Blaine had been pounding the New York streets for almost three hours, and quite frankly he was exhausted. He'd made up his mind when he'd set off from his apartment early this morning that he wasn't going to return home until he'd found some part- time work. However, his initial enthusiasm and determination was beginning to wane as he was slowly coming to the conclusion that there was no work to be had anywhere.

It wasn't as if he was being fussy about where he wanted to work. He had lost count of the number of shops he'd been into asking if they had any vacancies.Everyone had been politely apologetic, but unable to help.

Without realising it Blaine found he had stopped outside a particular shop not that far from where he lived. Blaine knew this shop. It was a charming coffee shop which had an aesthetic appeal to it and although it wasn't Blaine's regular coffee shop, he had always thought how warm and inviting it looked. However, despite the shop being so close to where he lived, Blaine usually went to a different coffee shop a bit further away.
Blaine knew there was a small sign in the shop window saying 'Staff Required'. He'd seen it several times before. Blaine also knew that this shop was owned by the infamously formidable Kurt Hummel.

Kurt Hummel had a reputation that went before him, and whilst he ran a successful, exemplary business, he could put the fear of god into the most confident of people. He had been known to shoot down any customer down that dared to cross him, and as for staff - rumour had it - many had been reduced to tears. Even the captain of Blaine's college football team who apparently had had a job there had been reduced to a blubbering wreck by Kurt Hummel.

However, the fact remained that Blaine needed a job - fast. His roommate had moved out a couple of months ago, and despite advertising for a new roommate, nobody had come forward. Blaine already worked several evenings a week playing a set at a local bar, but that was nowhere near enough to cover the whole rent for his apartment plus living expenses.

Blaine stood staring at the small sign in the shop window. His feet remaining firmly stuck to the spot where he'd come to a halt. His head was telling him to move on, go home and rethink this whole job idea - his body seemed to have other ideas. 'What was the worse thing that could happen?' Blaine asked himself as he peered through the glass into the shop. Even if he could just get some work here until he could find something else, or better still, a new roommate could be found, it could definitely help him out if a difficult situation.

Blaine took a deep breath and pushed the shop door open before he could change his mind.

There was a small queue at the counter. Blaine decided he would join the queue, get himself a coffee (he needed one after the morning he'd had anyway) and then while he was being served he could just ask about the job. Simple.

The shop had a low key comforting buzz about it. Quiet music played in the background, blending with the hum of chatter. And then there was this delicious aroma of coffee and pastries wafting over Blaine in waves, making him feel inexplicably relaxed.

Waiting in line gave Blaine a chance to have a good look at the shop owner. Kurt Hummel - the reason why Blaine usually went to a coffee shop further away from home.

Kurt was on his own serving, and despite being rushed off his feet, still managed to have an air of superiority about him. His hair was perfectly coiffed, not a single strand out of place. His shirt was unbuttoned at the neck revealing pale, flawless skin. His arms below his rolled up sleeves, toned and strong. In fact he was probably one of the few people who could make a standard coffee shop apron look good. When he turned around to get something from over the back, Blaine could see he was wearing the tightest skinny jeans known to man. How did he ever get those on? Blaine tried to brush that thought far from his mind.

Suddenly Blaine was at the front of the queue. How did that happen? He really wasn't ready. His head was still reeling with inappropriate thoughts about tight jeans..

"Yes?" A sharp high voice was asking him. Being close up to Kurt Hummel felt even more intimidating than Blaine expected.

"Oh, uh.. Um...a drip..please." Stuttering was not going to create a good first impression.

"Size?" The voice returned in a polite but exasperated sort of way.

"Oh.. Um.. Medium". This wasn't going well. "Thank you." Blaine could have done with something to eat too, but he didn't trust himself to ask for anything else.

Kurt busied himself making Blaine's coffee. Blaine took a big gulp - it was now or never. As Kurt put the coffee firmly on the counter, Blaine handed over some money to Kurt and decided now was the time. "I was wondering if you're still looking for staff?" Blaine asked as coherently as he could.

Kurt sorted out Blaine's change, then looked up at him and raising one eyebrow, "I am," the high voice said slowly. He then didn't say anything else, so he was obviously waiting for Blaine to speak.

"Oh, I'm a student at NYADA. I need a job to cover some of my rent. My roommate moved out. I've worked in a coffee shop before. I'm reliable." Blaine knew he was rambling.

"Okay, okay.." Kurt interrupted in a stern voice.

"..and I love coffee.." Blaine tailed off.

He may have detected a small smile from Kurt at the last remark. It was hard to tell. "I really don't need your life history," the high voice retorted.

"Sorry.."

"Have a seat over there, I'll have a quick chat to you about it when the queue's died down." Kurt gestured to a small table over by the wall, then he turned to the next customer in the queue.

Blaine initially spent a bit of time watching Kurt work, sipping his coffee as he did so. Kurt couldn't really be a lot different in age than he was Blaine noticed when he looked closely. Maybe two or three years older, Blaine would guess, but his manner suggested someone far older. It was very hard to imagine Kurt Hummel being young and carefree with a group of friends, yet surely he couldn't always behave like the ice cold man that he appeared to be. There must be a human being somewhere beneath that hard exterior. Anyway he certainly knew how to make delicious coffee - Blaine would give him that.

Blaine was woken from his thoughts by another cup of coffee being placed on the table next to him. He'd obviously completely zoned out and hadn't noticed that the queue was now gone. "I've made you another coffee. Sorry to keep you waiting." Kurt's voice was softer than it had been previously. He perched himself carefully on the chair opposite Blaine, sitting with a certain poise that matched his demeanour precisely. Nobody would ever have expected Kurt Hummel to slouch, and there is no way he would ever be seen behaving in such a common manner.

"Oh.. Um.. Thanks .. Um.. For the coffee." He really must stop stuttering. "You know my coffee order?"

"Of course." Kurt's voice was again a little less snappy than previously, giving Blaine hope that he could maybe work for this man without being reduced to a quivering mess. "About the job," Kurt continued, "I could really do with someone to cover some morning shifts, to give me a chance to get on in the kitchen. I already have help at the weekends, so it would really just be weekdays. How does that fit in with you?"

"Yes.. Mornings are fine. All my regular classes are in the afternoons and its only occasionally we have to go in in the morning for something.. I think I have a timetable of extra curricula requirements at home. I can let you know the dates." Blaine began to feel worried he was boring Kurt with too much information again.

If he was, Kurt didn't comment. "Good. Fine. 8amsharp tomorrow morningthen." Kurt offered his hand to shake hands with Blaine, to seal the deal so to speak. Blaine gingerly took Kurt's hand, giving Kurt his brightest smile. He was shocked at how smooth and delicate Kurt's hand felt against his own guitar calloused fingers. With that Kurt was gone, busying himself back behind the counter, leaving Blaine to wonder what on earth had possessed him to take a job in the one place he'd been determined not to.

******

"You're working where?" Sam asked incredulously. "Whatever possessed you to take a job there?"

"I know, I know," Blaine sighed. "I can always leave once I get myself sorted. It's just for now."

"I just can't believe - have you not heard of this guy's reputation?
Blaine shrugged. "It may not be so bad - I mean he said he'd be doing stuff in the kitchen while I'm doing my shift, and I really need the money."

"I've told you that you can always come and bunk with me and Mike. You really don't have to put yourself through this, Blaine."

"Yeah I know, and thank you, but I like my apartment and don't want to give up hope just yet. I'm sure someone will come along."

Blaine had just finished his set at the bar to rapturous applause, and was now enjoying his 'drink on the house' before he set off home. Sam, his old friend from high school, and now fellow student at NYADA had come along to support him.

"You were really good tonight, by the way," Sam offered. Those girls in the corner were going nuts over 'Teenage Dream', I think you may have found yourself some groupies.

"Oh I don't think so," Blaine commented, glancing over at the small dance floor where the same girls were going wild at the band that had come on after Blaine.

"No, I definitely heard them asking what nights you perform here - I'm sure they mainly come to see you."

Blaine shrugged. "I doubt it. But I can dream."

"Anyway," Blaine smiled, " you'll have to come and see my brilliant barista skills one morning. You can come and give me some moral support."

"Yeah, I might come in and be a difficult customer if I actually feel brave enough to come in."

"It's actually really nice in there," Blaine added, "I'm not saying you have to actually like Kurt Hummel - although I think he made me the best coffee I've ever had."

"Well there must be something that keeps the customers coming back, and it certainly isn't his charm and charisma."

"Mmm, people can put up with alot to feed their caffeine addiction. And at least that means I'm not going to become homeless for the time being."

*****

Kurt didn't really like having to give up the reigns to any part of his coffee shop to anyone else, but he'd long ago conceded that running the shop wasn't something that he could manage by himself. He knew hewasn't always as gracious as he could be to any staff who came to work for him. He resented the fact that he was unable to cope by himself, even though he knew it was a physical impossibility - even for Kurt Hummel. His coffee shop was his 'baby' which he had cherished and nurtured, and still to this day, loved with a passion.

Needless to say, no staff member ever seemed to stay long working for Kurt. It wasn't their fault exactly, it was just that as soon as Kurt spotted a weakness in them, he found it annoyed him so much that he ground them down until eventually they'd have enough of his ill humoured ways and just up and leave.

Kurt hadn't always been like this. He could remember how excited he'd been when his coffee shop dream had been realised just over two years ago. His heart had felt light with excitement on his first day of opening, and he'd virtually skipped across the threshold of the shop, ecstatic about his new venture.

Somewhere along the way, sheer exhaustion and a few failed relationships had hardened him into someone he barely recognised. He could see that people were wary of him, and his impatient and sarcastic attitude did nothing to quell their fears.
Kurt was tired of this, of being like this. He felt like it was time to live a little, love a little, but he wasn't sure he could remember how anymore.

****

Blaine had survived his first two shifts at the coffee shop. He'd arrived on his first morning, bright and early - keen to set a good impression. After a polite 'good morning', he'd donned the apron Kurt had provided him with and set to work.

For the first hour Kurt had taken the helm, with Blaine watching carefully. Blaine had stepped in to help where he could - clearing a few tables when needed and just generally helping out without getting in the way. Kurt had promised to show him how to work the dishwasher when things quietened down.

Once the first rush of the day was over Kurt had suggested Blaine could make them both a coffee. Blaine had discovered Kurt's regular coffee was a non- fat mocha, and Blaine had decided he'd make himself a medium drip as the one Kurt had made him the day before had been so delicious.

By the end of the second day, Kurt and Blaine had slipped into an easy routine. Despite the space being tight, they managed to work round each other without getting in each other's way. Kurt hadn't yet left Blaine completely on his own, but he was already able to do some baking in the kitchen, just coming out to help out where needed.

Blaine took his apron off at the end of his shift, "I don't know how you've been doing this on your own, Kurt. It must be exhausting..." Having felt so comfortable working with Kurt, Blaine suddenly feared he'd overstepped the mark by saying what he said.

Kurt smiled wryly without looking up at Blaine. "It's not always so easy.."

"Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow..Kurt," Blaine smiled brightly, wanting to say more, but maybe it was too soon.

"Yeah, thanks Blaine," Kurt said this time looking up. At the sight of the dazzling smile and curly head of hair, Kurt felt a tiny piece of his heart soften a little. Blaine looked so comforting, and well, so warm. It gave Kurt a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Oh, and Blaine..," Kurt said as Blaine turned to leave, "you're doing really well."
Blaine internally high fived himself as he exited the shop.

*****

Blaine could honestly say he was actually quite enjoying working for Kurt, and once he'd been paid for the first time, appreciated the pressure it took off him financially.
However, Blaine was definitely finding working five shifts a week exhausting. After working at the shop, Blaine's day was filled with classes, homework, rehearsing and often a gig at the bar in the evening. Even on weekends he fared no better, although he wasn't working for Kurt he still had an endless stream of college stuff to catch up on, plus doing his washing and cleaning the apartment - quite important incase anyone did come round for a viewing. So by the time the middle of his second week arrived Blaine had had to literally crawl out of bed to get to work. There was no way on earth Blaine would have dared be late, for although he felt comfortable around Kurt most of the time he was still slightly fearful of getting on the wrong side of him.

Blaine arrived for work bleary eyed one day towards the end of his second week, hoping that a coffee would help him perk up. As soon as he opened the shop door, Blaine could sense something wasn't right, the atmosphere just felt wrong. Kurt's reply was distinctly icy as Blaine gave him a cheery 'hi' on his way in to put his bag and coat in the staff area, giving Blaine a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

When Blaine arrived at the counter, Kurt immediately left to go into the kitchen without giving Blaine any acknowledgement. Blaine couldn't help but feel a little hurt at the action, but pushed it to the back of his mind. This was the Kurt he'd been wary of in the beginning, but having worked with him these last few days, already knew that wasn't the real him. He hoped it wasnt he who had done anything to upset Kurt.

Despite feeling pretty grotty, Blaine managed to work his way through the queue of early morning workers with his usual charm. He was desperate for a coffee and at the first opportunity made one for himself and Kurt. Blaine glanced into the kitchen, noticing Kurt in the middle of baking, leaning on the kitchen work top, just staring into space. Something was definitely wrong. Even if Kurt wasn't chatty, he was certainly never idle.

Blaine carried Kurt's coffee into the kitchen and carefully put it on the counter near him. "Kurt," Blaine said quietly, " here's a coffee for you."

Kurt turned slowly to look at Blaine, as if he couldn't remember where he was. His bright blue eyes were a little watery, as he nodded a silent thanks to Blaine for the coffee.

Blaine felt a little unsure of what to do about Kurt. He didn't feel he knew him well enough to start asking him what was wrong and to start delving into his personal life. Blaine thought that the best he could do for now was to keep things under control out front and just give Kurt some time to himself.

At one point Blaine could hear Kurt talking quietly on the phone in serious tones although he couldn't catch what he was saying. It was none of his business Blaine knew, but he just wanted to help. Kurt was a very private person and kept himself guarded and Blaine was pretty sure he wouldn't be opening up to him, his employee, anytime soon.

After a couple of hours Blaine made them both another drink, venturing into the kitchen to take Kurt his. Kurt had managed to make a couple of cakes during the morning despite his obvious distress. Blaine guessed when you had your own business you just had to get on with it no matter how you were feeling. He put Kurt's coffee down. "I made you another coffee. I wasn't sure if you wanted one or not, but I needed one so..." Blaine didn't try and meet Kurt's eyes as he spoke softly.

"Thanks Blaine," Kurt said, seeming a little better than earlier. "Could you put these cakes out when you get a minute?"

"Sure, I'll do it right now," Blaine said picking up one of the large cake platters with both hands. "This one looks delicious, carrot cake right?"

"Yeah, carrot cake. It's quite therapeutic to make - all that grating." Kurt smiled wryly.
" I'll find the label, and the other one's chocolate..?"

"Triple chocolate fudge cake," Kurt told Blaine as he carefully carried the carrot cake over to the counter. He'd definitely be in trouble if he dropped one of Kurt's masterpieces. He almost shuddered at the thought.

Just as Blaine had put the label on the triple chocolate fudge cake he was startled by the shop door being flung open noisily. "Blaineee," a voice was saying. Blaine looked up, more worried about what Kurt might be thinking at the commotion than who was actually calling his name.

The next minute Sam and Mike, Sam's roommate, appeared at the counter in front of him, both grinning broadly.

"Hi Guys," Blaine smiled, still a little wary of Kurt and what he may be thinking of Blaine's social call. "What are you two up to?"

"We just thought we'd come and say 'hi', and see how your new job's going," Mike said excitedly. "We've just finished class and fancied a drink and you sprang to mind."
"Well," Blaine prompted, thankful that no one else had come in the shop after his friends., "what are you having guys?"

Sam glanced up at the drinks menu. "Oh, definitely a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream and sprinkles." Sam licked his lips exaggeratedly.

"I'll have a vanilla latte with extra vanilla syrup on top,"Mike enthused, "and we'll have two pieces of that triple chocolate fudge cake please."

"My god, you two, I hope you're not going to make yourselves sick," Blaine laughed.
"We'll be fine," Sam said getting out his money. "We've just had dance class so we're extra hungry. We need lots of energy-giving food and drink."

"Point taken," Blaine commented, tipping milk in the jug to start Sam's milkshake, "as long as you don't complain to me when you feel ill."

"Promise we won't, Mike laughed. "Anyway we were wondering if you fancied going out tonight? Our band's playing at that new bar near college - we're on last, so not 'til around 10.30, but we thought we'd go clubbing after to celebrate."

"Oh is it a regular gig then?" Blaine questioned.

Yeah, once a week at the moment," Sam grinned, obviously pleased. He and Mike were in a band together with another couple of guys from college, Nick and Jeff, who were also old friends of Blaine's from high school.

Blaine was genuinely pleased for his friends. They'd been trying really hard to find a platform for their band - they really deserved a lucky break. "That's great guys, I'm so pleased for you, I really am. I'm not sure if I can make the clubbing though, I've been so tired lately. I felt like death this morning. I'd love to come and watch you play though." Blaine finished making his friends' drinks and put their money through the till.

"Cool," Mike said slurping his coffee as he and Sam went to sit down at a table in the window. "We understand if you need your beauty sleep."

A new customer chose that moment to come in the shop, stopping Blaine from retorting to Mike's last comment.

***

Blaine untied his apron at the end of his shift, walking into the kitchen to let Kurt know he was going. Kurt looked up at Blaine as he entered, "Oh, that time already. I'm just coming through."

"Don't worry, there's no one waiting," Blaine said softly. "I would stay a bit longer.." 'Because you seem so upset today' Blaine wanted to add, but knew he couldn't. "But I have a class to get to, not that I really want to go to it.."

"What class is it?" Kurt asked, meeting Blaine's eyes.

"Music theory - mind numbingly boring, but I guess necessary," Blaine grimaced.
"I graduated from NYADA," Kurt looked wistful. Blaine hoped he didn't look as amazed as he felt. "I remember that class well. Is it still Professor Lawson, the guy with the stylish comb over and who does a lot of eccentric arm waving while he lectures?"

"Yeah.." Blaine said carefully, smiling, "that's the guy. Still as weird as ever."

"Well, I don't want to make you late for class." Kurt came through to take over serving. "Have fun in music theory ...and thanks for this morning - I'll see you tomorrow." Kurt gave him a brief wave.

Blaine returned the wave as he left the shop. His heart was inexplicably thumping in his chest at the knowledge that Kurt used to go to NYADA. Suddenly it all made sense now. His sense of style, his natural grace - he looked like a performer.Every single snippet of information Blaine found out about Kurt seemed to him leave him wanting to know more.

****

A little after seven Blaine was heading wearily home after spending a couple of hours in one of the college practice rooms. These were his only chances to practice his piano pieces on a proper piano, rather than his keyboard that he had back at his apartment. Plus Blaine really relished being able to 'lose' himself playing piano, all his worries slipped away while he was playing and he always came out from his sessions feeling gloriously relaxed.

As Blaine neared the coffee shop on route to his apartment, his thoughts moved to Kurt and as to what must have happened to make him near to tears this morning. Blaine wouldn't have yet called them friends, but he felt he at least knew him enough to worry what might be wrong.

Despite Kurt's reputation amongst Blaine's peers, Blaine could honestly say Kurt had never been horrible to him - maybe a little short on occasion - but certainly never disrespectful. Maybe the rumours were just that, rumours that had got out of hand.
Blaine glanced over at the coffee shop. Although it was past closing, he could see the lights were still on. Kurt was probably finishing up for the day, Blaine thought. He stopped. Maybe he could just go over there. Should he?

Blaine was thankful the shop door was unlocked. He could imagine a horrible scenario of him rattling a locked door and Kurt, hearing the commotion, having to come and let him in. As he closed the door behind him, Kurt appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a t-towel.

"Blaine!...hi.. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah.. Sure..fine. I was ..um..just passing", Blaine gestured outside.

"Come on through to the kitchen," Kurt offered, heading back in. "I'd decided to get ahead of myself with some baking this evening. I've almost finished - just tidying up."
Blaine looked around at several cake boxes piled high.

"Are you just on your way home from college now?" Kurt asked.

"Yes - Classes finished ages ago -but I've been practicing my piano pieces. It's the best time for finding a free practice room."

"Well then, I don't suppose you've eaten. I was just going to make myself an omelette before I head off home, partly because I've no food at home. Why don't you join me?" Kurt began cracking eggs into a bowl.

"I don't want to be alot of trouble."

"It's no trouble Blaine."

"I was just passing.."

"So you said," Kurt smiled at him softly. Blaine's stomach did a little flip.

"Okay..thank you, then."

"Good."

*****

Before he knew it Blaine was sitting in one of the big soft chairs at the back of the shop, opposite Kurt Hummel, eating the most delicious meal he'd had in ages.
Kurt had also brought over a couple of mugs and a thermos jug of coffee. "I always make some coffee to put in here before I clean the coffee machine, just in case I need it." Kurt smiled at Blaine, "and I seem to remember you telling me that you love coffee, so this seems the perfect time."

"Thank you Kurt, this is really all so delicious." Blaine felt like he was gushing, but he had such a warm glow inside of him he really couldn't help it. "I really only came to see if you were okay after this morning. I mean, I know it's none if my business or anything but you just seemed so down..and now I feel like I've caused you a lot more work by coming..."

Kurt gave a sigh as he got up and slid two pieces of cheesecake onto plates for them both. "When I saw you come in, I must admit I thought you'd come to tell me you'd had enough of me or the job, or both.."

"No Kurt, no. Definitely not.."

"You wouldn't be the first.." Kurt paused for a moment. "Actually I'd just had some news this morning..my dad had been taken into hospital with chest pains. He had a major heart attack when I was in high school, and he was in a coma for a few days. It was touch and go for a while, and it really was the worst week if my life..."

"I'm so sorry Kurt."

"Oh it's fine, he's fine. I've spoken to Carole, my stepmom, and it was just a scare this time. I think the awful memories came flooding back as soon as I heard the news. ..my dad and I have always been close. After my mom died when I was 8, it was only me and him for quite a few years until he met Carole."

"Oh I'm glad he's okay." Blaine had known it must've been something big. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry.."

"Blaine, don't be silly. It's been a long time since someone's cared that much." Kurt got up, sounding a little choked, making himself busy bustling around in the cupboards behind the counter.

Blaine felt a little sad at Kurt's last remark. He was suddenly gladthat he'd decided to come in when he'd seen the lights on.

*****

The next thing Blaine knew, Kurt was crouching down by his seat, squeezing his hand gently. "Blaine," he said gently, "Blaine, it's time to wake up."

Blaine blinked a few times before he was properly awake. "Oh God, I'm so sorry Kurt." He couldn't believe he'd managed to fall asleep. " These seats are just too comfortable," he huffed a small laugh.

"It's fine Blaine, you're tired." Kurt stayed where he was, still squeezing Blaine's hand.
"You're right, I am tired, but I really never meant to fall asleep.." Blaine ran his free hand through his hair, creating a bed head look that made him look more sleepy than ever.

"Blaine, you're adorable," Kurt laughed lightly, "did anyone ever tell you that? Please never change. Don't let this city or any of the cynics in it change you. I let it get to me - and now I'm struggling to find myself again. So please just don't change."

"Now," Kurt continued, before Blaine could say anything. " I don't want you to argue with me on this, but tomorrow come in at 10 o'clock- catch up on some sleep. You can make it up another time."

"No, really you don't have to do that."

"I know," Kurt said, "but I am. Anyway I'm thinking of flying back to Ohio on Sunday to see my dad for a couple of days. My weekend girls have offered to cover Monday and Tuesday for me, so I'll need you in fighting form for next week."

"Okay," Blaine conceded. "Thank you."

"So - are you up to going to watch your friends' band now?" Kurt smiled questioningly.

Of course Kurt had heard all that earlier.

"I guess. I think they'll be disappointed if I don't. I'm sure you heard how excited they were, and they do often come and support me at the bar where I play." Blaine looked at the time on his phone. "If I leave now, I should make it."

As Blaine set off into the night he felt like he was floating. He realised with delight that he'd made a new friend this evening, a friend that he could see himself keeping for a very long time. He certainly hadn't seen that coming.

*****