One year later

**

“Down boy, down!” Kurt says to his golden retriever. Bradshaw saw a pigeon and went nuts, dragging Kurt through the entire street.

Kurt cannot fully judge his dog, though. He’ll probably feel the same enthusiasm once he sees Blaine again. Kurt and Bradshaw make his way to Dalton Doggy dog bakery. Kurt usually visits his boyfriend in the morning, before other appointments, but he had to vote beforehand.

Lady Gaga’s event was so influential, it even led to a new law proposal about pet well-being and better adoption systems. Of course Kurt had to vote yes. He organised the aforementioned event!

As usual, Tim greets him with an uninterested look, but Kurt knows better by now. Tim thinks Kurt’s great. Kurt had a hard time believing it until Kamelah confirmed it at a staff outing.

Kurt unleashes Bradshaw, who is always on his best behaviour in the bakery. Of course Kurt and Blaine adopt the one dog who doesn’t care for treats. Instead, Josefien brings a plate of dog-friendly vegetables. If Kurt didn’t know better, he’d think Bradshaw could’ve been one of the #fitgirls he works with.

Vegan dog parties are the newest trend. Despite that questionable trend, business at the Dalton Doggy dog bakery keeps increasing. Blaine’s staff got bigger and better. Especially better, now that Cooper is gone.

Cooper’s poorly planned “revenge” went viral on the internet. He’s finally famous for something, but instead of perks, it only brought him disadvantages. He could definitely kiss all his big dreams goodbye and he’s moved back to Lima, much to Blaine’s relief.

To make matters funnier, he got replaced by a baker named Tom. Tim finds it hilarious.

Right now, Sinéad opens the door to the kitchen when she sees Kurt.

Blaine’s mixing dog cake batter by hand, even though there are some lavish mixers in the back. He looks determined and his tongue sticks out. Some flour is in Blaine’s hair.

“Well aren’t you gorgeous?” Kurt says. He means it.

Blaine looks up from his mixture and really, Kurt and Blaine are giving Bradshaw a run for his money when it comes to the excited puppy look. Blaine drops his mixing bowl, spilling batter everywhere, and he runs to Kurt to kiss him. It’s possible now that the mask mandate is gone. Hopefully 2023 will be the year COVID is gone for good. It certainly makes kissing your boyfriend easier!

“Missed you,” Blaine whispers against Kurt’s lips.

“You just saw me this morning,” Kurt laughs. After all, they live together.

“I can still miss you,” Blaine presses another kiss on Kurt’s lips, “How was the voting?”

“Great, great. It feels amazing to think I’ve sort of contributed to this.”

“I’ll vote after work,” Blaine says, “I first have to figure out this new cake mix. I can’t believe Justin Bieber wants something new for his party- or actually, I can.”

Kurt reaches for an apron. “I can help. I meet with Bieber’s team at three, so I have some time.”

“I’d like that.”

Together, they start to mix ingredients. Faarax comes in and he puts on some music. At one point, Kurt and Blaine start singing and other staff members join in, even the ones who are tone-deaf. Still, it’s perfect.

Kurt is forever grateful that the other dog bakery had to cancel a year ago. It led him to the Dalton Doggy dog bakery, which is the best dog bakery ever, especially with Cooper gone. Blaine’s become his main baking partner for Kurt’s events and together with their respective teams they take the dog party world by storm.