Kurt hummed happily to himself as he dressed his miniature Christmas tree in his dorm room. He loved Christmas, from the treats, to the decorations, to the time spent with even the most annoying of his extended family members. Even now, with his mother gone, it was still a way to celebrate her life and Kurt was diligent in carrying out the Christmas traditions she had when she was alive. It was a way for him to feel the love of his mother again. Little things, like baking her candy-cane cookies and singing carols around the yule log on the public access channel since they didn't have a real fireplace, made him remember his mother. He remembered her smile as she would watch Kurt perform in the school Christmas concerts, and the way she would sing him to sleep with Little Toy Trains at night.

Plus he would be home for two weeks. While he loved his new Dalton friends, he did miss his dad and all his friends from McKinley. He was looking forward to spending time with them again. He really needed a day out with the girls to go shopping, and he wanted to see how Blaine was doing - more than what he got in texts anyhow.

Blaine's time with New Directions was short lived. The instant Mr. Schuester, or Mr. Butthead as Blaine had taken to calling him, had announced that Glee club would be going class to class to carol for the homeless, Blaine had announced he would be leaving and that the rest of the club should make sure to wear cups and whatever it is girls wear to protect themselves from the backlash.

And they did receive backlash. A teacher even threw a shoe at that. While Kurt was all for supporting the homeless and singing carols - doing it at McKinley in front of the other students was just another way of committing social suicide.

Up until that point though, Blaine had been a constant source of gossip and insights on New Directions various members, all of whom received nicknames from him. Puck became Pottyman after his stint in the porta potty, Tina was Goth Asian, Mike was Dancing Asian, Artie was Wheels, Santana was Slutana, Quinn was Babymama, Sam was Abs'n'lips, Rachel was Diva Queen, Mercedes became Black Rachel, and Finn was simply - Kurt's bro.

"What about Brittany?" Kurt had asked him over the phone.

"Oh. I like her. She's the Smart Chick."

"You can't be serious..."

"Totally am. She's the most honest one there. Her and I are like besties in there."

Kurt laughed at that. The conversations he had with Blaine were complemented by the information he got from Mercedes. Apparently Blaine had a vested interest in pissing off Rachel - getting his jollies from how high strung she would get. He knew they needed him before sectionals to meet their minimum membership, so he would make ridiculous demands of them. Mercedes and most of the others caught on to his scheming, but Rachel didn't, and so became a source of entertainment not only for Blaine, but for several other members of the Glee club who were happy to see her get a taste of her own diva medicine.

"Today Blaine told Rachel he wouldn't stay on unless she wore mismatched socks." Mercedes told him with a wicked laugh.

Kurt chuckled, just imagining Rachel taking issue with that. She was nothing if not a control freak and something like wearing mismatched socks would bug her all day. Apparently she did though, and made sure everyone knew about the sacrifice she was making for the team.

"And Puckerman is studying his face off because Blaine said he wouldn't stay on unless Puck passed all his courses. I have never seen that boy with his nose in his books like I have in the past week!"

Of course, those little conversation jems went away once Blaine ditched New Directions after Mr. Schuester sprung the caroling for the homeless campaign on them. According to Mercedes, once Blaine had left, Rachel had returned to her normal self, and was once again the bane of everyone elses existence there.

But at least now Blaine had a couple other people he could call friends in the school - notably Brittany and Mercedes.

"You know we're only here for another week right Kurt?" Trent asked, looking at the decorations Kurt was adorning their room in.

"Oh I know... it's just... I love Christmas."

"Clearly." Trent chuckled. Kurt had been lucky to share a room with a guy like Trent who was so easy-going, and never took any issue with how long Kurt spent in the bathroom. Even though he wore the same uniform as everyone else at Dalton, Kurt wasn't about to get lazy with his hair and skincare regime. Those were going to be the only things that set him apart here.

His phone buzzed and he looked down at it, smiling at the message.

How long until you're back? I need help getting a present for my mom. -B

"Oooo... must be that boy again." Trent said with a wink to Kurt. Kurt hadn't told Trent about Blaine, but it had become obvious from his mannerisms when he was on the phone with Blaine or texting with Blaine, that he was talking to someone special.

Kurt blushed and looked away, as if that would incriminate him less, and typed out a response.

Friday afternoon, but if you feel like driving out here, we could shop earlier. Warblers are officially on hiatus until after the holidays. -K

So done! Tomorrow? -B

Tomorrow is perfect. -K

Just like you Kurt thought to himself, and went back to humming Christmas carols and putting lights up around the room as Trent watched him with an amused shake of his head.

Kurt didn't know what he was expecting when Blaine arrived at Dalton. Perhaps the minivan, or another car from the garage.

No. Of course it was the motorcycle. How on earth was Kurt supposed to load up a motorcycle with shopping bags?

Blaine rode up in front of the main doors, knocked out the kickstand and pulled off his helmet, drawing the attention of all Dalton students hanging out in the front lobby, including Kurt who was waiting there for Blaine.

Most of the students just arched their eyebrows, looking suspiciously at the motorcycle and its rider, while the rest looked at Kurt curiously as he walked out the front doors to greet Blaine.

"Ah... maybe we should take my car..." Kurt suggested, looking at the motorcycle and once again lamenting its lack of cargo space.

Blaine tsked at him and tossed him his helmet, lifting up his seat to pull out a second helmet. "No way. I want to drive."

"I could let you drive my car..." Kurt suggested, looking down at the helmet and furrowing his brow. He had JUST done his hair.

"Come on. I'll bet you've never been on a motorcycle." Blaine grinned over at Kurt. Technically that wasn't true. Kurt had sat on a motorcycle when he was a little kid and his dad had held him on it while it was stationary for a photo opportunity. He knew that Blaine meant a moving one though and so he shook his head.

"My hair though..."

"Will look fucking wonderful no matter what happens to it. Come on. I want to go." Blaine pulled his backup helmet over his head and clipped it on, kicking up the stand and looking over at Kurt as he waited.

"This is insanity..." Kurt mumbled to himself, pulling on the helmet and immediately dreading what his hair was going to look like when he took it off. He was hardly dressed for a motorcycle ride, having tried to dress to impress Blaine - in a collared shirt with a blue vest and black slacks. Kurt knew he looked completely out of place on a motorcycle.

Yet as soon as he got on the bike behind Blaine, and had to wrap his arms around Blaine's waist, he decided this was a fabulous idea. He got to be close to Blaine, so very close, without question. Why did Blaine always smell like cinnamon and raspberries anyhow?

As soon as he had his arms firmly around Blaine's waist, Blaine took off, and Kurt's heart jumped in his chest at the thrill of the ride and being connected to Blaine.

When they got to the local mall, Kurt took an extra minute to get off the motorcycle. His legs felt like jelly from the vibrations, and he was worried about taking his helmet off. Blaine ended up helping him pull the helmet off, declaring his hair as "Sensational as always" before they walked into the mall.

"Must be hard to find something for your mother... since she has so much already." Kurt noted, walking alongside Blaine and checking his reflection in every mirror they passed by.

"Mmm.. not really. She likes hearing new Filipino artists so I'll usually go to the CD store and get her something from there..."

"Is that what she speaks? Filipino?" Kurt asked, looking over to Blaine who had his hands buried in the pockets of his jeans. He wished he could hold one of those hands.

Blaine laughed at that. "And I suppose you think the Asian kids speak Chinese too?" When Kurt looked back at Blaine with a blank expression, he clarified. "Filipino people mostly speak Tagalog or Cebuano languages, just like Chinese people speak mostly Cantonese or Mandarin."

"Oh... well now that you've made me feel like a total idiot, let's please get some shopping done." Kurt huffed.

Blaine rolled his eyes, nudging Kurt with his hips, "Don't worry about it. I think you've got a hot brain in that perfectly styled head of yours anyhow."

Kurt went red, looking down at the floor to hide it, though Blaine giggled when he saw it.

"You need to be complimented more. Those prep school fucks giving you a hard time at all?"

Kurt looked back up and shook his head no. "They've been quite wonderful actually. I wish it didn't cost so much to have a school with decent people in it."

"You wound me Kurt Hummel, and here I thought I was decent people!" Blaine joked, putting a hand to his heart as it was hurting.

"Oh please. You know very well how indecent you are." Kurt winked back to him.

Three hours later, Kurt was being dragged out of the mall by Blaine.

"No... please... that sale was phenomenal!"

"Kurt. We have no room for all the bags you already are carrying!"

Kurt begrudgingly agreed, and after some creative bag tying, they were off again, back to Dalton.

"Come see my dorm while you're here... oh! And the Warbler's choir room!" Kurt pleaded as soon as they drove up to the door.

"And help you with those bags I suppose..." Blaine added on, looking at the bags that had no doubt decreased his mileage significantly from their weight.

"Yes! Those too!" Kurt trilled.

Blaine helped him carry the bags to his room, meeting Trent in the process who gave him a look up and down and then winked knowingly to Kurt despite Kurt trying to signal him not to do or say anything.

"So... your roommate was totally checking me out. Just saying." Blaine noted as soon as they left Kurt's dorm room.

Kurt chuckled to himself nervously. Well, at least that crisis was avoided. Blaine just thought Trent was sweet on him.

As they entered the Warbler practice room, Blaine let out a low whistle, "Well this place is so much more swank than the New Directions lameass room. Look at those comfy seats..."

Kurt smiled and nodded. Dalton certainly appreciated their Glee club like McKinley never did.

"Want to sing?" Blaine mused, looking over to the piano in the room.

"Really? You'll duet with me?" Kurt preened. It was a dream come true.

"Hell yah. Your sweet voice with my smoldering one? I'll even do something you pick."

Oh god, I pick me then.

Kurt thought for a second and then suggested, "Baby It's Cold Outside?"

Blaine wrinkled up his nose a bit at the suggestion, "It's kind of old... and Christmas carolly..."

Kurt face fell a little. His mother loved it when he sang that for her.

"... but sure."

Kurt's face lit back up and he followed Blaine over to the piano, where he was surprised to hear that Blaine knew how to play it.

They immediately went into the song, and Kurt had to stop himself from squealing during the duet at how good their voices harmonized together, and how this song was perfect for subtle flirting with Blaine.

"Wow... you sing that better than any chick could." Blaine said with clear admiration when they were done, and Kurt couldn't hide the bashful blush in his cheeks this time.

"I need to get going... but let me know as soon as you're back in Lima hey?" Blaine said, giving Kurt a gentle, though awkward nudge before stepping out, just as Mr. Schuester, of all people walked in.

Mr. Schuester raised his brows a little at Blaine's presence, though shook it off as he approached Kurt who was still coming down off the high of singing with Blaine.

"He special to you?" Mr. Schuester asked as he approached Kurt.

""No, he's just a friend. On the upside, I'm in love with him and he's actually gay. I call that progress" Kurt noted with a small smile. Was it love? Was that too strong a word for what he was feeling?

"Hrm..." Was all Mr. Schuester gave as a response, clearly not impressed with Blaine since his abandonment of Glee club last week. However, Mr. Schuester needed Kurt's input on a gift for Coach Sylvester whom he had drawn in a secret Santa draw. Kurt had no problem coming up with a gift idea for him. If there was one thing Kurt knew he was good at, it was shopping, as evidenced by the pile of bags awaiting him back in his dorm room.

"Dad... dad! Just let me do it." Kurt had been trying to hold back, to stop himself from interfering, but his dad was just terrible at gift wrapping. He stepped in as Burt graciously backed off and went about wrapping the gifts, knowing from experience that he'd be able to instantly tell which gifts were his under the tree as they'd be the only ones wrapped by his dad, and therefore haphazardly covered.

"So, can Blaine come for dinner?" Burt asked, watching Kurt with his hands shoved into his pockets. Burt and Carol had suggested having Blaine over more which made Kurt both happy and suspicious. What parents actually suggest having their son's crush over more. He hoped it was just because they liked Blaine that much, but he suspected it had more to do with letting Blaine know there was a safe place for him when he needed it.

"Yes. He wanted to know if he should bring anything." Kurt responded as he curled the ribbons so they sprung at the top of the gift just right. Really what Blaine had actually said was if he should bring rum or beer, but he knew his dad wouldn't want to know that Blaine was actually drinking underage.

"Course not. We invited him. He just needs to bring himself."

"Dad?"

"Yes kiddo?"

"I like him."

Burt snickered a little and Kurt looked up at his father with his mouth slightly open.

"Sorry Kurt... it's just... it's a little obvious. You practically float whenever you talk about him."

Kurt groaned a little bit, looking back down at his wrapping. "Well at least he's actually gay this time."

"I'll give you that. Just remember to guard your heart."

Kurt huffed and Burt left to go help Carol with the dinner, though that only meant he would be setting the table since Carol and Kurt had taken over the kitchen as their own - otherwise Finn and Burt would only stock and make macaroni and cheese.

If his crush was obvious to his dad, then he had to tone it down around Blaine. He didn't want to risk losing their friendship just because he wanted something more. Besides, Blaine was assertive enough to make the moves on Kurt if Blaine liked him back, which he hadn't, so Kurt just had to be happy with what they did have and hope that Blaine might think of him as more than a friend one day.

The door opened and slammed shut, and Kurt heard the thumping of feet on the floor below. Finn was back home, just in time to avoid having to do any housecleaning or dinner preparation - as usual. It sounded like he had company, and Kurt would have thought it might be Rachel until he remembered that Finn and Rachel were in the off cycle of their on-and-off relationship.

"Kuuuuurrrrtttt!"

Kurt immediately sat up straighter and felt a grin spread across his face at Blaine's voice. Maybe his dad was right when it was obvious how much he liked Blaine.

Kurt left the rest of the wrapping for later - it was all things for the extended family anyhow, and ran down the stairs to Blaine, stopping in his tracks when he saw him.

Blaine was wearing a black button up shirt which was actually tucked into a clean and untattered pair of jeans. He had left his hair curly, but had shaven off his usual scruff - which was an effort in itself since Blaine had confided that he already shaved once a day as it was and had scruff by the time French started.

He grinned at Kurt and did a little spin in spot, knowing immediately that Kurt must be assessing his outfit. "What do you think eh?"

Kurt smiled, "You look absolutely stunning. Now come eat so I can show you off as my non-date."

Blaine laughed and they went to the table. Dinner was like something out of romantic movie. The conversation was pleasant and consistent, the food was delicious, and Kurt got to sit beside Blaine and imagine that they were romantically involved despite having to remind himself not to play footsie with Blaine.

"So, Blaine, family besides mom and dad?" Burt asked before stuffing some mashed potatoes into his mouth.

"A brother... much older." Blaine glanced to Kurt as he said it, catching Kurt's raised eyebrows. Kurt had never heard about a brother before.

"He lives in Los Angeles. Talented, charismatic, and the pride and joy of the family."

Kurt thought he knew all about Blaine. It frustrated him that he didn't know that one important tidbit.

"I was clearly the accident." Blaine concluded, going back to his meal.

"Oh sweetie... when it comes to kids there are no accidents. Surprises maybe, but not accidents." Carol intoned, hands folded together in front of her as she looked at Blaine with fondness only a mother could have.

"Oh Carol... when it comes to my family there are accidents, and I am chief among them. My dad made sure I knew that." Blaine stabbed a piece of turkey, putting it into his mouth and chewing it angrily.

Kurt put a hand on Blaine's thigh, looking to him sadly. How could anyone, any parent for that matter, make someone feel like they were not wanted. He could see his parents were unsettled by the statement, but not sure of how to address it without making the dinner a hostile occasion.

The rest of the dinner went alright once Finn decided to interject with how things were going on the football team. Kurt tuned out when the topic of conversation turned to sports, but was happy that Blaine went against stereotypes and seemed to be well versed when it came to sports, apparently having played soccer for a number of years himself prior to coming to McKinley.

It was in the living room, afterwards, that Kurt led Blaine to the couch to sit down and he went to the Christmas tree and grabbed a small, perfectly wrapped box.

"For you." Kurt said, putting the box into Blaine's hands. Blaine blinked with surprise, looking up at Kurt, and Kurt saw the surprise and guilt in his eyes. "It's okay... we never talked about exchanging gifts, but I love shopping and when I saw this, I had to get it for you."

Blaine grinned and tore open the wrapping exactly like a small child would, letting pieces of Kurt's perfect wrapping job float to the floor around him.

Then came Blaine's perfect, sweet laughter as he saw what Kurt had bought him. He held it up and put it against his collar, "Bowtie huh?"

Kurt smiled sweetly. The truth was he spent several mall outings finding the perfect tie for Blaine - he hadn't just walked past it or anything. He wanted it to be perfect, and it was probably no mistake that it was a bowtie more expensive than most of his outfits. But it looked perfect against Blaine, especially when he was dressed so nicely, and Kurt leaned forward to help Blaine put it on.

"Humor me."

An image flashed through Kurt's mind as he tied the bow. A picture of him doing up Blaine's tie before he left for work in their apartment. His heart hummed happily.

"Kurt?"

"Yes Blaine?"

"Thanks... for this and for dinner. It was like I was a part of something normal."

Kurt chuckled and stood back, admiring the bow tie on Blaine and immediately glad he had picked that one. "You are a perfect picture of a gentleman now."

Blaine arched an eyebrow and stepped over to the mirror by the front door, grinning at himself in the mirror. "Nice. I bet everyone would shit bricks if I came to school looking this good."

Kurt rolled his eyes. Well they would until you opened your mouth up anyhow.