He sent Kurt a text an hour before he was going to pick him up:

Get excited, and dress nice! ;]

To which Kurt replied:

Excuse me? I always dress nice.

An hour later Blaine was en route to pick up Kurt. He was wearing a black button up shirt with his favorite red bow-tie and matching suspenders. His hair wasn’t in it’s typical gel-helmet, instead he got a bit fancy and slicked down the sides while letting the front curl onto his forehead.

He arrived at Kurt’s house at 7 and got out of the car to knock on the door. He planned to play the entire date like a gentleman: door opening, ordering for Kurt, the whole deal. It was something Sebastian never let him do. Sebastian liked to be in charge which stunted the inner romantic that flourished inside of Blaine. But he felt a little romance might go a long way with Kurt, especially knowing his relationship history.

When Kurt came to the door Blaine’s mouth opened slightly, in awe. He had on an elegant slick black suit, complete with a coattail, tie, and finished off with a top hat. Blaine had never seen him in an outfit so simple, but at the same time he looked so impossibly handsome. The simplicity went a long way.

“Wow. I told you to dress nice, not upstage me!” Blaine said, still looking Kurt over in astonishment.

“What? This?” Kurt laughed, giving a little twirl as the coattail fluttered behind him. “It’s nothing.”

“Nothing? I feel like you should have a cane and a monocle, and I should be driving you around in a limo calling you ‘Sir’.”

“Oh hush, you look great.” Kurt leaned in to kiss Blaine but Blaine ducked out of the way.

“Ah- ah, not before the first date!”

“First date? But I’ve kissed you be-”

“Shhh, I’m being a gentlemen, go with it,” Kurt laughed at Blaine’s forced attempt at gentlemanliness, and allowed him to lead him to the car where he opened the door for him.

“This all really isn’t necessary, Blaine. I am a boy of simple taste. Though, I do admit I could get used to the bowie,” Kurt pinched the side of Blaine’s bow-tie and wiggled it. “Very cute.”

“And the top hat, Kurt. I could get used to the top hat,” Blaine said.

“Oh really?” Kurt took his hat off and teasingly placed it on Blaine’s head. Blaine shook his head a little, letting the hat fall off.

“Do not disturb the driver!”

“Whatever!” Kurt put his hat back on. “So... where are we going.”

Blaine quickly glanced over to Kurt and raised his eyebrows, sending the clear message that he wasn’t going to tell.

“Okay, okay. Can I guess?”

“I thought you liked surprises, Kurt.”

“You’re right. I’m actually very impressed with you.”

Blaine drove up to the first stop in his itinerary for the night.

“I love Breadstix...” Kurt said.

“Nice try,” Blaine said, grinning, “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

As much as everyone in Lima loved the restaurant Breadstix, he knew it would take a little more creativity than that to entertain Kurt. Blaine walked in to find his friend Wes greeting the incoming customers. He waited by a plant by the door until Wes spotted him and waved him over.

“Hey buddy!” Wes said.

“Hey, do you have it?”

“Could you make this sound a little less like a drug deal, I’m a work,” Wes winked at Blaine. “Yeah, I got it all worked out. Here’s the address. If you have any problems call me, but I don’t think you will.” He handed Blaine a white envelope.

“Wes. Seriously, I owe you.”

“Don’t worry about it, have fun. And uhm,” Wes hesitated a moment, “I’m sorry about everything. With Sebastian. I mean... I know he’s kind of hard to deal with. David and I have been trying to talk to him about leaving you alone.”

“Is he okay, you know, with his dad?” Blaine couldn't shake the feeling that his father’s anger hadn’t subsided quickly when they got home that dat after leaving Blaine’s house.

“Yeah. He’s okay. He’s Sebastian, you know he’ll never admit that his Dad got to him.”

“Yeah.” Blaine knew how Sebastian was, always having to act tough. “Did he... has he said anything about me to you guys?” Blaine knew Wes and David were still his friends but he could imagine the terrible things that Sebastian would be saying to them behind his back.

“We try to keep you off topic. But hey, don’t worry about it, okay? Go have fun on your date and tell me all about it later. I gotta get back to work.” It was a Friday night and customers began pouring into Breadstix. Blaine waved and Wes, thanked him again, and returned to his car with Kurt waiting impatiently.

“Some gentleman you are, leaving your date in the car,” Kurt said once they were on the road again.

“I’ll make up for it I promise.”

It was getting darker and Blaine still had to drive about 20 miles to their destination so he figured it was about time to bring out surprise number one.

“I made you something,” Blaine said suddenly during a brief moment of silence.

“You made me something?”

“Yep. And I am prepared to give it to you now, if you’d like it.”

Kurt sat up straight. “I’d never say no to a free gift!”

Blaine leaned over and opened the glove compartment in front of Kurt. He pulled out a thin case and handed it to Kurt.

“A CD?” Kurt said curiously.

“I made you a mix of all my favorite songs, at least the ones that I think you’d like.”

“How many Backstreet Boys songs?” Kurt asked sarcastically. He’d figured out about Blaine’s obsession with them during one of their Skype dates when Blaine forgot to turn the volume on his iTunes down. Kurt wouldn’t stop teasing him about it.

“None, thank you very much!” Blaine nudged Kurt with his elbow playfully. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with my selection.”

“You know how much I love surprises. Does the CD player work?”

“Yep, go ahead.” Kurt slid the CD into the slot and pressed play on Track 1.

The music started and Blaine watched Kurt’s face light up.

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, And everything you do.

“Oh. Blaine. You have no idea how much I love this song!” Kurt squealed in excitement.

Blaine did have an idea, though. He’d caught Kurt humming it a few times before which is why he put that song first. He knew it would get Kurt’s attention.

“Your skin, oh yeah your skin and bones, turn into something beautiful,” Kurt sang softly.

Blaine chimed in, “You know, you know I love you so.”

“You know I love you so,” Kurt echoed along with the song.

There was a moment after those words were sung the entire car seemed to go silent in Blaine’s mind. Kurt was still singing, the music was still playing, but the only thing Blaine heard was the ringing in his ears as his mind reeled.

You know I love you so.

Could he be falling in love with Kurt? He could no longer use the excuse that they barely knew each other, because in the past week he felt like he’d gotten so much closer to Kurt. But at the same time he had felt love, he knew what it was like, and he’d already let it slip away once. Was what he was feeling for Kurt love, or just some form of replacement for the void that Sebastian had left?

He didn’t know. But he was happy, and that was enough for now.

Kurt was able to enjoy a few more of the songs on his new CD before Blaine finally stopped the car.

“We have arrived!” Blaine exclaimed. He scurried over to the passenger’s side and opened the door for Kurt. He then offered him his arm, and escorted him to the door.

“What is this place?” It was dark out by that time and Kurt had apparently missed the sign outside.

“Have you heard of ‘Sopranos’?” Blaine asked.

“Oh my gosh. Blaine...no.”

Blaine smiled.

“Is that the restaurant with the live Jazz band? I’ve never heard of anyone who’s actually been able to get an appointment,” Kurt asked, in shock.

“I have my ways,” Blaine’s lip curled in a self satisfied way as Kurt stopped at the door.

“No way, Blaine. I’ve heard how expensive this place is,”

“Don’t worry about it-”

“But Blaine, that’s-”

“Kurt. Trust me.” Blaine hooked his arm around Kurt and dragged his reluctant date through the front doors.

Soprano’s was a perfect mix of everything- it was elegant, had live music, and had a dim and intimate interior. Everything was black with gold accents which accentuated the golden saxophones that glimmered on the small built in stage at the center of the restaurant. It was set up arena-style with a circular spinning stage and tables positioned around it. Blaine was sure he was the first of his friends to ever see the inside of this place- except one.

“Go tell that man your name,” Blaine nodded towards a man in all black with gold suspenders standing behind a small podium.

“Him?” Kurt hesitated.

“Yes, go!” Blaine nudged him forward and watched Kurt walk over to the man. After a few exchanged words he over heard the man.

“Of course, Mister Hummel. Follow me!”

Kurt looked over his shoulder at Blaine for assurance as he followed the man. Blaine followed closely behind as they were led to a booth, as requested, and were seated.

“My name is Ralph, your server will be here soon. If you need anything, let me know,” Ralph smiled and made eye contact with Blaine before walking away.

“I saw that look,” Kurt said suspiciously once Ralph was out of ear shot.

“What look?”

“How do you know him? You have to know him! There is no way you could have gotten us a reservation at such short notice.”

“Let it go, Kurt.”

“I’m onto you,” Kurt squinted at Blaine and took a sip of his water.

“If I tell you, will you relax and enjoy the date.”

“Maybe.”

Blaine sighed, “My friend Wes owes me a favor, Ralph is his cousin.”

“But how-”

“Nope, that’s all you’re getting. You already know too much!”

At that moment a young woman in a black dress with gold embroidery approached their booth. She was tall, incredibly skinny, and had long straight blonde hair pulled into a neat bun on the back of her head. She was still looking down at a clipboard as she started talking.

“Hello, boys, my name is Sarah and I will be your server for this evening,” She finally looked up from her clipboard and made eye contact with Blaine. Her face immediately shifted. “...Blaine?!”

“Oh, wow, Hi Sarah,” Blaine was two steps ahead of her, having recognized her the second she walked over, but he acted surprised.

“This is crazy! I haven’t seen you since the camping trip. How are you?”

“I’m...good,” Blaine said glancing over at his puzzled date. “Kurt, this is Sarah.”

“Yes, I heard,” Kurt said extending his hand to her. “And Sarah is...”

“Sebastian’s cousin,” Blaine finished quickly.

“Oh you know Seb?” Sarah said as she shook Kurt’s hand.

“We’ve met once or twice,” Kurt replied, realizing the delicacy of the situation. Sarah seemed to be clueless.

“Oh. Well it’s so great to see you, Blaine! Um, what can I get you two?”r32;
Blaine had worked out a deal with Wes where Ralph could get them both Chicken Parmesan for free. He tried to keep his gentleman-facade in place as he ordered for Kurt, hoping the dish was something he’d like.

“We’ll both have the Chicken Parmesan,” He closed the menus and handed them to Sarah before Kurt could look at them. “Is that fine, Kurt?”

Kurt was smiling at him, he’d already figured it out. “That’s wonderful.”

“Okay! I’ll be back with those soon, boys!” The boys watched Sarah walk away and then turned back to each other.

Kurt immediately started laughing. “That could not have been part of your plan.”

“That was... definitely a surprise.”

“Wonder what she thinks Sebastian’s ‘boyfriend’ is doing at dinner with another boy?” Kurt seemed amused. Blaine, on the other hand, was beginning to feel like Sebastian was going to pop up everywhere he went.

“Oh well, tonight is about us,” Blaine reached across the table and took Kurt’s hands in his own.

The rest of the dinner went without a hitch. After they received their food the band began playing their 8:30 show and they enjoyed their dinner to the smooth sounds of ‘Funky Frank and the Sax Men’. Kurt told Blaine about his friends at McKinley.

“Yeah, she’s a diva but I love her,” Kurt said, finishing up a story about his friend Mercedes. “Oh, have I told you about Finn?”

“I don’t think so, no. Who’s Finn?”

“His mom Carole is dating my Dad. I set them up a while back. Finn’s the quarterback but he’s also kind of the leader of the Glee club.”

“Sounds like a real identity crisis,” Blaine joked.

“Yeah, but he’s got Rachel to keep him grounded... I guess... if you could call Rachel grounded.”

“Oh he’s dating Rachel? I like her a lot.”

“Yeah, she’s something.” Kurt said as Sarah came over tot he table with a check.

“Here you go boys, have a nice night.” But something in her voice had changed, it was no longer the bubbly voice of their server. It had the biting coldness that Blaine could only compare to the voice Sebastian would get when he was mad at Blaine.

“T-thank you,” Blaine said, nervously opening the bill. Luckily it had ‘$0.00’ written at the bottom with a smiley face.

“That was Ralph’s doing. He told me to bring it over to the ‘boys on the date’.” She shot a harsh glare at Kurt.

“Um... yeah. Have you talked to Sebastian lately?”

“Apparently not. Enjoy your date,” She spun on her heel and strutted away.

Kurt shrugged and said, “You okay?”

“Yeah, it’s not my fault she didn’t know,” He said quietly. He looked at Kurt who seemed concerned for him, and realizing that he didn’t want to put any more of a damper on the date he changed the subject. “So I’ve got this adorable boy in a top hat, What should I do with him?”

“That’s awfully suggestive,” Kurt quipped, raising an eyebrows.

“That’s it. No dessert for you.”

“What about the handsome Top Hatted boy? Does he get dessert?”

“Hmmm, maybe.”

Kurt grabbed Blaine’s hand and looked him in the eyes. “Thanks for dinner. Seriously.”

Blaine could see the honesty in Kurt’s eyes beyond the simple ‘thank you’. Kurt didn’t show his emotions as often as Blaine did, but Blaine was beginning to detect that there was more hurt behind those eyes than he knew about. He knew Kurt had probably never been taken on a proper date, and he’d probably never had anyone treat him like he mattered so much. Blaine didn’t mind taking on that responsibility, in fact it was a privilege. He wanted to be everything for Kurt that Sebastian never was for him.

“Well the date’s not over. Ready for part two?” Blaine stood up and offered his hand to Kurt.

“Can’t wait,” Kurt took Blaine’s hand. Blaine had a feeling Kurt was really going to love where he took him next.

On the way out Ralph winked at Blaine and handed him something. Blaine looked in his palm and quickly closed his hand. A condom. Luckily Kurt didn’t see when they got outside and Blaine chucked the condom as far away from them as possible.

Not on the first date, Ralph. I’m a gentleman. Blaine thought to himself, laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing nothing. Oh wait, I forgot something,” Blaine stopped walking.

“What is it?” Kurt said from beside him.

Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt’s waist and kissed him. Kurt quickly loosened up to the kiss and draped his arms around Blaine’s neck. Blaine sucked Kurt’s bottom lip into his mouth and bit it slightly, sending a shiver down Kurt’s spine. They pulled away, both gasping for air slightly and Kurt looked at Blaine in shock.

“I thought you said no kissing on the first date?”

“Well. Exceptions can be made for the Top Hatted boy. I couldn’t resist him.”

“Well you better get him his dessert soon, before he just decides to use your lips as candy.”

“Ooh. You just come up with that one?”

“It’s a work in progress, shut up!” Kurt laughed as Blaine opened the door for him.

“Come on, Top Hat, more surprises await you,” Blaine shut the door behind him.