“Hey, it’s okay. The dogs have already started eating. It still tastes great.”

They feel like empty words. It doesn’t take away the fact that all the hard work on decoration was just disregarded like that, but Kurt can try.

Blaine shakes his head.

“He’s still ruining your big day!” Blaine says and there’s a protective glint in his eyes, “You worked so hard on this and of course he can’t handle that. I should’ve…”

“Cooper acted alone, Blaine, there is nothing you could’ve done,” Kurt quickly says. He appreciates how Blaine wants to protect Kurt, but Kurt’s an influencer. He’s gotten used to bullshit, especially since he’s a dog party planner. “I am more upset that he ruined it for you. Your work is ravaged, not mine.”

Really, the dogs are going nuts over the cake. It leads to many Instagram possibilities.  

“Cooper- he has been bitter ever since he moved here. He had big dreams and everything, but he acts so pathetic. As if I didn’t experience the same disappointment!” Blaine groans out, “I wanted to be big in music, instead I started a dog bakery. Unlike Cooper, I am still happy with the alternative.”

Kurt nods. He completely understands that. Kurt hasn’t achieved his dreams of being on stage, but he’s very happy and successful in his new career. Really, there’s no bitterness towards his friends who did succeed, since Kurt loves his job. He loves happy dogs!

“And I think Cooper is sort of jealous of me for that. I can let go. He can’t. And then he finds out that I was about to buy his share. And then he obviously found out that I am here, attending a star-studded event.”

Kurt puts his hand on Blaine’s leg.

“Well, I am very happy you’re here,” he says with a smile.

Blaine once again turns red.

“And I’m very happy you asked me to be here, even though my attendance led to…” Blaine gestures towards the buffet plinth.

“Blaine,” Kurt moves his hand from Blaine’s leg to his shoulder, turning him to the side so that he faces Kurt. Kurt moves closer. “Blaine, Cooper acted alone. Don’t blame yourself for that!”

“I- uh, yeah,” Blaine eyes flick towards Kurt’s bedazzled mask. Then he schools his impression. “Sorry. After years of your brother taking his issues out on you, you start to internalise it a bit.”

“What an asshole.” Kurt didn’t think it was possible to hate Cooper even more, but it is.

Blaine is still staring at Kurt’s mask.

“But, uhm, maybe if there’s one positive result from this, it’s that we’re now alone. I ran, you followed, and here we are.”

It’s true. There’s no one around here. Everyone’s still at the actual event. The dogs’ barks can be heard. All the celebrities are focused on their pets.

Blaine reaches for Kurt’s mask, ready to take it off, and Kurt lets him. Then Blaine practically rips off his own mask and he leans closer. Kurt closes his eyes and Blaine kissy kissies smooch smooches Kurt.

Finally! In the background, the firework display has started and Kurt and Blaine are surrounded by the glittery lights in the sky. It’s perfect.