his chest down to his stomach, as he noticed the easiness and comfort passed between the two, a little coy and sweet, and quite reminiscent of his and Blaine's first few weeks together, speaking of, Kurt placed his glass down and sat up straight in his seat, he craned his neck this way and that whilst he looked around.

“Yeah don't worry bout us Jule's.. just a little game-” Kurt muttered rather distractedly whilst making a vague hand gesture and rising out of his seat, Rachel laughed and shook her head making a face at her date as she watched Kurt begin to weave through the nearby tables and chairs.

“We'll just wait here then I guess-” Rachel called out playfully to Kurt's retreating form, who in return batted a hand backwards in her direction.

“Great… make sure you save some seats,” He smoothed out his shirt as he made his way over to the main doors, smirking as he noticed some appreciative and wide eyed looks directed his way out of the corner of his eye, and even overheard some hushed comments, he looked good, damn good, and he knew it. For the first time in a very long while he allowed himself to be looked at and longed for and wanted again by people other than Blaine, and to enjoy it.

But tonight his attention was only focused one person, he and the extra added effort more than usual that he had put in to his outfit was only for one person, and he was on his way to find him right now, before the night could get in to full celebration mode and all of their special guests arrived. The last time he'd seen Blaine had been a few hours ago, and the anticipation and excitement upon seeing him tonight was growing hot and heavy in the pit of his stomach.

…Earlier that morning…

“Blaine, seriously what is that, what did you get?” Blaine laughed as Kurt struggled to sit up straight as he pawed gently at his bandaged arm like a cat, Blaine lifted his arms away and rolled Kurt back down and over, pinning him down whilst he blurted out weak protests through stolen pecks over his lips and face, half straddling him between himself and the back of the couch.

“Baby, baby listen, remember what I told you the last time, that I'd explain it to you at a better time-”

“Yeah, you said when the time was right, and your arm literally has ‘When the time is right' written on it, good one honey-” Kurt playfully teased as Blaine mocked an indignant look before swooping down and all-but licked all over Kurt's face until he called out surrender in fits of giggles.

Kurt's eyes were alight, sparkling blues and dusky greens through the dull winter morning light filtering in through the windows, he lifted his head to nuzzle his nose with Blaine's, leaving whispering kisses and breaths against his skin.

“Tell me sweetheart, what is it, why didn't you say you were getting it, we could have got matching ones-” He smiled and nibbled against Blaine's fuzzy jaw line at his rumbling laugh in response.

He knew, they knew, they were more than old enough to go but respectfully choose not to go down that road of doing things, getting things, names, permanently inked into their skin that they may or may not regret in some way over the years, not that either of them had any doubt of their love or future together, but they knew that they could cement it in other just as concrete ways.

But Kurt was still deeply curious, and the thought, the many possibilities of what Blaine had chosen, why he had chosen now after his year with Kurt and the many years without getting any fresh ink, the thought of it all secretly stirred excitedly in his gut.

“I didn't know baby, I didn't plan it, it just happened, I passed this place on the way home and it just happened, it's just small, tiny even, but give it a few hours to heal then I'll show you, then you can decide if you want the same-”

Kurt batted at his chest lightly and playfully knowing Blaine was only kidding about that last part (mostly), he smiled his sweet, heart clenching smile and nodded, mouthing an ‘okay' against Blaine's lips before planting a kiss there, Blaine's eyes grew big and round in that adorable puppy way that they did, almost golden, his whole face and features coming alive just because of something so small that Kurt did, he whispered back in between kisses, “okay.”

They spent the rest of the day side by side, wrapped up in each other, they watched both old classics and new blockbusters that cable had to offer them on the big screen back to back, they ate leftovers from all of the seasonal festive treats they had bought and stocked up on and frozen, hell bent on their joint New Year resolutions of healthy eating plans to start in the next few days even though like everyone else they knew they'd probably only last a week.

At around Five in the afternoon when the latest instalment of some saga had ended and the credits started to roll down the screen, Blaine rose from their pile of blankets on the sofa with a soft sigh, detangling his legs and trying to pry his fingers out of Kurt's vice like grip. Although only teasing Kurt clung on to every inch of Blaine that he could, whining about how cold he would be for the next few hours without him and that he should just close the bar tonight, because who needed him there anyway, who needed to celebrate?

Blaine was going to go down to the bar a little early and help set up the tables with party poppers, mini tubes of Bubble formula shaped like champagne bottles, and handfuls of glitter and New Years themed confetti. He would make sure all of the deliveries had arrived and had been stocked and shelved appropriately, the staff  were turning up suitably dressed with their specialised golden pins attached and on time for their shifts, and that the main stage was set and the host from the show and the accompanying band members were there prepping and sound checking.

It was his duty to ensure to the best that he could that everything in general was running smoothly, even if he couldn't control his own mind to do the same.

Blaine wasn't actually going to be ‘working' tonight when the celebrations all kick off, he had pretty much planned to do what he did at the Anniversary event, supervise and oversee, be there, be spare, meet and greet, but most importantly of all, try and relax and enjoy himself with his love and his peers, Blaine had nothing to worry about tonight, almost.

Blaine laughed as Kurt cleverly clawed his way up his body, framing his chest and neck and face with his hands, trailing kisses over the thin fabric of t-shirt, mouthing over his clothed nipple (the asshole knew his weak spots), and in doing so causing Blaine to moan and almost crumple right back on top of him, where he knew he most likely wouldn't get up again.

Although he knew Kurt was only playing he allowed himself a moment of Kurt's mouth worshipping the slice of skin between the round collar of his shirt and his neck whilst he thought about what they might get up to if they did stay home tonight.

They could see the New Year in together, private and intimate, they would be able to hear the cheers from out on the streets and downstairs drifting in from their open bedroom window, as they celebrated in their own way, between their sheets again and again and again.

Blaine shook himself out of his thoughts as Kurt gave his skin a playful nip and his hand made a skilful, determined journey southward bound over his jeans. Although it was pretty clear that even though there was a Ten year age gap between them, and that it was something that was so very small and almost not there in their relationship now, they were very similar in mind, body and soul. Blaine did have to admit that he loved this Kurt, this side to him whenever it showed, playful and insatiable, youthful and free of nerves and worry. He was more than happy to give himself over to this Kurt, any Kurt, over and over, forever and always, but right now he needed to focus, and just like that Blaine was reminded of the night ahead, and his stomach fluttered in a whole different way.

He ducked his head and lifted Kurt's chin with his fingers, he laughed into his mouth as Kurt huffed and they kissed, hard and needy, acting like they hadn't been like this, together close and personal the whole day, there was something passing silently between them in that moment, a taste of whole contentment, reassurance and the inevitable future lasting and tingling on their lips. Blaine pulled back, and looked deep into Kurt's eyes, a heavy lingering gaze, caramel to tropical sea green, he placed one last hard kiss to Kurt's forehead with a ‘mwah' sound and pulled back and up, he pulled one of the blankets up over Kurt's head as a playful way of distraction and back pedalled over to the door where his boots had been discarded.

Kurt huffed a laugh as his phone vibrated against the surface of the coffee table and just managed to untangle the blanket from his face and neck as Blaine hastily pulled on his boots unlaced and opened the door.

Just before he left and the door could slide close behind him he called out, “Go get yourself ready babe, I hear you've gotta hot date tonight-” and then he was gone, leaving Kurt smiling like a mad man, by the time Blaine came back up stairs to get himself ready for the night Kurt would be all dressed and already at Rachel's for some pre-drinks, just for old time sakes.

He picked up the phone with a soft contented smile and opened up the message. His face suddenly softening, eyes watering immensely, and skin trembling with a slight panic as he read the contents with a heart so full and happy, his whole chest ached with it.

Dad;

17.15

Hey son, look at me texting on my new smart-phone…Sorry we're not there tonight, you know how we are for New Year's, but we're still on for meeting Blaine's family soon? Devon sounds like a treat!

Have fun tonight, enjoy yourself, be bold, be brave, be you, and I know that you know what I mean when I say that I'm so happy and proud of you. Love you both! X

…Present Time…

Kurt washed his hands at the basin, and looked up into the mirror above, he tilted his head from side to side, making sure his hair remained in it's perfectly sprayed state, with a satisfied smirk he towelled his hands dry and pitched the used the paper into the trash. He nodded kindly at the other men around the bathroom, filtering in and out of the toilet stalls, some of them waved with gentle back slaps, offering handshakes (after washing) and Kurt felt something close to pride and strangely special warm his chest.

He fussed over himself one more time before turning for the door, smiling at another familiar face, when his phone buzzed in his pocket and setting off a rush of excitement and anticipation dancing over his skin. He pulled out his phone and opened up his inbox as he pulled the door open and darted through the gap and held it open with one hand and left, he just got to the next set of doors before the grand spiral staircase as he read what was on the small screen and couldn't help but feel a little deflated at the sender.

Elliott;

19.14

En route dude, all set and good to go!! SO psyched for this… mine's a Bellini Cocktail!! ;p   

He smiled lightly as he closed the screen and slid the phone back into his pocket as he pulled the door open and headed towards the top of the stairs, he took the first few steps with a hurried fashion, eager to get back to the table, to drink, for everybody to arrive, eager to find and see Blaine.

His steps slowed as he came round the first slight bend on the staircase and a couple of girls in treacherous high heels and barely there skirts stumbled past him, almost knocking into him, smiling and giggling. He looked back over his shoulder watching them reach the top, mostly making sure that they didn't trip as he continued to walk downwards slowly, and as he turned his head back to face where he was going his breath hitched in his throat, his heart flew upwards and his smile spread wide and fast, lips peeling back from his teeth, cheeks warming without permission.

He wasn't shocked to see Blaine, he would never be shocked to see him, he wouldn't even call it surprised, it was the sheer delighted thrill, the sudden epic rush of glorious memories that hit him, the images and the thoughts from yesteryear, that pooled hot and wanting in his stomach, the ones that saddened him at the thought of something, someone he thought he couldn't have, wasn't good enough for, and boy was he wrong.

That's what had caused him to stand stunned and still in the middle of the stair case, as Blaine stood at the bottom near the door, staring up at him intently, waiting for him, he looked like he had been waiting for him forever and would forever wait again just for him, he looked almost mesmerised like he did exactly one year ago.

The only difference now being that Blaine's attention wasn't, isn't needed elsewhere, he's not constantly opening and closing the door for each passer by, his gaze was unbroken, fixed solely up on Kurt.

With his gorgeous smile in the centre of his neatly kept tickly fuzz, the one that leaves a gorgeous burn between Kurt's thighs and on his cheeks and jaw, Kurt knows that now.

His eyes large and rounded and a dark gold in the glint of the chandelier hanging above, his hair soft and shining with his sexy silver tips curling over his temples, styled loosely and easily, taught to do so with Kurt's own supple fingers, he looked amazing, just like he did last year, just like always.

And now he wasn't some sexy, tempting stranger with no name who looked too good, too special to be holding doors, now he was his, only his, his to talk to and touch and to have, he was his Blaine. He suddenly feels like he's jolted back in time to the very same spot and he's staring at that figure again, at that face, but not knowing if he'll see him again, if he can, if he's allowed to, and then his mind flashes to the coffee shop and their fingers are brushing lightly over the woodwork, testing and seeking and now, right now they are back here, Blaine is still here.  

Kurt looked down at Blaine warmly as he stepped downwards and closer, his stomach danced and tightened and for a millisecond a tremor of panic replaced with reassurance flew through him and in that moment, although a part of him always did, he knew, he just knew that he was looking down at his future, he was stepping closer to his forever, and he never would have thought it that last time they were here, in the same positions, he never would have dared to dream or contemplate, but now they were here, it's happening.

And as if for whatever reason at all Kurt needed any extra push or reason for his heart to beat twice as fast, tonight Blaine was wearing a pair of snug Navy coloured slacks which almost shimmered under the ceiling lights and boasted a delicate subtle floral pattern, a matching jacket hugged his upper arms and chest and he wore a pair of dark brown leather brogue lace ups on his feet. Under the jacket Kurt could just make out a pale blue shirt pressed down with a pair of dark brown braided leather suspenders and a light patterned bow tie. Kurt actually licked his lips at the sight before him, Blaine had always been fashionable, he had his own way, he always looked great in different states of dress and undress for that matter, he had a reasonable knowledge of colour and pattern clashes and seasonal necessities, but tonight he had actually thought about this. He looked liked he had stepped right off of the pages of a GQ spread somehow dated between a mix of the Fifty's and now.

And without any thought, effort or words shared between them at all, they are both generously complimenting of each other with their chosen attires, not weirdly matching or starkly contrasting, just simple beautifully bouncing and reflecting off of each other.      

They beamed at each other, eyes unwavering as Kurt gripped onto the balustrade, to settle his slow downward steps with his vibrating skin and bones, tingling with excitement and more love then he thought possible. He reached the bottom and tentatively stepped off of the last step and over to the door, over to Blaine, who looked like he was pretty much going to burst with giddiness himself.

To others around them they must have looked ridiculous, the staff and patrons that know them, know that they are together, must have thought they were acting like complete dorks, but that was them, silly and adorable and kindly uncaring of other's outside of their bubble, just them.

Blaine's eyes smouldered as he smirked, stepping forward and to the side slightly, his eyes raked, literally dragged themselves artfully, dark and searching up and down Kurt's body, head to toe before pulling back with an obedient shake of his head, like he literally had to divert his thoughts before something possibly embarrassing happened and turned to the side. Kurt smirked back standing patiently, eagerly, he assumed that Blaine was stepping out and acting all bashful and gorgeous to place a chaste kiss to his cheek or whisper something mildly inappropriate into his ear, but what Blaine actually did thrilled him even more than he thought it would. Blaine reached out and pulled the door, holding it open for him, smiling teasingly and silently as Kurt caught on and stepped forward towards the open door, with a glimmer in his eye Kurt ducked his head slightly, taking a step halfway through the doorway and looked back up at Blaine's cheeky handsome face.

“Thank you-”

“You are most welcome,” and with a rather flirtatious and somehow filthy wink to Kurt's eyes only, Kurt smirked in return, chin up and walked through to the bar, hips swaying, shoulders rolling, he didn't have to look back behind him to see where Blaine's attention was this time, he knew.

Kurt barely got back to the table before his phone buzzed and his whole body thrummed with it, he swept the phone out carelessly and took a few swipes to open up the message, his senses tingling.

Blaine;

19;16

So I know that you have this  hot date tonight and all…but there's this insanely hot, immensely beautiful guy with eyes and a smile that just won't quit, and my god  that ass… I'm certain I've just experienced a déjà vu…

Kurt picked up his glass and pretty much drained the contents, his skin flushed as he laughed heartedly whilst thumbing out a response, ignoring the questioning glances he was receiving from Rachel and her bewildered, amused date.

“So you've seen him now I take it?” Rachel playfully swipes a finger over his heated cheek and he bats her away, giggling and nodding, sighing giddily and happily. This was all part of the game too, the texts and the cheeky nonchalance, Blaine was just so gorgeous in everyway and Kurt couldn't wait to get him alone later.

Me;

19.17

Really, you too? Weird! The same thing just happened to me, only it was this guy with the most amazing hair and eyes I just wanted to lose myself in, and his outfit? If Mr Ford didn't design the thing and dress the man himself then I'll be damned…HOT doesn't even cover it!! Must just be this place huh ;)  

Blaine;

19.18

Orrr maybe he just has a crazy talented, fashionable other half who he does actually watch and listen to very closely?? I think your right, I get that vibe from this place…oh that actually  sounds like that old dorky barman…he's just gone behind the bar, just now…

Me;

19.18

I'll make sure I go check him out then, he sounds just right for me… : ) xxxx

*

Watching Blaine behind the bar tonight, of all nights, was like coming home strangely, it felt like a heavy but pleasant weight lying in the pit of his stomach, keeping him grounded but excited all at once. He stood at the top of the steps leading down to the bar for a few quiet minutes an arm crossed over his chest and his free hand nursing his empty glass, he was nudged this way and that, obviously in the way, but couldn't bring himself to care.

His eyes wandered for a spilt second to up and around him, the ribbons and balloons hanging and dangling in glimmering golds, the stage up top set up with stools and stands and instruments, all lit up with perfect bright, inviting lighting, the host for the night and the band and the singers all dressed up and having the time of their lives, prancing around and owning the space. He took the time to notice that Blaine's black piano wasn't part of the set, it had been moved to the very back of the stage and a smaller shockingly red one had been brought in to be used for the night instead. Kurt knew that Blaine's piano was his pride and joy so he couldn't even say he was surprised.  

Kurt loved the atmosphere of The Stage last year, the business, the banter, the excitement. But there was something different in the air tonight, something else, yes Blaine had learned the art of simple décor and of course the live entertainment had made a pretty fantabulous difference also, but there was something so easy, so natural about the night and the current proceedings, and everything and everyone around him that made the butterflies in his stomach slow from their dancing to a pleasant steady lilt.

Just like before out in the main entrance on the staircase, Kurt was teleported back to one year ago, even before then, when he'd seen Blaine very briefly that first time, polishing and stacking away glasses a few weeks before they actually met. Back then Blaine looked guarded and maybe a little bored, lost and completely unfitting within his surroundings. Blaine always looked confident and happy in whatever job he was doing that night in the bar, but there was always something empty behind his eyes, like a small part of him had given up.

Every time Kurt had seen Blaine in the bar, before they made things official, he always thought that Blaine looked like he needed more, that he was waiting for more, new and different, just like he himself was, and now they had found it within each other, that and more.

He thinks of the many saved flirty texts he has which they had sent between them, whilst giggling into his hand or glass whilst he sat somewhere out in the open bar, enjoying whatever drink was made and brought to him, and Blaine would be watching him eagerly, teasingly from somewhere out in the depths. Blaine was so flirtatious with him back then, not that he isn't now but Kurt came to realise that it was his way of opening up, of seeking out and testing the waters, Blaine hid behind a façade of pants-dropping charmer barman, just in case Kurt liked him back, it was very endearing and chest aching and Kurt had always felt like a prince because of it all.

He remembers how Blaine would always disappear behind that ‘No Access' door after seeing Kurt, or talking to him or sending text messages, and Kurt knows now what lies beyond it, the reasons and the meanings. Blaine was probably going upstairs, going home or most likely to sit at his piano and think quietly to himself whilst his fingers brushed the keys, daring himself to play, but couldn't quite get there, yet. Blaine admitted that the main stage was his place of calm, where he went to collect himself, where he felt at home and balanced, and then months later, it became their special place, their way of connecting and drawing out all the tension and emotions.

Tonight Blaine looks like how he should have always looked, in Kurt's opinion, he looks undoubtedly relaxed, confidence-not the fake unsure kind- pouring from him, wholly happy. Kurt slowly made his way forward down the remaining steps and closer to the bar, weaving in and out of the throng of people with gentle smiles, his eyes never leaving Blaine. The nearer he got, the more he could see, Blaine was winding in and out of the other servers behind the bar, laughing and joking his way through mixing drinks, flicking the stainless steel cocktail shaker between his hands in an effortless way before shaking it to death in one hand and rubbing the edge of a glass with what looked like a mint leaf in the other. He'd obviously decided to help out whilst he waited for Kurt to get to him, and Kurt was glad of it, he loved watching him like this, there was something strangely sexy to it, he'd never get bored of it, his fingers and hands skilful and supple, and Kurt knew just exactly what those hands could do, he would  always have that privilege of knowing and experiencing it, all of Blaine, not just sex, but all that he was and all that he had, it was always going to be all for Kurt now, and it was his extreme honour and something he'll possibly never get over.

He finally steps up close to the bar and seats himself on a stool and pushes his empty glass towards the ‘used' pile ready to be taken away at the end of the counter. Blaine is just busy putting the stirrer and drainer away just below the counter by the rinsing sink, he's still smiling and Kurt hears Ivan muttering something obviously amusing with an arm full of lemons and limes off to the side of him, Kurt sees Blaine laugh and flick his fingers towards the boy causing a few drops of sticky juice to fly at him.

Kurt laughs at the sight, Blaine's enjoying himself, he's working when he said he wouldn't but he's happy, he's content, although there is a slight tremor in his skin, a bundle of tense muscle in his jaw and neck, and glint of deep thought in his eyes, only to be seen by Kurt's trained and observant eyes.

Blaine dries his hands and looks up, his eyes suddenly connecting with Kurt's, warm and bright as he saunters forward coming to stand right opposite Kurt and leaning forward on his arms, his smile so wide and welcoming.

There is something there in his eyes, he's debating, he's thinking, he's wondering and Kurt just wants to pull him right over the counter, this is their night he has decided, now is their time and there is nothing to consider anymore.

“And what is it that can I get you, oh beautiful stranger, something special?”

“There is nothing from you I could want that I don't already have,”

*

“Aww guys, around this time last year you two had just met for the very first time-”

“Thank you for the observation Rach but you're around a half hour too late,” Kurt glanced down at Blaine's watch on his wrist which was resting on his knee, “It's Eleven-Fifty-one-”

“Yeah well whatever, same thing-”

“This is actually around the time that my staff reported that you almost fell over, twice, Rachel, have you still got those heels, they were ridiculous-”

“Man I am so bummed that I missed out on all of this last year, I'm never visiting my parents over the holidays again-”

“Blaine was this around the time that you text me saying you'd just seen the most gorgeous man and you were contemplating just going upstairs because you couldn't stop looking at him-”

“What, honey you were gonna do that?”

“Thanks Wes,” Blaine shot his buddy a look before grinning and winking and turning to pat Kurt's leg in a humorous way as if pacifying a small child, “No sweetheart, I couldn't have let you leave without at least trying to get your attention-”

“God you two were so obvious that night-”

“Yeah what the hell actually took you both so long to get it on-”

Kurt laughed, shaking his head and Blaine picked up his hand squeezing and bringing it up to his lips for a hard, quick reassuring kiss, they were not typically willing volunteers to have the topic of conversation steered around their relationship, but tonight they didn't care, tonight was different. For the past few hours they had been sitting happily, surrounded by their closest friends, sharing jokes and stories from Christmas, comparing New Years resolutions and exercise plans. Rachel was having way too much fun grilling Wes, David and Nick, most of the Warblers in fact who had been able to join them for the night along with their other halves, on their old Warbler routines and competitions, and demanding that some sort of old Glee reunion club should be formed between them, whilst her date chatted happily with Isabelle and Jon, everybody filtering in and out of everybody else's conversations with ease, and Elliott was just, Elliott.  

They enjoyed the music filling the air around them, causing the entire bar to light up with excited energy, occasionally turning to the stage with undivided attention to watch some of the numbers, the host had the crowd enraptured from the off and Blaine felt like the guy could have a job for future occasions if he wanted one.

The music switched from genre to genre to suit all persons in the bar, taking the night from mood to mood to eventually the last slice of the current year.

Blaine would have loved to have gotten up and played and sang at some point tonight, he of course knew that he could if he wanted to, but he only wanted to with Kurt, and honestly tonight he just wanted to focus on something different with Kurt, he wanted to take that adrenaline rush, that excited-nervous energy that he usually got with performing and place it some where else, he would hold on to the feeling all night.      

Blaine had invited Cooper and his wife tonight, he would have loved if his mom could have came too, but he knew that his dad would be in his own bar back in Ohio and his mom would have felt bad about leaving him, he knew that she was elated about seeing them over Christmas and that was enough, they had spent many, many years apart over certain holidays that the absence became normal and whenever they could reunite was seen as a luxury.

Cooper had said yes straight away excitedly like a kid, like it was the best idea in the world and did not want to miss out, right up until his wife regretfully reminded him that they already had a party planned with her TV company who Cooper sometimes had hired work with, a party which was both pleasure and business and sadly could not be missed.

Blaine did not miss the way that Cooper clumsily swooped Kurt up into a fierce embrace with a severe apologetic expression, before pulling back and looking deep into his eyes silently, and maybe a little longer than was deemed necessary, but this was Copper and he was nothing if not dramatic, he ended it with a firm grip to his shoulder and a tight nod and wicked, knowing smile.

A hastily planned trip to New York was made instead and Ana suggested that Burt and Carole come along too, so that ‘all of the family' could meet. Nobody missed the way that both boys tensed, hearts pounding like rabbits and sloppy smiles gracing their lips.  

Blaine kissed Kurt's hand one more time, looking deeply into his eyes, ignoring the catcalling and wolf whistling he was receiving and the playful mutters of ‘here come the heart eyes' from around the table.

“Yeah well we got it right in the end.”

“And thank fuck for that too-”

“Elliott-”

“Sorry dear-”

“Oh my god you guys lets get the champagne ready, it's almost midnight-”

Kurt looked around the table, his friends, old and new, laughing and talking excitedly, his hand carefully moulded around Blaine's and his words pasted to the forefront of his mind, he couldn't remember ever being this happy, this calm and sure.

Right, yes, it's right, everything is just right.

*

“3..2..1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!” The champagne bottle popped open and the cork flew high up into the air, almost popping one of the floating balloons as Elliott giggled out a ‘shit, sorry' before taking a swig and passing it on to his boyfriend with a messy kiss. The table and many tables around them shared whoops and calls and greetings of well wishes and love, body after body hauled into misshapen hugs here and there, everybody laughing and cheering, strangers becoming friends, and friends old and new wished most and best luck to those around them, it truly was a special occasion to be a part of.

The very moment that the clock struck, Blaine took Kurt's face in his hands and kissed him on the lips, quickly yes but oh so hard and fierce, Blaine had never kissed him like that before, not in public. It felt like a statement, like Blaine was trying to draw every emotion from Kurt, everything he was thinking with just his lips, like in that one moment PDA rules could just suck it.

It was over just as fast as it had begun but the intention was clear, and Kurt reeled from it, Blaine looked at him intently, and Kurt seen the twinkle in his eyes, and exactly like it had been the year before Blaine mouthed ‘Happy New Year' but when last time the words were mouthed from across the bar between empty glasses and jumping excited bodies, now they were mouthed between just a breath of space and a brush of a touch, what a difference a year makes.

They were passed from person to person making their way around the table, Champagne was passed around minus the flutes and Kurt managed to a take a quick swig, the fizz bubbling on his tongue and leaving him airy and light. The band up on the stage started to sing the well known New Year anthem and people around them up and off stage danced and sang and drank, until the song had finished and the loudness dulled to a quiet pattern of clinking glasses as laughter and chatter continued once more, some young stage hands ran on from the sides and started to help clear away the set as the thick black curtain started to close.

Kurt's phone vibrated against his thigh in his pocket and he fished it out half heartedly whilst looking around the table for a fresh drink, expecting to see a string of generic New Year text messages.

Blaine;

00.05

Come find me!! Xxx

Kurt's head whipped up, eyes darting around the table and sure enough Blaine wasn't there, he wasn't noticeable in the room anywhere at all, when did that happen. Kurt stood with zero hesitation, eager and curious, still feeling fuzzy from the bubbles and with slightly trembling legs, he straightened his shirt, pulled his cravat back into place and patted down his pants to perfect smooth tightness before taking a step back out from the table.

“You need this maybe?” Kurt flinched at Elliott's words low in his ear right behind him, he turned to find him almost pressed up against with hardly any space between them and his hand tucked away in his inner-jacket pocket, Kurt's eyes widened as they dropped and memory and realisation weighed deep in his gut, butterflies dancing wildly.

Kurt swallowed hard and paused for a fraction of a second, did he need it? Did he want it? Of course he did!

Elliott smirked, not allowing time for much else and moved his hand from behind the black fabric and nudged his closed fist into one of Kurt's loose hands. Kurt's fingers immediately opened and closed around the small dark box instinctively, automatically, before tucking it away just behind the waistline of his trousers where his belt and the baggy tucked-in edge of his shirt would hide any obvious bulge.

With a firm grip to his arm and strong tilt of his head, he mouthed ‘go get em' before moving off to join a conversation before anything became too obvious between them.

This was it, it had to be, the chances, the moments, the open doors, everything he'd been waiting for, everything he thought he would never experience, the one thing he thought he would never find when he entered The Stage one year and now one day ago, was now waiting for him, and he knew exactly where to go.

*

After Kurt reached the top of the steps after Ivan opened and locked the ‘No access' door for him with a highly obnoxious and knowing yet trying to stay subtle smirk, Kurt could still hear the chatter and clinking and laughter from below, muffled and quietened by the heavy black-out curtain separating the stage from the bar, separating them from him, from the rush and pent up emotional excitement to the frighteningly wonderful sudden reality of the moment.   

The main stage was dark and dimly lit by candles, candles, there were small tea light candles scattered around the dark flooring surrounding the piano, Blaine's piano, it had been situated back in its usual place, centre stage, after the New Year set had been cleared out.

Blaine looked gorgeous, unfairly beautiful, draped over the surface instead of at his usual sitting position, surrounded by the small dim burning flames, curls almost broken free from all previous styling and his jacket removed with his shirt collar unbuttoned and bowtie hanging open from the sides but sleeves still buttoned at his wrists with platinum cufflinks in the shape of Treble Clefs that Kurt had bought him for Christmas. His eyes were an impossible colour swirling with heat, his features soft and heart melting, his smile was hidden in his deep gaze as he watched Kurt approach him carefully, his heart beating, pounding in his chest like a rabbits in a hunt.

Blaine was leaning against the Piano, and the shiny black lid had been propped up and open not too high and facing away from where Kurt could see, it was obviously different, interesting, highly intriguing, maybe the stage crew did it without thinking.

And suddenly Kurt felt himself wholly relax, like he'd just came back into his own body, he felt like he could take on anything, all he ever needed was those eyes, that look that met his own with such irreplaceable reverence and worship that it hurt.

Kurt carefully stepped over the outlined shaped of candles until he was on the other side of the piano, standing straight, he drummed his fingers along the edge, whilst his other hand flexed at his side, ready yet unsure.

Blaine just continued looking at him, looking like had hadn't seen him for years, like he was literally drinking in the very sight of him on this night, in this moment, savouring the images in his head, calculating, weighing something up, his smile grew large and toothy, dimples and crinkles appearing with each passing second that felt like and hour and Kurt couldn't stop himself from copying.

With a slight tilt of his head as if coming to the conclusion that was running through his mind, Blaine lifted up and off the piano using his hands and hip as a small surprising chuckle, breathy and delighted escaped his lips, Kurt giggled with him though he felt like the breath had been taken from him, with clear cerulean eyes and bottom lip hanging open slightly. They knew, they both knew what was happening, and like kids they just couldn't stop smiling and giggling to get their heads straight and get the job done, it was silly and cheesy, it was perfect, it was them. Unbeknown to each of them, they were making this effortless for the other, easy and perfectly understandable.

Kurt's fingers brushed at his thigh, moved behind him and repeated at the space just above the swell of his backside, and Blaine caught the movement, he bit his lip and took a step closer to Kurt rounding the soft edge and his own fingers never leaving the open lip of the Piano.

“Hi-” Kurt took a step to the side also, meeting him half way, their shoes almost touching, eyes never leaving the others, hands and fingers aching to reach out and grab and touch and take but stayed where they were, more eager for something else first.

“Hi-”

“I um, you-”

“Yeah-” Kurt wanted to laugh, he had no clue and also every clue of what was going on, of what was trying to be said, he couldn't help it, a breathy giggle mixed with an almost choked off sob escaped him and Blaine followed, “Kurt-” Blaine's voice was so quiet, rasp and slightly broken, like he was pulling each word from his very heart, prying them out syllable by syllable, yet his smile still magnificent and still intact, this was a moment Kurt would never ever forget.

“Kurt I-”

“L-let me, first, please,” and suddenly, Kurt's fingers were tucking themselves behind the waistline of his trousers below his spine, like they had a mind of their own, too impatient to wait any longer, unsure why they were even waiting in the first place, they unfurled the wooden mahogany box and brought it forward, gripping tightly, holding it safely, not quite presenting.

Blaine made a small choked off sound, visibly swallowing down the lump in his throat and swiped at his wet eyes, not even bothering now to try and hide, Kurt blew out a breath, knuckles fading white around the box, “Blaine, I, you have-”

“Kurt, d-do we have to do this, really?” and Kurt felt like he could be sick, then and there, head light, like all remaining air had been blasted from his lungs, his mouth opened and closed and opened again silently, so completely unsure, he had be so sure just seconds before, there are candles.

“Wh-what uh, what do- I don't underst-” Blaine surged forward, hands clinging at Kurt's waist, almost knocking him off his feet and the box out of his hands, he looked determined, whole heartedly, Kurt had never seen him look so sure and confident, his eyes, absolutely alight and sparkling burned deep into Kurt, down to his core.

“Kurt, you-you don't have to tell me anything I don't already know, there is nothing left you can say, nothing that you have to ask me or ask of me, y-you have everything, everything, every fucking little piece of my heart and soul, everything that makes me, me, it's you, it's yours, it always has been, I don't need a declaration from you Kurt, not anymore I just need you, my answer will always be the same, it will never not be the same-”

He stepped back only letting go of Kurt with one hand, and Kurt was glad of it, knowing he would fall over if Blaine's steady presence wasn't there, the small box clutched tightly and preciously in his hands was the only thing balancing out his weight. Blaine reached a hand back into the open belly of the piano and Kurt sobbed out another giggle, his vision clouding with tears as he watched Blaine pull out a small black leather box from somewhere in the depths of the piano.

Blaine smiled, cheeks flushed and damp as he opened up the box with a flick of his thumb and looked down at the ring inside, a simply beautiful, platinum band with a glittering crusted diamond cluster engraved in the centre, it was understated like Kurt, and he knew Blaine had thought the same, his eyes swept over his own hand before looking back up at Kurt, they were a mere few inches away now and Blaine's breath warm and achingly familiar ghosted across his lips, his voice so gentle and hushed almost breathless.

“What's your answer?”

Kurt threw, he threw himself into Blaine, arms flung around his neck, the box still just clinging within his grasp as Blaine stumbled backwards until his back hit the piano with the sheer force and intensity, he made a soft ‘umph' sound with an abrupt giggle into Kurt's mouth as Kurt kissed him fiercely, he answered him using just his lips, and the teasing slight slide of his tongue with such utter conviction, Blaine had never had a question that he hadn't actually asked, answered so quickly, so easily in his whole life.

Blaine pried himself away just enough to untangle Kurt's arms from his shoulders and take the ring carefully from the box and slide it effortlessly on to the welcoming finger on Kurt's left hand, he placed the box down on the piano and lifted Kurt's hand to kiss the spot just above where cool metal met warm skin. Kurt squeaked, and squealed and not even embarrassed or ashamed as Blaine watched him, elated, he gaped and gawked down at his own hand, he never realised how bare he looked before, how much his hand needed something, how much he needed something, something that only Blaine could give him, the ring had been there not even a minute and he already could not imagine it not being there ever again.

Blaine looked proud as punch, like the cat had most definitely got the cream, all of his Christmas's had come at once and Kurt couldn't help but laugh breathlessly at his expression, he leaned in and placed kisses to his lips, soft and fleeting, nibbling at his fizzy jaw, grazing the edge of his strong cheek bones, nosing and nuzzling at his temple, his curls tickling his skin.

“What was that you were saying about declarations Mr Anderson?” Blaine grinned and hummed into Kurt's skin, breathing him in as he ducked lower and traced his lips against the edge of Kurt's neck piece, his teeth grazing. It was like they were high on life, euphoric, and completely oblivious to the goings out beyond the curtain, Kurt's hands dropped and the box nudged lightly against Blaine's shoulder, he pulled back and looked at Kurt questionably grinning devilishly. Kurt took the hint and flipped the box open and un-tucked the ring out from the silky folds, Blaine caught a glimpse as Kurt placed the box down beside Blaine's black one and brought Blaine's left hand up and outwards.

It was exquisite, truly unique and Blaine wouldn't have cared what it looked like, he wouldn't have cared if he never seen it before Kurt hooked it and smoothed it over the tip of his finger, all that mattered was that Kurt had put it there, to stay. But the ring was like none he'd seen before, a dark platinum, almost charcoal and faint line along the centre of shimmering silver, nothing flashy or extravagant, a true diamond in the rough, a hidden treasure and Blaine knew that Kurt had went looking for this especially, that he had spent time looking for this, that this ring was especially for him, it was him.

Blaine kissed Kurt the moment the ring was placed and left there, he kissed him soft and slow, and a millions words were passed between them in the silence save for the sounds of soft slides and brushes of lips and flesh, he closed his eyes, lost in everything, lost in Kurt, until he felt Kurt's breath come and go in short huffs, readying himself to say something.

“Blaine, you-you're sure right, we're not rushing, we're not being too-”

“Kurt,” Blaine gestured with his head back to the piano and the two boxes sitting side by side along the ledge, “that box has been in there since the anniversary event, the thought has been there, here in my head, since I asked you to move in with me, the love that I have for you has always, always been there for as long as I can remember, as stupid and reckless as that sounds, we don't need to think or to be told anything other than what we feel is right for us, it doesn't matter now, I'm not waiting anymore, I don't need to-” Kurt kissed Blaine quiet, he didn't need to hear anything else, Blaine was right there was no explanation needed, it just was.  

A moment of silence was shared, a moment of shallow breaths and hearts beating rhythmically in time, glazed red rimmed eyes exploring and searching, hands clutching and clinging tightly, so tightly, they were aware that there was a lot more they wanted, needed to do with each other, and they were also very much aware of everyone waiting for them on the other side of the curtain, everybody who wasn't supposed to know what was going on up here between them but blatantly did anyway and were no doubt waiting to grab them both and start the second set of celebrations for the night.

Kurt's fingers traced the edges of Blaine's ring around his warm skin and his chest swelled with pride and indescribable happiness, his hand moved higher and touched the edges of Blaine's sleeve, which seemed to startle Blaine into action.

Blaine grinned and carefully but excitedly started to undo his cufflink, he tucked it into Kurt's pants pocket allowing his fingers to linger lightly over his hip bone with a wolfish grin and darkening gaze before he continued and folded his sleeve up and over until his Tattoo, big and bright beautiful was revealed, he folded his shirt sleeve right up to the crease of his elbow then held his arm out stretched for Kurt to look at.

Kurt's stomach tightened excitedly, he always loved looking at Blaine's tattoo, this one in particular, he was always enthralled by the colours and the swirls, the intricate patterns and the letters foreign to the eye but the meaning forever engraved in his mind and his heart, the flex and swell of Blaine's muscles underneath the ink. He knew what this was, what Blaine was showing him now though, he bit his lip as he looked carefully over the recently edited piece, Blaine had obviously cleaned his arm and rubbed over some ointment which made it glisten, looking even more appealing that normal, his eyes swayed back and forth, once, twice, he almost looked up at Blaine's waiting grinning face, curiously, questionably about to give up when he caught it.

There in the very corner, just where the patterns and colours began to fade and end, just before the stretch of Blaine's thick wrist, was a very small newly blackened patch. It was a subtle light shade pinker than the rest of the piece and the surface was raised very slightly, as new tattoos tend to do whilst they heal. To anybody else the new addition could be unknown, it blended in with the rest of the pattern so naturally, so beautifully and Kurt could hardly believe what he was seeing, something so small, so simple, so strange and yet so creative and he knew, he knew exactly what it meant, everything that had happened to Blaine in this past year, his achievements, his everything that mattered, was all summed up in bold ink, beautiful and proud on his arm for all to see.

The symbol was small, a fine gracious curve lined in Black and highlighted like the rest in dark blues and greens, a little similar to the colours of a Peacock's feathers.  Kurt cleared his throat, his smile splitting his lips, “It's um, it's a tick, you got a cute little tick added to it,” Blaine caught Kurt's chin with his fingers and tilted, meeting his lips with his own and trailing up the beautiful swerve of Kurt's nose and ending on his forehead, that place that feels true and normal and so fucking sweet and natural which still sends Kurt's heart soaring, Blaine's words whispered against his brow and it felt like home.

“The time is right, now Kurt…The time is finally right.”

…Fin…