�

Kurt had just pulled the comforter up around him to block out the cool December air that had somehow made its way into his apartment when he heard a knock on the front door. He grumbled to himself as he picked up his phone from the nightstand and checked the time. 5:15. Who would be awake and out of their house before six in the morning? Who would be knocking on his door before six in the morning? He went through the list of people it could possibly be—a very short list considering he didn't know too many people in New York—and reluctantly pushed the covers off of him once again and got out of bed.

He slipped a pair of sweats over his boxers and rubbed his eyes, trying to get them to adjust to the light of the lamp he'd turned on before walking out of his room. The small living room / dining room area was only lit up by the moon shining through the tiny kitchen window, but it was enough light for him to make it to the door without stumbling into a table here or a chair there.

He ran a hand through his hair in an attempt to look half-way decent before moving his hand to the doorknob with the full intent of giving the person on the other side a piece of his mind. Thursday was one of his free days and he enjoyed being able to sleep in, completely uninterrupted by family or work. However, when he opened the door, the only thing he could allow himself to do was smile and forget about all of the anger he'd had just a few seconds earlier.

"Hey," the man standing in front of him said before sliding past Kurt and stepping inside. Blaine was completely dressed, sporting a nice pair of jeans and one of the shirts Kurt had picked out for him during their Black Friday adventures. Kurt was proud of himself because the outfit Blaine had on made him even sexier than Kurt had believed him to be before, if possible.

"What are you doing here?" Kurt said dryly, trying to seem upset but failing once the smile reappeared on his face. He decided to fake a yawn, but a real one came out instead which made Blaine yawn in return. "You look just as tired."

"On the contrary, actually," he said with a grin and bright eyes. "Grab your coat and let's go." Blaine looked around Kurt's apartment and spotted his coat lying on his armchair. He picked it up as well as the scarf draped on top and held it up for Kurt to slip his arms through.

"What if I don't want to go? What if I want to crawl back in bed?" Kurt knew he was being stubborn, but if Blaine really wanted him to go along with whatever crazy thing he had in mind, he was going to earn Kurt's company. "Will you come back to bed with me? I promise to be the big spoon. I know how much you prefer that. I'll even make us breakfast in the morning."

"Nope," Blaine shook his head. "Not this morning. You're coming with me even if I have to carry you up there." He swung the coat in the air a few times before Kurt gave in and slipped his arms through the sleeves. When he took the scarf from Blaine and began wrapping it around his neck, Blaine disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Kurt alone and confused in the doorway.

"Blaine?" Kurt called out. He walked towards the bedroom door and poked his head inside to see what was going on, but Blaine had already grabbed a few blankets out of Kurt's closet and was heading back towards the living room.

When he reached Kurt, he zipped up the sleepy boy's coat and kissed him before holding out his hand, which Kurt gladly took. Kurt loved the way his hand felt in Blaine's. Blaine's hand was strong and his fingers always wrapped themselves snuggly around his, their palms pressed firmly together. Holding hands with Blaine was yet another thing Kurt never knew he'd been missing out on until he had experienced it.

"Ready?" Blaine asked. He pulled Kurt towards the door and waited as Kurt locked up his apartment. They walked to the stairs, but when Kurt made a move to go down, Blaine pulled him the opposite direction and they began making their way towards the top of the building.

"Blaine, where are you taking me? If this is one of those murder mystery things where I get to know you and trust you before you kidnap me in the middle of the night and then kill me, I don't want to be a part of it and I'd prefer to just go right back down to my apartment and back to sleep."

"Will you calm down? I'm not going to murder you." Blaine brought their hands up and kissed the back of Kurt's reassuringly. "You'll like this, I promise." They'd reached the top of the stairs by then and Blaine pushed the heavy metal door open. They walked through and found themselves on the roof of Kurt's apartment building overlooking the entire city. Kurt moved away from Blaine, but their hands remained linked. He turned around in circles, attempting to take everything in, but there was so much to see. In the six years he'd lived there, not once had he thought to enjoy the city from this perspective. It was nice, different, something new.

Blaine pulled him along to a wall and spread one of Kurt's blankets out on the ground. He sat down, pulling Kurt along with him, and situated him between his legs. Kurt leaned back against Blaine and rested his head on his shoulder. "Are you ever going to tell me what we're doing up here so early in the morning?" Blaine reached over and Kurt was surprised to see him pick up a thermos and a few mugs. "What is that?" Without saying a word, Blaine removed the lid and poured the hot liquid into each mug, handing one to Kurt. "You brought coffee."

"I know how you can get without your morning dose." Blaine nuzzled into Kurt's neck and wrapped his arms tightly around the man in front of him, lacing his fingers together.

Kurt set his mug down beside them and placed his hands over Blaine's. "You planned this entire thing?"

"Of course. It's something I've had in mind for a while, I just wanted to wait until I had the day off and you didn't have a spur of the moment flight or something."

"This is nice. The view of the city. I've never been up here before, but there's so much to see. I've never even noticed that building over there." Kurt pointed to one of the shorter apartment buildings hidden in the midst of a few taller office buildings. "How did you know this view was so great?"

"When I first moved into my apartment, I used to go to the roof quite a bit. My neighbors at the time really enjoyed their heavy metal and the noise got to me sometimes. Rather than leaving to go to the library or a coffee shop or back to my office, I'd go up there with my laptop and briefcase and get some of my work done. It became a bit of a habit for awhile, but then they eventually moved and an older couple moved in. They seemed to respect the other residents' privacy a bit more." Blaine took a sip of his coffee and pulled the other blanket up around them. "Are you warm enough?"

"Yeah, thank you."

"Would you like to know what we're doing up here?"

"Now that I know you aren't going to kill me, I think I'm slightly more willing to wait to find out. Although, I am very curious."

"Well, I thought we could watch the sunrise together. New York City sunrises are beautiful. Have you ever watched one before?"

"N-no. That's another thing I never thought about."

"It's another thing I became aware of by sitting on the roof of my complex. One night, I had a deadline I was afraid I wasn't going to meet and I'd become so into the work I was doing that I didn't realize how late it had gotten. The next thing I knew, there was a ray of sun in my eyes and I looked up to see that it was actually morning. I closed my laptop and put my work away, but I stayed up there to watch it before heading back inside. It was so pretty that I'd actually gone back every morning the following week just to see it."

"Sunrises in Ohio can be pretty too. During the summer one time, my mom woke me up super early and told me to keep quiet so I didn't wake my dad. She ended up taking me to our park and we sat on the bench eating donuts and drinking chocolate milk while watching the sun rise. She said it was one of God's prettiest creations. She said the sky was God's giant canvas and the colors in the sunrise were streaks of his paint."

"It seems like your mom really had a way with words and creativity."

"She did. One of her greatest desires was to publish a book of poetry. She was an English professor before I was born, and a great one at that. My dad told me all about it and the students adored her. She took some time off while I was growing up and never made it back. I've always wondered what it would've been like if she'd gone back and I had taken one of her classes. I never got tired of hearing my mom talk about things she was passionate about. She would've made a wonderful first English professor."

"You have those memories, though. That's something that no one can ever take away from you, and those times you had with her are even more special since she didn't go back. You were one of the only ones to hear her like that. To see that passion in her."

"I guess you're right. That morning she took me to watch the sunrise is one of my favorite memories of her. I actually haven't gone out and intentionally watched a sunrise since then. I guess I just never had anyone who cared enough to go along with me."

"When I would go up to the roof to watch it, that's the one thing that had always been missing; someone there to watch it with me. Being alone can be peaceful, but I always felt the need for more. I wanted someone to do just this; just what we are doing right now. I wanted someone to bundle up with and hold. Someone who could enjoy the beauty of it as much as I could."

"You better watch out, Mr. Anderson. You're starting to sound like me," Kurt joked.

"Maybe it's not such a bad thing that you're rubbing off on me. You have such a positive, wonderful, unique view of life and I love that."

"Well, like I said before, I acquired that from my mom. I wish you could've met her. She'd make my opinions and views look dull compared to hers."

"I doubt that," Blaine kissed his temple. "But, you know, this feels like I'm getting to know her. I like being with you like this. Maybe one day, you'll be able to talk about her with more than just me. Maybe someday, other people can see how close you were and the impact she had on your life in such a short time."

"I hope that day comes too."

Blaine shifted so he could get a better look at Kurt. "So, tell me something about yourself. Tell me, what are Kurt Hummel's greatest desires?"

"My greatest desires," Kurt repeated, pondering the question.

"Yes. Something you've always wanted to do, but never have. Something not a lot of people know about you."

That was silly, Kurt thought. There was so much to him, so many layers of himself that he hadn't allowed anyone besides Blaine to see. It was bizarre when he thought about it. Even Rachel, his best friend in the entire world, was still clueless about the times he spent with his mom. Yet, there Blaine was. The same Blaine that he'd met only two months earlier, and he knew so much more than Kurt thought he'd ever be willing to say to anyone.

"To be in Time's Square when the ball drops on New Year's," he finally whispered. He didn't know why he kept something like that a secret. In the big scope of things, something like that shouldn't matter. A lot of people wanted to be there when the ball dropped. It was something everyone watched, whether it be in person, at an extravagant party, or from the comfort of their own home. Maybe where Kurt differed, what made his desire more of a confession, was in the fact that he wanted someone with him, despite everything he'd ever said. He'd always told his family and friends that he was fine spending New Year's Eve alone or surrounded by his closest friends. But deep down, he knew he'd been lying to himself. When the clock struck midnight, when the ball dropped on the TV and everyone around him toasted and celebrated, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had been missing. He would look around at his friends, even Burt and Carole, and watch as they exchanged a kiss. They were all starting off the new year with someone who meant the world to them. Someone they wanted to keep in their life for the next year and years to come. But Kurt, he didn't have anyone. He didn't have someone to take him to Time's Square and share a kiss full of love and passion at midnight.

When Kurt finally looked up at Blaine, he noticed that the other man seemed a bit shocked. "You… never? I mean, you've lived here for six years, but haven't made it there?"

Kurt shook his head. "A few years I was in Ohio and the times I've been here, I stayed in my apartment and watched from my TV. It was better than being by myself in a crowd of people I didn't know and would never see again. Would you have been there?" Not that he would've seen Blaine in the midst of all the people, but it would be nice to think he could've had the chance to meet him years earlier.

"No, I wouldn't. I've always opted out and attended the annual office party. My dad likes me to at least make an appearance, but once I show up, I never seem to be able to leave." He took another sip of his coffee and finished it off. "So, is that all that's on your bucket list, or are you willing to share more with me?"

Kurt felt like asking Blaine what his greatest desires in life were, but decided to save that conversation for another time. "Well, I have a few things that I'm not so sure will ever happen. Would you like to hear those?"

"Of course. I'm interested in anything that makes you who you are."

"Okay, so the first one, I guess it's yet another thing that comes from my mom. She used to talk about how my grandparents took her to see the Northern Lights when she was about ten. They were beautiful, as she said, and she described it as watching these bright, colorful lights dancing on the ground, illuminating the snow with the colors. So, that's one thing I'd like to see." Kurt looked away, and felt his cheeks start to heat up. "I guess I sort of also got the idea while watching Phil of the Future."

Blaine couldn't help himself. The laugh that came out of his mouth was loud and echoed off of the walls around them. "Sorry," he apologized. "But, Phil of the Future?"

"Don't laugh. There was one episode in which Phil wanted-"

"To take Keely to see the Northern Lights," Blaine finished. "I know the episode. I did watch it a few times myself. Is there anything else Phil of the Future inspired you to do?"

"No, but I do want to go on an African safari sometime."

"Your dreams aren't impossible, Kurt. You could make them happen, you know."

"Yeah," he sighed. "I just need to find someone who's willing to go with me first. Maybe I'll wait until I find that one person who will do everything with me."

I'll be that person, Blaine wanted to say, but he didn't. It was too soon. He hadn't known Kurt long enough to offer to be that person. He didn't want to tell Kurt that he wanted to be the person who got to experience everything with him.

Kurt turned his head to the side and kissed Blaine sweetly. Blaine kissed back and they remained that way for a few minutes, with Kurt wrapped up in Blaine's arms, their lips pressed together.

Around 6:30, the sun started to peek above the horizon and they watched it together. Kurt had to admit, it was one of the prettiest sunrises he'd ever seen. He didn't know if it was the way the sun looked as it slowly began to appear above the city; the way it reflected off of the windows of the buildings all around him; the way the light made Blaine's face glow, making him even more stunning than Kurt had ever imagined he could be; or simply the fact that he was in the arms of the man he loved.

They sat together, neither one of them speaking, and occasionally shared a few kisses as the sun made its way above them. Around 7:15, they'd picked up the blankets and their empty coffee mugs and headed inside where they cuddled up together under the soft sheets of Kurt's bed and quickly fell asleep. It wasn't until Kurt had a nightmare about Blaine's plane going down, leaving no survivors, that he realized for once in his life, reality was much better than his dreams.

�

Kurt's phone started to ring a few hours later, startling him awake. He did his best not to wake Blaine up and slid out of his arms just enough to reach his phone on the nightstand, pressing send and placing it to his ear without checking the caller ID. "Hello?" he whispered, his voice hoarse.

"Kurt? You okay, Kiddo?"

Kurt glanced at his alarm clock—a quarter past ten—before saying anything. "Y-yeah. I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You don't usually sleep this late," Burt pointed out. "And why are you whispering?"

Kurt knew he was right. Even when he went home during his vacations, he was up and ready to go by 9:00 at the latest. "Um, Blaine is here with me. I… I didn't want to wake him up." Kurt felt himself blush at the confession.

"Oh." Burt grew silent after that, not quite sure what to say. "Do you want me to let you go, or…" he trailed off.

"No, it's fine. We woke up early to watch the sunrise and I guess we fell back asleep afterwards." Kurt looked down at the sleeping man and lightly brushed the back of his hand across Blaine's cheek. "Did you need something?"

"No, I just wanted to see how you've been. We haven't talked to you this week and I was wondering if you found out if you were going to be able to make it home for Christmas or not." Kurt could hear Burt moving around in the kitchen on the other line and hoped he was at least sticking with the diet Kurt had outlined and hung up on the refrigerator for him.

"I can, but only for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I managed to get those two days off, but they want me to work the day after Christmas." Kurt kept his voice at a minimum and snuggled back into Blaine's side. "Blaine can come with me, if that's okay with you."

"Of course it's okay with me, Bud. He's your boyfriend, and if you ask me, I think he's good for you."

"Well, I'm glad y-"

"Is that Kurt?" Kurt heard Rachel's voice interrupt him on the other line.

"Uh, yeah, it is," he heard his dad say. And that was the last thing he heard his dad say. Rachel had ripped the phone from his hands and took over the phone call.

"Hello, Kurt. It's about time we talked to you. I mean, you ran out of here over Thanksgiving without giving me the chance to spend some quality time with my favorite gay."

Kurt laughed. He had to admit, he missed the sound of her dramatic voice. "You know, you could've just as easily called me."

"Kurt, I have a husband as well as a daughter, if you can remember, and they both require my undivided attention. I don't have time to call you and hope you'll be away from your man long enough to take my call."

Kurt felt Blaine stir beneath him and looked up just as he opened his eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"Is he there right now? Oh my gosh, Kurt. Are you finally getting some?"

"Rachel!" Kurt snapped. He hoped Blaine couldn't hear what she was saying.

"Kurt, you have to give me details, even the dirty ones. This is exciting."

"It's not like that Rachel."

Blaine began kissing his way up Kurt's shoulder, to his neck, eventually placing a quiet kiss against his lips. "I'm going to go make us some coffee and pancakes. With or without chocolate chips?"

Kurt held the phone away from his ear and covered the speaker as Rachel rambled on and on about how it was about time Kurt experienced these types of things whether he wanted to admit to them or not. "Mmm'ithout," he mumbled against Blaine's lips. "But with strawberries, please."

"Join me when you're off the phone?" Blaine pushed the covers back and stood up.

"Of course. Thank you, sweetie." After one final kiss, Blaine left the room, leaving Kurt alone with Rachel on the phone. "Okay, he's gone now, and we were not doing anything more than cuddling in my bed. I didn't even mean to fall asleep."

"Well, like I said before, I didn't get the chance to talk to you in person when you were here. At least not by ourselves."

Kurt fiddled with the hem of his sheets, trying to prepare himself for what was coming. He was fairly sure Rachel would approve of Blaine, but her opinion still meant everything to him. Rachel Berry-Hudson didn't tolerate just anyone. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I think you know what." When Kurt didn't say anything, she added, "Blaine."

"What about him?"

"He makes you happy. I can tell. I just… as your best friend, I want to make sure you're in this. I know how you can be. You get scared when things seem like they're too good and you run. Blaine… he doesn't deserve that, and neither do you. You deserve a little bit of happiness and I want to make sure you want this as much as I can see he does."

"Rachel, I love him." He was surprised at how easily those words flowed out of his mouth, but he liked saying them. Admitting his love for Blaine was something he knew he'd never get tired of.

"Does he know this?"

"No," Kurt admitted. "I'm not ready to tell him yet. Things are good, and I don't want to scare him away. I… I'm not good at this. I've always been scared to get close to someone and I'm afraid of doing just what you think I will. I'm afraid of hurting him and breaking his heart because of my own insecurities. I just… I want to take things slow, for both of us." He paused, unsure if he should continue, but decided to anyway. It was Rachel, after all, and he trusted her with anything. He needed her opinions and support, and in order to do so, she had to know everything that was on his mind. "I also think he's had a bit of a rough past as well. He hasn't talked about it, but I don't think he's ready to move that fast. This is better for both of us. I know it is."

"Just, don't take too long to tell him, okay? A lot can happen by keeping feelings like that to yourself."

"How would you know? You were in love with Finn from day one and he knew the entire time. You never hid your feelings."

"No, but I've watched my friends go through similar situations. Being honest is always best, and he could feel the same way as you." She paused briefly. "But, I think you'll be happy to know that I approve of him and he is a very nice man. You've done well with your first boyfriend."

Kurt laughed. "Thanks, Rach." He looked towards the door when he heard a few cabinets opening and closing. "Look, I'm going to go help Blaine with breakfast. He's gotten better at making pancakes, but I'm still slightly worried about letting him use my skillet."

"Okay, okay. Go be lovey with your boyfriend. I need to check on Elizabeth anyway."

"Give Lizzie a kiss for me."

"It's Elizabeth, Kurt."

"Yeah, yeah. Love you, Rach."

"Love you too."

He pressed end on his phone and threw it in the middle of the bed before heading to the kitchen to help Blaine.

�

"It's one of my rare days off. I can't believe I let you talk me into going shopping with you again," Blaine grumbled playfully as he and Kurt wandered through the Staten Island Mall later that day.

"You're doing it because being with me on your day off is better than sitting in your apartment by yourself, even if you are shopping with me. Besides, it's Christmas shopping. Don't you like buying things for other people?" Kurt picked up a nice sweater from a table at Delia's, free of any animals—since graduating high school, Kurt was able to convince Rachel to dress a little more age-appropriate—and inspected the size and price before draping it over his arm.

"Of course I do, but you won't let me buy anything for any member of your family." When he wasn't looking, Blaine picked up a scarf that matched the sweater Kurt had picked up for Rachel. He'd find a way to buy something for everyone, even if he had to distract Kurt for a few minutes to do so.

"I don't want you to feel like you have to buy them anything, Blaine. They won't mind and whatever I get can be from you as well."

"Do you not think I can pick out something they will like?" Blaine sounded disappointed.

"Of course not, honey." Kurt turned around and gave Blaine a kiss, not caring about the people surrounding them. That was the thing he loved about New York. He could be with Blaine in public—hold his hand, kiss him, nuzzle into his side—and no one seemed to care. It was liberating at times after growing up somewhere as conservative as Lima. "Whatever you pick out, they'd love. I just don't want you spending money on my crazy family."

"But I want to," Blaine refuted. "Money isn't a problem, and I want to spend it on them. So please let me." He held up the scarf he'd been keeping down at his side. "This matches that sweater you're getting for Rachel, right?"

Kurt smiled back at him and nodded. "I think she'd love that." He kissed him again before handing the sweater to Blaine. "Here. I've already gotten her plenty of gifts. You should give her this complete outfit."

"Are you sure?" Blaine hesitantly took the sweater from Kurt.

"Absolutely." Kurt led Blaine to the counter and watched affectionately as Blaine purchased his first gift. He didn't know understand why it was so important that he bought gifts for everyone himself, but Kurt couldn't deny the smile that lit up Blaine's face when he added a nice necklace to his purchase and handed three twenties to the lady behind the counter.

"She really is going to love that, you know," Kurt assured him once they left the store.

"I hope so. I have a feeling Finn and your dad are going to be a little harder to shop for."

"Finn's easy. Get him anything relating to sports or food and he'll fall right into your arms. A gift card to any burger place would be fine by him."

"I don't want to settle for fine. He's your brother, and to be honest, I'm pretty sure he's the one I have to watch out for. If he doesn't approve of me, I don't have a shot at making it to our one year anniversary."

Kurt was happy to hear that Blaine was thinking about their future together as well. "Finn isn't going to disapprove of you just because you may not get him the world's greatest Christmas present, so relax. He likes you. Rachel's the one you have to watch out for."

"Why?" Blaine asked cautiously. "Did she say something this morning?"

"Just that she loves you and can't wait to see you again. If you can get her approval, I think you're meant to be a part of my crazy, wacky family."

"I have a question. About a present for Burt and Carole."

"Hmm? What's that?"

"Well, what if…. Do you think they might enjoy a night out? Just the two of them? I know this great place in Columbus from when I was living around there and I thought maybe I could get them a gift card and maybe tickets to a show playing or something. Maybe get Carole a new outfit or purse for it and your dad a nice watch or something?" Kurt didn't say anything, but slowed his pace and stared over at Blaine. "It's a bad idea, isn't it? Never mind. I'll think of something else." Blaine looked towards the ground.

"Hey, no. Look at me." They stopped walking and moved to the side to let the stream of people continue walking through. "I think it's the perfect idea, Blaine. They would love it, but I just think it's too much. I mean, I don't want you to spend that kind of money on them."

"I told you money wasn't a problem. I make more money than I know what to do with. I want to get them something great. They deserve it after raising someone as amazing as you."

"You just made this entire idea incredibly cheesy," Kurt grinned.

"Sorry. So you really think it's a good idea?" Blaine seemed hopeful.

"It's a fantastic idea."

"Good. Now I just need to find you and my dad something."

"No no no. Not me. You don't have to get me anything," Kurt argued.

"Are you getting me something?" Kurt was silent once again. "That's what I thought. We can split up later so I can get your present, okay?"

"Fine. But you better not spend more on me than you do anyone else," Kurt warned. He looked around at the stores surrounding them to find one that might be of some help to them. He grabbed Blaine's hand and pulled him along when he spotted the perfect one.

"Where are we going?" Blaine stumbled along behind Kurt.

"Build-a-Bear. I'm going to get Lizzie her first bear from here and she is going to love it." They stepped inside and politely denied the help offered from one of the employees before making their way to the wall of stuffed animals.

"Kurt, you already spend nearly $200 on her at Baby's R Us, not to mention the personalized blanket you custom ordered online last week. She's only a few months old. She's not going to care."

"And like I said before, I want to spoil her rotten to insure that I am her favorite person."

Blaine rolled his eyes and hugged him from behind. "Like she could choose anyone over you. I like that one." He pointed to a fuzzy, light brown bear with a darker patch over one of its eyes.

"Hey, do you want to get her this instead?"

"I thought you wanted to be the one to give her the first Build-a-Bear bear." Blaine picked one of the unstuffed bears out of the bin beneath it and fluffed up its fur.

"I did, but you can if you want."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Now go stuff that bear." Blaine made his way to the stuffing and had the bear stuffed—the lady didn't make him dance around and make a wish, but he did have to kiss the small silk heart he put inside. Once the bear was stuffed, he'd picked out a simple pink shirt—one that would be safe for a little girl as young as Elizabeth—and checked out. He felt like he was finally accomplishing something. He had a present for Rachel and Elizabeth and an idea for Burt and Carole. All he had left to do was decide on something for Finn and buy Kurt's.

"Do you want to split up now, so I can go find your present and then meet up for dinner? There's an Applebee's located downstairs and I know how much you love their pasta."

"You know how to get to me, don't you?"

"Of course I do."

"I'll meet you there at 6:00?"

"Sounds good," Kurt confirmed. They kissed goodbye before going their separate ways.

�

"Can I help you with anything, sir?"

Blaine looked up to see Kurt grinning back at him, dressed in his uniform and holding a fresh thermos of hot coffee and a plate of cookies. Blaine gladly accepted the plate—he still received two cookies during every flight as Kurt had promised when they first met—and held up his empty mug for a refill. "Thank you, sir. Your cooking is delicious."

"Well, it's not my cooking, but thank you." They went through the same routine as well—Blaine thanking Kurt and Kurt admitting that he actually wasn't the reason for the delicious cookies Blaine always eagerly ate. It got old after awhile, but kept the other passengers from suspecting anything.

"And the coffee?"

"Came straight from the pot. I do know how to create the perfect ratio between water and grounds." He took the empty plate from Kurt, shaking his head at the speed in which Blaine always ate each cookie. "Would you like anything else?"

"No, thank you. I'm okay right now, but come back later and I'm sure there will be something else you can help me with," he winked.

Kurt rolled his eyes and had to stop himself from playfully running a hand through Blaine's curls. Ever since Kurt had admitted how much he loved his curls, Blaine had kept them free of gel whenever possible. He still wore his slacks, a button up shirt, and elegant tie, but often kept his jacket neatly folded in the empty seat next to him.

Not even ten minutes later, Kurt emerged from the back once again when he heard the door to the bathroom swing open and someone violently getting sick inside. His job entitled him to make sure each passenger was okay and to provide them with anything they needed to make their flight as comfortable as possible. That included taking care of someone if they were sick. He walked out into the aisle and peeked into the bathroom, not expecting the sight before him. It didn't even take him a full two seconds before he realized the man crouched on the floor was Blaine.

Kurt opened the door a little wider and stepped inside, allowing it to close behind him. Blaine didn't look up, but relaxed under Kurt's touch as soon as he began rubbing his back soothingly. Kurt knelt down next to Blaine and wiped a few loose curls from his forehead and noticed a few beads of sweat along the side of his face.

"Are you okay, sweetie."

"Kurt?" Blaine turned his head to look up at him, but quickly stuck it back into the seat when he felt another round making its way up into his mouth. Kurt turned his head away from the smell, but continued rubbing Blaine's back.

"You don't feel hot," Kurt stated after checking Blaine's forehead for a fever.

"I think it was the chicken in the pasta last night. I knew it didn't look don-"

Kurt's stomach twisted into knots each time he saw Blaine getting sick. He hated what he was going through. Kurt remembered the times he would get the flu or eat something that would upset his stomach. His mom would lay him in bed and bring him a glass of sprite to help settle his stomach. Kurt knew being thousands of feet in the air on a plane was not the place for Blaine to be while he wasn't feeling well.

He reached up to get a few paper towels from above him and motioned for Blaine to lean up. He wiped Blaine's mouth and threw the paper towels into the trashcan beside them.

"You should go," Blaine told him.

"I want to stay here and help you until you start to feel a little bit better."

"Kurt, your job is to make sure all of the other customers are okay."

"And that's exactly what I'm doing." Kurt tried to calm him down.

"Well, I don't want you in here. You're just giving people an excuse to suspect something."

"Blaine, this is my job. No one's going to suspect anything, so I'm going to stay in here until-"

"Just go, Kurt." Blaine started to raise his voice and got sick in the toilet once again.

"You'll tell me if you need anything at all? Please?"

"Yeah, I will." Kurt stood up, but didn't make it very far before he felt Blaine grabbing his wrist. "I… I'm sorry. I just don't want you to get in trouble."

"It's fine, sweetie. I just want you to feel better." He leaned back down and placed a kiss on the back of Blaine's neck before heading out into the cabin.