“Wake up, sleepy head. We have a big day ahead of us.” When Blaine turned his head away from the pillow, Kurt leaned down to kiss his lips.

“Mmm’ood morning. Nice way to wake up.” Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt and pulled him close. Kurt could feel the heat radiating off of his warm body and he knew the strength of Blaine’s grip was probably wrinkling his clothes, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. He melted into Blaine’s embrace and allowed himself to be held by his boyfriend for a few minutes before forcing himself away.

“Blaine, we have to get up now.”

“Jus’ one more minute. You smell good.” Blaine buried his face in Kurt’s neck and placed light kisses along his collar bone.

“That’s because I’m a couple steps ahead of you. I’ve already showered and gotten dressed.”

Blaine pulled away and looked Kurt up and down. “How?”

“It’s not that hard. You just have to get undressed, turn on the water, and step inside. Come on, I’ll show you.” Kurt sat up and tugged on Blaine’s free arm.

“You know what I mean,” Blaine laughed. “When did you get up?”

“A couple hours ago,” Kurt brushed it off like it was nothing, but glanced over to the nightstand when Blaine took a look at the clock. 8:57.

“You woke up at 7:00?”

“It takes a lot of effort to make myself look this good. I let you sleep in a little bit, though. I thought I could make you breakfast while you get ready. My dad and Carole are already gone.”

“You don’t have to do that. I can just have cereal or something.”

Kurt shook his head. “No, Carole only keeps healthy, whole-grain cereal in the house because of my dad’s heart and I know for a fact you wouldn’t even eat it if I doused it in sugar and milk. I’m making you breakfast, so get up and shower.”

Blaine stood up next to Kurt. “You said you were going to show me how to shower?” he teased, earning a playful smack on the arm from Kurt.

“I think you can figure that out on your own. I’ll just be right downstairs if you need anything.” Kurt kissed his cheek before twirling around and leaving the room.

Blaine went through his morning routine as Kurt busied himself in the kitchen making French toast and sausage. By the time Blaine joined Kurt in the kitchen and began eating the delicious breakfast, it was nearing 10:30. After finishing up, the two began to make their way to the school—on foot at Kurt’s request, and also because they didn’t have a car to drive.

As they walked through Lima, Kurt pointed out a few restaurants that were his favorite as well as a bookstore he had insisted was the most unique one in the state. Blaine made mental notes of Kurt’s favorite places in hopes he’d be able to go along with him some day in the future. At one point, Kurt pointed out the theatre to their right. “That’s where I performed in my very first play.”

After about half an hour of walking, they’d finally made it to McKinley High School, a place Kurt was sure he’d never step foot inside of again. However, like he always did, Blaine had been able to change his mind without even asking. Kurt took him on the grand tour—showing him the cafeteria, the rooms he’d had classes in, and the locker that used to be his. The quiet halls and empty classrooms were all new to him. He’d seen them hundreds of times over the course of his high school career, but they were never the same as they were at that moment. In fact, for once, he felt safe walking down the hall with Blaine’s hand in his. He wasn’t afraid of being shoved against the locker or of one of the football players screaming names at him as they walked past. It was a nice feeling, and Kurt was glad he’d decided to visit one last time. It gave him some sort of closure he’d never had.

The last thing left to show Blaine was the place where he’d spent the majority of his good times in high school. “This is the auditorium, where all of the magic that is Kurt Hummel began.” They stepped through the doors and slipped past the curtains.

Blaine looked around the stage. It looked like any ordinary high school auditorium, apart from the beautiful boy in the spotlight. “So this is where you sang every solo in the glee club?”

“Not quite. Rachel was always the one to get the solos. I was just a backup singer like all of the rest. My talents weren’t appreciated as much as they should’ve been.”

“Are you ever going to show me your talents?” Blaine inquired.

“You want me to sing?” Kurt asked for clarification.

“Would you?”

“There’s no music.”

“You don’t need music. Music would just distract me from your voice anyway.”

Kurt shifted nervously. He was hesitant to sing for Blaine. Standing on the stage for the first time in nearly eight years was hard enough, and he was afraid that singing would be too much. However, Blaine still had that magical aura around him. The one that made Kurt relax the instant he stepped into it. He knew he would eventually have to face his fears and conquer all of his past demons, and if he couldn’t do that in Blaine’s presence, he doubted he would be able to do it at all.

“What would you like me to sing?” he finally asked.

“Anything you’d like. I’m not picky.” Blaine hopped off the stage and took his place in the audience. Kurt watched Blaine from the stage and his thoughts drifted to what his future could be like. He thought about what it would feel like to be singing on a big, Broadway stage and look out every night to find Blaine in the very first row grinning back at him. He knew Blaine would support him from his very first show until his very last. He was surprised that he could actually see that future again; the same future he had given up on as a senior so many years ago.

“Do you like musicals?” Blaine heard Kurt ask from the stage.

“Of course. Are there people who don’t?”

Kurt laughed. “Unfortunately.” He moved to the center of the stage and took a deep breath before belting out the first couple of lines of the song he’d chosen to sing. Blaine immediately recognized the song. It was one he’d heard countless times on his iPod. He’d watched the movie every chance he got when it first came out. It was from one of the Broadway shows he wanted to see the most. Although the song was typically sung by a male with a much deeper voice, Kurt made it his own. His soothing voice filled the entire auditorium. Blaine closed his eyes for a minute and forgot he was even in a small high school in Ohio. The voice he was hearing up on the stage, the voice radiating off of the walls surrounding him, was one that belonged on a well-known stage in New York. Kurt’s voice was even greater than Blaine could’ve ever imagined and his talent deserved to be shared with more than just Blaine.

Softly, deftly, music shall surround you, feel it, hear it, closing in around you, open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind, in this darkness which you know you cannot fight, the darkness of the music of the night.

Blaine opened his eyes again to see Kurt still standing in the same spot. He had seemed to loosen up a bit and gestured for Blaine to join him on the stage.

Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world, leave all thoughts of the world you knew before, let your soul take you were you long to be.

Kurt continued singing as Blaine made his way up the steps on the side of the stage and joined him in the middle. “Sing with me?” he asked before continuing.

Floating, falling, sweet intoxication, touch me, trust me, savor each sensation.

Kurt reached out and grabbed both of Blaine’s hands, lacing their fingers together and leaning into his body. He felt even more at ease as Blaine sang along with him and he could feel the vibrations running through Blaine’s chest with each note he sang.
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in to the power of the music that I write, the power of the music of the night, you alone can make my song take flight, help me make the music of the night.

When Kurt finished the last line of the song, he met Blaine in a sweet kiss, a kiss Kurt had always dreamed about. A kiss on stage, one of the places that had always meant the most to him. With Blaine, he felt like all of his dreams were coming back to him at once.

“’Music of the Night.’ That’s one of my favorite songs,” Blaine said once they’d pulled apart. “How did you know?”

“I didn’t. It’s just one of my favorites as well. The lyrics are incredible and the music is powerful.” He leaned in again, this time for a much more intimate kiss. He felt Blaine’s hands move to cup each side of his face and Kurt snaked his hands around to Blaine’s back. His fingers made their way under the hem of his shirt and rubbed the small of Blaine’s back soothingly.

“Hey now, keep everything PG in the school, guys.”

Kurt pulled away from Blaine and turned around to see Mr. Schuester walking into the auditorium. “Mr. Schue!” Kurt exclaimed.

“Hey, Kurt. It’s good to see you again.” He gave him a quick hug before gesturing to Blaine. “Who’s this? Someone special I take it?”

Kurt returned to Blaine’s side and took his hand. “Yes. Someone very special.” He looked up towards Blaine who was focused on the stranger in front of him. “Mr. Schuester, this is Blaine, my boyfriend. Blaine, this is Mr. Schue. He is New Directions’ director as well as McKinley High’s Spanish teacher.”

“Hey, Blaine. You’re a lucky one for getting Kurt. He was one of my best students.” Kurt grinned at the compliment.

“I’m very lucky to have him. Being in Lima is making me realize it even more.”

“Blaine and I both live in New York now,” Kurt clarified.

“Oh, that’s right. Rachel said something about that last time I saw her. I take it you’re doing well?”

“Yes, very well. New York is wonderful.”

“That’s great. You guys deserve everything you want.” Mr. Schue looked down at his watch. “I’d love to stay and catch up some more, but I’ve actually gotta head to glee club rehearsal. It’s a last minute practice before sectionals next week. You two are welcome to join us if you’d like.”

“No thanks. I still have some things to show Blaine and we should probably grab something to eat pretty soon.” He nudged Blaine in the side, forcing Blaine to focus on him again.

“Well it’s been good to see you. You’ll have to come back more often.”

“I’ll try my best.”

“It was great to meet you, Blaine. You take care of Kurt.”

“I will, sir.”

“Bye guys.”

“Goodbye,” they said in unison as Mr. Schue exited the auditorium.

“Would you like to go get a bite to eat? I know you have to be hungry.” Kurt’s hand found its way back under Blaine’s shirt and rubbed his stomach, taking note of the firm muscles beneath his hand.

“Contrary to your belief, I’m not always eating. You just happen to catch me at bad times.”

“Whatever you say, Honey. Let’s go. It’s time you discovered the wonderful establishment that is the Lima Bean.”

* * *

“Do you always choose to walk around Ohio?” Blaine inquired. He and Kurt were slowly making their way to what Kurt insisted was the most popular hang out in all of Ohio, or at least Lima.

“I didn’t used to, but in New York you don’t really have any other option. I’ve sort of gotten used to it.” Kurt swung the hand that was holding Blaine’s back and forth and leaned into his side. “Plus, we don’t have anything important to be doing today and this allows us to have a little more time alone before we have to go home.”

Home. Kurt’s home. A home that Blaine was so easily welcomed into. It wasn’t the first time Kurt had referred to it as “home.” He never said “my home” or “my dad’s home.” There was no possession to it, only a sense of belonging. Blaine already felt like a part of Kurt’s family; after just one night with them, he felt more welcome than he did by his own family. He loved his parents, but the support and love the Hummels openly showed towards one another was something Blaine wasn’t used to. It was something different and refreshing. Something he wanted to hold onto.

“Well, I won’t complain then.” Blaine let go of Kurt’s hand and wrapped it around his waist. He felt Kurt wrap both hands around him and the way they were holding onto each other and pressed so close together almost made it impossible to walk. Kurt stumbled a bit, but continued laughing and placed a light kiss to Blaine’s chin.

“We’re here!” Kurt pulled away enough to open the door and the two of them slipped through and away from the cool air outside.

“So this is the Lima Bean.” Blaine took a look around. He had to admit, it was a lot larger than he’d expected it to be and the place was packed, just as Kurt had predicted.

“Yup. It’s where I spent half of my high school career.” Blaine shot him a look and he corrected himself. “Okay, maybe that’s exaggerating a little, but I did come here quite often.”

“Is the coffee any good?” Blaine already knew the answer, but he was dying to get something to eat. He wouldn’t tell Kurt that, of course, because it would only fuel his beliefs about Blaine’s never-ending hunger.

“Of course. Come on, I’ll buy you a drink.”

Kurt pulled Blaine to the counter as Blaine shook his head. “No way. You got me out of New York and brought me here this week. The least I can do is buy you coffee.” He pulled out his wallet as Kurt ordered a nonfat mocha.

“And for you, Sir?” The barista turned to Blaine.

“I’ll have a medium drip, please.” Blaine pulled out his credit card and handed it over once the girl had finished placing their orders. Kurt kept his arm looped through Blaine’s and smiled at the girl behind the counter. Blaine got the feeling Kurt knew her prior to their visit; high school, he assumed.

“Can I see your ID, please?” She asked after glancing at his unsigned card.

He pulled it out to show her, but wasn’t quick enough putting it back. Kurt snatched it out of his hands and began inspecting it. “Very nice picture you’ve got there,” he joked. Kurt’s eyes scrolled across the card, reading every little detail documented—restrictions, driver’s license number, height, weight—until he noticed the Birthday. November 22. After a few quick calculations in his head, Kurt realized the 22nd of November happened to fall on the same day as Thanksgiving—tomorrow. He wondered why Blaine hadn’t brought it up, but decided not to question it; at least not at the time. Kurt handed the card back over to Blaine and grabbed their drinks from the counter.

“So, what else is on our agenda for the day?” Blaine took a seat across from Kurt at one of the smaller, round tables.

“Well, I thought once we were done here, we could walk around a bit and if there was anything you wanted to see, I could take you.” Kurt took a sip of his coffee and made a bitter face. He removed the lid and began to stir in a couple packets of sugar. “Is there anywhere in particular you would like to go?”

“Not really. I mean, you know what’s around here. This is all new to me.” Blaine looked up at Kurt just as he licked the stick free of all coffee and noticed the little bit of foam remaining at the corner of his mouth. “You… have a little something….” He motioned towards his mouth.

“What?” Kurt tilted his head, oblivious to what Blaine was trying to say.

Instead of clarifying, Blaine leaned forward and wiped the little bit of coffee from the corner of Kurt’s mouth before pressing a light kiss to the spot. “There. All better,” he smiled.

Kurt’s face turned red as he looked around, as if he were expecting his bullies from his past to pop out at any minute or an older couple shaking their head in disapproval. Instead, he noticed that no one cared. No one was studying them or shooting them disgusted looks. Maybe Lima was improving after all; or maybe it was just a rare day when the people in the coffee shop were like those in New York—respectful and accepting of his love.

Kurt looked at Blaine—his hair un-gelled (as Kurt has requested earlier that morning), his baby blue polo, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners as he looked adoringly back into Kurt’s eyes. It took all the restraint he had not to lean over and kiss the smile the tugged at Blaine’s lips. “I have an idea.”

“Hm?” Blaine mumbled as he took a sip of his coffee.

“Why… why don’t we skip walking around? We have plenty of time this weekend to explore a little. Do you… do you maybe just want to go back to my house and hang out? Carole had to work today so she won’t be home until dinner and my dad’s taking care of a few things with the shop. We’ll have the house to ourselves.” Kurt tried his best to not imply anything with his words, but one look at Blaine’s speechless face showed him he had failed. “I mean, I just thought maybe we could watch a movie or something and then later we could get dinner started for my mom and dad.”

Blaine didn’t miss the word “mom” coming out of Kurt’s mouth and made a mental note to ask him about it later. “That actually sounds really nice. I don’t care what we’re doing as long as I get to know more about your life away from the hustle and bustle of New York.”

“G-great,” Kurt stumbled nervously and cursed himself for being so anxious of what was to come of the night. Although he didn’t have any detailed plans when he suggested they have a quiet afternoon to themselves, he could help but to think about what could happen during their time alone. He knew it was silly—they each had an apartment to themselves in New York so time alone was something that came easily—but having time alone where he grew up was something different to Kurt. He felt like Blaine was able to see his past without words. He hoped Blaine could feel the love radiating through the house without it being pointed out. But most of all, being at home with Blaine reminded Kurt of what he had imagined high school to be like. If he had found someone as out, proud, and genuine as Blaine in high school, quiet afternoons to themselves would’ve become a regular routine.

After finishing up at the Lima Bean, Kurt and Blaine made their way back to his house where they flopped onto the couch. Kurt rubbed at his stomach and groaned. “I feel like I ate three meals all at the same time.”

Blaine moved to Kurt’s side and pushed his hand away. Instead, he lifted Kurt’s shirt up slightly and rubbed soothing circles into his stomach. “You didn’t even eat anything for lunch,” Blaine laughed but his voice held a little concern.

“It’s normal. Sometimes dairy upsets my stomach a little.” Kurt rubbed his hand along Blaine’s back in return.

“Well,” Blaine leaned forward and placed a trail of kisses along Kurt’s stomach before moving to place a peck against his lips, “we should lie down on the couch and watch a movie until your tummy feels better.” He leaned forward again, but this time kissed Kurt with a little more intensity and passion.

“You’re amazing, do you know that?” Kurt looked Blaine in the eyes and found it impossible to look away. Blaine broke the gaze first when he stood up. “Where are you going?” Kurt tugged on his arm in a failed attempt at pulling him back down to the couch.

“I’m going to the kitchen for a minute. Just stay there and lay down. I’ll be right back.” Blaine leaned down to kiss Kurt’s forehead before disappearing into the kitchen.

Kurt could hear a couple cabinet doors opening and closing and the sound of the microwave beeping, but tried not to think too much about what Blaine could possibly be doing. He reflected on the past twenty-four hours they’d been in Ohio. His family instantly fell in love with Blaine and if the smile constantly plastered on Blaine’s face said anything, Kurt was sure Blaine had become quite fond of his family in return. Although bringing Blaine to Ohio was a scary step for Kurt, he felt like he’d made the right choice. Seeing Blaine where he grew up felt so natural to him. It seemed as if Blaine had been a part of his life all of the times when he had no one. Every time he struggled to get out of a dumpster, bruised from being shoved into a locker, or frantically picked up his belongings after being thrown to the ground; Although Blaine hadn’t been there, Kurt somehow knew Blaine understood what he’d gone through. He knew that if Blaine had been around during those times, he not only would’ve protected Kurt, but stood up to the boys who were bullying him.

Kurt was brought back to reality when Blaine strolled in carrying a mug of hot liquid and a plate with a piece of toast. Kurt glanced at Blaine and waited for him to explain, but he never did. Instead, he placed the cup and plate on the coffee table in front of him and sat down at the end of the couch next to Kurt, forcing him to lie down. Kurt rested his head on Blaine’s legs and looked up at him. “Are you going to tell me why you suddenly got the desire to make toast?”

Blaine leaned forward to pick up the plate. “My mom used to make me toast with peanut butter when I was little and had an upset stomach. Toast and hot tea helped soothe it a little bit.” He sat Kurt up slightly and picked the piece of toast off of the plate. “Would you like a bite?”

Without saying a word, Kurt opened his mouth and waited for Blaine to feed him the toast. He bit off a small piece and swallowed before burying his face in Blaine’s lap. “I already feel better, but I don’t know if it’s because of the toast or you.”

“Well, the toast, of course. It’s magical.”

“Unless you found some way to bring Hogwart’s magical feast to Lima, Ohio, that’s just any normal piece of bread,” Kurt mumbled into Blaine’s side.

Blaine sat the plate back on the table and wrapped his arms around Kurt before sliding down onto the couch. They laid next to each other on the couch and Blaine continued to gently rub Kurt’s stomach while simultaneously placing light kisses to his nose, lips, cheek, forehead, anywhere he could reach. Kurt smiled into his chest and fisted the hem of his shirt. Kurt’s cold hands against Blaine’s warm side startled him at first, but it didn’t last long. Within ten minutes, Blaine was holding Kurt tightly against his chest, barely having enough time to pull the blanket that was draped across the back of the couch on top of them before they were both sound asleep.

* * *

“What should we do?” Burt whispered to Carole as he stood over his sleeping son and his boyfriend. Carole and Burt had both arrived home at the same time, only to find Blaine and Kurt curled up on the couch.

“Just let them rest. They obviously need it.” Carole looped her arm through Burt’s and pulled him towards the kitchen. Burt sat down at the table and reached towards the candy bowl, huffing when Carole slapped his hand away. “What’s wrong?” She sat down beside him.

“This is just weird. Kurt’s my little boy, Carole. He’s not supposed to grow up, at least not this fast. Now he’s in there on the couch, my couch in my house, asleep with his boyfriend. And not just any boyfriend either. Someone who is just as deeply in love with Kurt as Kurt is with him.” Burt rested his elbows on the edge of the table and buried his face in his hands.

“They make a great couple, you know. Just from the little I’ve seen of him, I can tell Blaine is a sweetheart who would do anything for Kurt. And I know for a fact that Kurt is absolutely crazy about him.”

“Did he talk to you? He disappeared into the kitchen for a while during the game yesterday.”

Carole sighed. She knew Kurt confided in her and expected things to remain between the two of them, but she couldn’t stop the smile that appeared on her face. A little vague information wouldn’t hurt anything, she reasoned. “He did. Based on the way Kurt talks about Blaine and how his entire face lights up at the thought of him, I think Blaine is one of the best things to happen to him. You should be grateful for Blaine.”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t grateful. Blaine…. He told me he was in love with Kurt.”

Carole rubbed Burt’s arm in an attempt to calm down his strained heart. “Did you believe him?”

Burt didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, I did. I do.” He looked in the direction of the living room, but was unable to see the two sleeping boys. “For some reason, I believe every word he said.”

“Then I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I know Kurt always sees the best in people and overlooks all of the bad, but it seems like with Blaine, there isn’t much bad for him to look past.” She stood up and pushed in her chair. “Come on. Why don’t you help me make dinner so it’s ready when the two of them wake up?”

Burt remained still for a few seconds before joining her near the cabinet. He knew she was right about everything; what he didn’t know is how he managed to find someone that meant so much to him and only hoped Blaine could be that someone for Kurt.

* * *

“Burt!” Carole spat, running after the man who had managed to escape when she turned her back to put the chicken into the oven. “Get back here!” She pulled the mittens off her hands and sat them on the counter.

Burt ignored her calls and continued to walk towards the living room. “I’m just going to sit down here in my chair and watch some TV before dinner.” He didn’t attempt to keep his voice down.

“You are spying on Kurt and Blaine,” she whispered harshly.

“Well, someone needs to make sure they don’t try anything.” He sat down in the chair and looked up at his wife. “Oh, what?”

“You know what. Come on, let them be.” She tugged at his arm and he reluctantly stood back up. “Even if Kurt does want to do something with Blaine, it is his choice. He’s twenty-six and in love. There’s not much you can do to stop him.”

Burt looked horrified at the thought. “Not in my house.”

Carole tugged again. “Well, you don’t have to worry about them doing anything right now. They’re asleep on the couch in the living room.” She looked over when she saw Kurt shift and mumble something to a sleepy Blaine. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry we woke you.” She gave Burt a look to show him she wasn’t pleased.

Kurt yawned and loosened his hold on Blaine a bit, but Blaine made no effort to move. “S’okay. Sorry we fell asleep.”

“You’re fine, sweetheart.” She turned back to Burt. “Your dad was just agreeing to help me with dinner. It’ll be finished within the next hour if you’re hungry.”

“He doesn’t feel good,” Blaine finally spoke up. He turned his head to kiss Kurt’s arm and opened his eyes.

“M-my stomach was just a little upset, but Blaine helped it. I’m fine now.” He felt uncomfortable talking to his dad and step-mom while lying down so he sat up and pulled Blaine along with him.

“Are you sure? You don’t have to eat anything if you don’t want to. I can wrap it up for later.”

“I’m sure,” Kurt assured her. “It smells delicious. Blaine and I had actually planned to make dinner for you guys until I fell asleep.”

“You can make that fancy pumpkin roll you make every year that I love,” Burt suggested. “Get an early start to your Thanksgiving baking.”

“Dad, you can’t have that anymore. I’m not taking chances with your heart.”

“It’s been eight years, Bud. I think I’m fine.”

Kurt shook his head. “You’ve been okay because I’m constantly watching what you eat. And when I’m not, Carole is. I will, however, make you a nice sugar-free fruit dessert instead.”

Burt scrunched up his nose in disapproval, but Carole pushed him in the direction of the kitchen before he had time to say anything. “Just come in when you’re ready, boys.” She smiled at them before disappearing around the corner. Kurt heard her bickering with Burt over what vegetables they were going to make before he tuned them out.

“Do you really feel better?” Blaine pulled Kurt closer once again and pulled his hand up to kiss it.

“Yeah, I do. Thank you for everything.” He leaned in for a quick kiss, but soon got wrapped up in the moment—the feeling of Blaine’s smooth lips against his; the way Blaine had started rubbing his stomach again; how Blaine’s curls felt running through his fingers; the tingle that ran through his mouth when their tongues clashed against each other. He whimpered a bit when Blaine nipped at his lip, but made a note to stay quiet. His dad or Carole walking in on him wasn’t something he had been hoping for. He hadn’t expected to be interrupted by anyone else, though.

“Ew, not in front of the baby, dude. I don’t want her seeing that stuff yet.”

Kurt quickly pulled away from Blaine and swiped a hand across his lips at the sound of Finn’s voice. Blaine sunk down in the couch, but couldn’t escape Finn’s stares.

“What’s going on in here?” Burt returned to the doorway just as Rachel walked through the front door.

Finn handed the baby carrier off to Rachel and shrugged as he moved to sit down. “Kurt and Blaine were just-”

“Finn, enough.” Kurt turned his attention to his dad. “Apparently Finn can’t handle when two people speak to each other in a lovingly way.” The last few words were heavily accented and he directed them towards his brother-in-law. Burt only nodded before disappearing again, leaving Kurt on the couch with Blaine as Rachel and Finn fussed over whose turn it was to change Elizabeth’s diaper.

“I need to go out for a bit before dinner. Will you be fine alone for a few minutes?” Kurt looped his arm through Blaine’s and rested against him.

Blaine nodded in reply. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, that’s okay,” Kurt said a little too quickly. “It shouldn’t take long. You can just stay here and make sure Elizabeth gets changed.” He looked in the direction of the couple who were still bickering before standing up.

“Alright, well be careful!” Blaine tilted his head up and Kurt leaned in for a kiss.

“I always am. I’ll be back before you know it.” He kissed Blaine once again before disappearing through the front door.

* * *

The rest of the night was even better than Blaine could’ve imagined. Once Kurt made it back to the house, the entire Hudson-Hummel family sat down for dinner, a concept Blaine wasn’t used to apart from the fancy business dinners he’d unenthusiastically attended over the years. But dinner with Kurt’s family wasn’t like that. There wasn’t anything formal about the way they positioned themselves at the table; the order in which they ate their food; the conversations that came about during the meal. Everything was laid-back and Blaine found himself enjoying their time together. Kurt had joked around, saying Blaine would be happy in any room filled with food, but that wasn’t it for him. He genuinely liked sitting down at the table and sharing with the others what he did that day. Carole had taken a specific interest in not only Blaine’s current life, but his past as well, something Blaine answered with great care. All six of them remained at the table long after they were finished and continued talking—asking about Blaine’s career, asking Kurt about the interesting things at work, Carole explaining the drama that went on at the hospital, Rachel and Kurt bickering over which artist was more likely to win a Grammy, and of course Finn rambling incoherently about football. When the attention wasn’t on him, Blaine sat back and relaxed, watching how Kurt’s family interacted with each other, and he had to say it was something he wanted to be a part of far into the future as well.

Finn and Rachel had to leave shortly after dinner—Elizabeth was getting fussy, signaling it was almost time for bed—but Kurt and Blaine made themselves comfortable on the couch and watched a movie along with Burt and Carole. Blaine was still uncomfortable being so close to Kurt at first, but Kurt relaxed into Blaine and soon all of his thoughts were washed away. It felt nice to be able to hold onto Kurt, knowing he wasn’t going anywhere and the boy he loved was someone he could see himself with for the rest of his life. He could imagine Kurt lying with him, but instead of Burt and Carole on the other side of the room, it would be their children. It was a life that Blaine knew he wanted, but up until he’d met Kurt and seen what kind of family he had come from, he was beginning to believe that life would never come for him. The only thing that kept him up at night was the fear that Kurt didn’t want the same thing. At least not with him.

Once the movie was finished, Kurt and Blaine made their way upstairs and into separate rooms. They’d agreed for Blaine to stay in the guest room during their visit, at least for the first couple of days, just to make sure his dad was more comfortable. Blaine would be lying if he said he hadn’t wished he could curl up beside Kurt in Kurt’s bed and bury himself in the sheets that smelt just like his boyfriend, but he knew staying in a separate room was for the best. Blaine loved Kurt’s family, and he didn’t want to do anything that might compromise their opinions about him.

Blaine had been lying in bed for a couple hours letting his mind wander—from his work to what had happened in Lima so far—and all of his thoughts seemed to lead back to the man who had just appeared in the doorway.

“Blaine,” Kurt whispered from the hall. Once Blaine turned his head to get a better look, Kurt moved inside and quietly closed the door behind him. “Hey, can’t sleep either?”

Blaine didn’t make an effort to sit up. “Not really. I think I’ve got too much on my mind.”

Kurt walked to his bed, careful to avoid any creaky parts of the floor to avoid waking his parents. “What are you thinking about?”

Blaine slid over to one side of the bed and reached out a hand. “Come here.” Kurt did as told and laid down next to Blaine.

“What are we doing?” he laughed. Their hands found each other and squeezed tight before resting on the bed in the miniscule space between their bodies.

“Looking at the ceiling,” Blaine said as if it was the most obvious answer.

“And why are we doing that?” Kurt turned his head to look at Blaine, but Blaine’s eyes remained fixed above him.

“Close your eyes.” Kurt did as told. “Are they closed?”

“Yes, yes.”

“Okay, now imagine the future; a life without any problems, no regrets, and nothing but love. You’re out in your backyard, whether that be in Ohio, New York, or somewhere else, laying on your back and staring up at the stars. Can you see that?”

“Mhm. It’s nice.”

“Now as the stars are twinkling, you feel a warm body lay down beside you and without taking your eyes off of the night sky, you can tell who it is. You just know who it is based on the way their hand molds around yours. The wonderful smell that instantly takes over. The way your body starts to tingle and butterflies start fluttering around in your stomach. They’re everything to you and even though it scares the shit out of you, you can’t help but to know you’re completely in love with them. You know you’d do anything they asked because they’re the most important thing to you now. Can you feel that?”

Kurt nodded. He could feel those things right there with Blaine whether he wanted to or not. “Yeah, I can.”

“Think about the perfect life. You don’t have to worry about what others will think about you if you kiss your boyfriend in public. All that matters is showing him you love him right there in that moment. You don’t have to fight for the right to marry the love of your life. Your marriage means just as much to society as a marriage between a man and a woman. You’re promising to always be there for that person, no matter what they need. You can go to work and not have to worry if you’re making enough money to live happily. You don’t regret anything in your life or wish you’d done something different. “

Kurt rolled onto his side and nuzzled himself next to Blaine. He wrapped a hand around Blaine’s side, but kept his face looking towards the ceiling and his eyes closed. “That’s a nice life. I want that.”

Blaine began to rub Kurt’s arm softly and continued. “Now think about those stars. Think about how each one is unique in size and brightness. Imagine being able to stay out there all night, every night with someone you loved. With the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. And just when you think you’ve taken in everything and are about to fall asleep, you see a falling star and you wish on it, though you can’t think of anything to wish for. You already have everything you ever wanted. Then man next to you starts to whisper in your ear and you realize it’s actually a song. That he’s singing to you.” Blaine turned his face away from the ceiling to look at Kurt. He took a few seconds to admire Kurt’s beautiful profile before leaning in to whisper into his ear. Kurt immediately recognized the song being sung. It was one that encompassed everything he’d been feeling with Blaine in the past couple of days.

Without you, the ground thaws, the rain falls, the grass grows, without you, the seeds root, the flowers bloom, the children play

Kurt finally turned his head to look at Blaine, finding him much closer than he expected. He took advantage of their lack of space and leaned into kiss Blaine, softly at first, just barely pressing their lips together. It wasn’t long before Blaine’s hand was on the back of his neck, pulling him close. Blaine’s tongue found its way inside of Kurt’s mouth, running along his teeth and Kurt nibbled on his lip, receiving a groan from the other man. “Blaine,” Kurt mumbled. His voice was horse and he lacked the ability to breath, something that often happened around Blaine. Kurt felt himself being rolled over and he opened his eyes to find Blaine on top of him. He turned his head to the side when Blaine’s mouth made its way across his cheek, along his jaw, down to his neck. Kurt kissed the firm muscles in Blaine’s arm and whimpered when he felt warm, wet kisses on his skin along the collar of his t-shirt.

Blaine’s arms finally gave out and before Kurt had time to do anything, Blaine’s hips were rocking against him, causing the both of them to moan in pleasure. “You’re so beautiful,” Blaine whispered against his skin.

“Blaine… my parents…” Kurt was too entranced by Blaine’s every touch to form too many coherent thoughts.

Sighing, Blaine pressed a few more kisses to Kurt’s lips before rolling onto the bed next to Kurt, keeping his arm wrapped around him. “I like making out with you.”

Kurt laughed and pressed a kiss to Blaine’s unruly curls. “Even with my parents in the other room?”

“Even with your parents in the other room,” Blaine nodded. He leaned in with an open mouth to kiss Kurt once again, but was stopped by Kurt’s finger.

“We can’t do anything here. I… I don’t want to be doing something with you only to have my dad walk in on us.” Kurt was disappointed. Blaine often kept himself guarded and unwilling to test their boundaries. His eagerness to take things slow was one quality Kurt loved about him. They had both been through things in the past that left scars on their hearts and bitter memories in their thoughts; however, Kurt was also a 26-year-old-male with a gorgeous boyfriend. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about what things would be like with Blaine, but he knew the time wasn’t right. They’d only known each other for a little over a month. Lazy kisses while lying in bed, quick pecks when they entered or left a room, and a few slightly less than chaste kisses when they said hello or goodbye was all Kurt needed. At least it would be for a while.

Blaine leaned in again, this time kissing the corner of Kurt’s mouth before resting his head on the pillow beneath him. I love you. He wanted to say those three words to Kurt, but he was afraid. He was afraid Kurt didn’t feel the same way and that he’d get his heart broken. He was scared to say he loved him, only to realize he didn’t. Blaine was afraid he still didn’t know what love was, and that he had somehow convinced himself he was in love with Kurt because he was so lonely. Blaine had promised himself years ago that he’d never tell anyone he loved them, not until he was absolutely sure it was the truth. He had told himself he wouldn’t go through the heartbreak he’d gone through before or cause that same heartbreak for someone else. So instead, he said two little words. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For coming in here and talking to me. I missed you,” Blaine smiled.

“We weren’t even apart for two hours.” Kurt rolled his eyes but couldn’t hold back the grin that spread across his face.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want you with me. This week has been wonderful so far and it’s made me realize how lucky I am to have you.” Blaine kissed Kurt’s shoulder. “How sweet you are.” His neck. “How much I can trust you.” His ear.“And how happy you make me.”His lips.

Kurt looked up towards the ceiling and closed his eyes, imagining the life Blaine had described. Blaine took one look at Kurt before doing the same once again. “So is this what you think about when you can’t sleep? The future?”

“Sometimes. It’s what I used to do when I was little and couldn’t sleep. I’d just stare up at the blank ceiling and imagine I was somewhere else. It also helped a lot when I was going through some rough times after I graduated. It was nice to be able to picture myself somewhere else without any problems in my life.”

“What happened? After you graduated, I mean.”

Blaine turned away and stared back up at the ceiling. “I just did a few things I wish I hadn’t. Not bad things per say, I just regret some of the decisions I’d made. I actually have a brother. I don’t think I’ve mentioned that.”

“No, you haven’t,” Kurt said shocked.

“Well I do. His name is Cooper. I don’t talk to him much because sometimes it’s just hard to think about the life he has. He was able to break away from our family once he graduated and live on his own. He didn’t have to work for my dad or listen to what he said, and I was envious. At the time I graduated, we hadn’t heard from him in almost eight months. My dad was so livid with him that he told me I couldn’t even invite him to my graduation. Not having my brother there hurt a lot. Coop was always someone I looked up to as I grew up. To me, he was everything I wanted to be. I think that’s where part of the problem came in. I wasn’t strong enough to break away like he did. I couldn’t look at my dad and tell him I wasn’t going to work for him. So instead, I did whatever I could to take control of my life. Some of those things weren’t the best decisions I’ve ever made, and although they turned out fine in the end, I still regret ever making them in the first place.” Blaine went silent and the only sound was the steady rhythm of their breaths. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get into all of that.”

Kurt leaned up to place a kiss against his lips. “You’re fine. I’m always here when you need to talk. So when’s the last time you talked to your brother?”

“A couple months ago. Right before I met you, actually. My dad doesn’t like that I still talk to him every once in a while. The two of them aren’t on the best of terms.”

“But you don’t have to listen to your dad.”

“No, but I do have to work for him. He can’t make decisions for me, but if I make a wrong one, at least wrong in his mind, I’ll have to hear about it every day for the next week.”

“Well, I’d like to meet Cooper one day, if you’ll let me,” Kurt said cautiously.

“I-I’d like that. I want to see him again; I just don’t want to do it alone. It’s been years since I’ve actually been with him in person and we’ve both changed. I’m just afraid he won’t like the person I’ve become. I’m not as carefree and outgoing as he is. I may appear that way at first, but I’m not.”

“You’ve become an amazing person. There’s no way he could dislike you.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true. I mean, you find me irresistible.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Are you saying it isn’t true?”

“No, you are pretty irresistible,” Kurt giggled and kissed him once more. “Do you think you can sleep now?”

“I suppose.” Kurt began to sit up, but Blaine pulled him back down. “Will you stay with me tonight?” Kurt didn’t even take the time to answer before snuggling into Blaine’s warm embrace and falling asleep.