Once in the bar, Blaine bought himself a beer and found himself a small table where he had a good view of the stage. Only five minutes until the boys were due on - he'd just made it in good time. He was pleased to see there was a good turn outtonight. Luckily being on late was a good slot for the band to get. He'd played to half empty bars in his time because most people were probably still at home getting ready to go out for the evening at his session time.


While he waited, Blaine's thoughts turned to Kurt and everything that had happened this evening. He knew thattonighthe'd seen the real Kurt, and he'd liked what he'd seen. He just felt so comfortable around Kurt, he couldn't explain it.


Blaine hung around for a quick drink with the boys after their performance before heading home. There were congratulations all round - they'd been amazingly good. By the time they'd been on their fifth and final number, most people in the bar had been on their feet.


Of course the boys were going on for further celebrations whilst Blaine was heading home, despite their persuasions. Blaine left them with promises of joining them another time, and although he had been slightly tempted to go with them he felt he would have been abusing Kurt's trust if he'd turned up for work with a hangover, having been given a lie in to catch up on some sleep.


As soon as he got into bed, Blaine pulled out his phone. Kurt had given Blaine his phone number before he'd left the shoptonight. After only a moment's hesitation Blaine sent off a text to Kurt to thank him for dinner and to tell him he'd got home safely. Blaine then sat in bed, his stomach churning after he'd hit the 'send' button, wondering if he'd done the right thing.


Blaine's phone buzzed with a reply only a minute later. His hand shook as he opened the message.


YOU'RE V. WELCOME. SLEEP WELL. (From Kurt)


YOU TOO. SEE YOU TOMORROW. (From Blaine)


Blaine sent off the second text and quickly put his phone down in case he was tempted to send another text. He didn't want to push it.


****


Somehow Blaine had got into the habit of calling in to see Kurt if ever he was still at the shop after Blaine's late piano practice. He didn't really know how it happened.


The first time was the day Kurt returned from his visit to Ohio. Blaine had stayed at college again to use the practice room and had noticed the lights on in the shop. He thought he'd call in to ask Kurt how his dad was. Before he knew it they were both sitting down to dinner again. Kurt hadn't even asked Blaine if he'd wanted to stay this time - he'd just started cooking as soon as Blaine came in because of course Kurt had no food at home having only just got back from Ohio.


After expressing delight when Kurt had told him his dad was really well, Blaine had then proceeded to tell Kurt that he'd also grown up in Ohio. It had turned out they'd only lived two hours away from each other and knew each others' schools. They had both been in their school glee clubs which had competed against each other, even though Kurt and Blaine hadn't actually been competing at the same time.


Kurt had asked Blaine if he still went back to Ohio, and Blaine had embarrassing felt tears welling in his eyes as he told Kurt how, after coming out to his parents at age 14, they had slowly distanced themselves from him. "They consider it a lifestyle choice, and whilst I get a financial allowance to help me with college fees, they prefer me not to attend family gatherings," Blaine had explained to Kurt.


It seemed that Kurt's dad had been completely supportive of Kurt being gay, having known apparently since Kurt was three, even though he hadn't officially come out to him until he was 16.


They'd subconsciously linked fingers across the table as they both recounted stories of some heart wrenching bullying they'd both endured for being gay - breaking away only for Kurt to retrieve the jug of coffee he'd made earlier.


After he'd got home that night he'd again texted Kurt to thank him for dinner, and they'd texted back and forth for over half an hour before Blaine finally drifted off to sleep with a silly grin on his face.


The next time Blaine called in to see Kurt he had no reason at all to do it, but he did it anyway. Kurt had already started dinner for them both when he arrived, and if either of them thought anything of it, it wasn't mentioned. They'd talked long into the evening, amazed at how much they had in common. Kurt had told Blaine how he'd always wanted to be on Broadway, but how he'd eventually given up that dream for his second love - baking. A love he'd inherited from his mother, and his coffee shop had been born when Kurt had been left some money by his grandmother.


Their texts that night had started as soon as Blaine had left the shop to begin the short walk home, carrying on until Blaine couldn't fight sleep anymore, tucked cozily under his bed covers.


Somehow after that texts had moved on to every night, not just the nights when Kurt had made them both dinner. Blaine would often text him when he got home from playing at the bar, the texts always ending with shared 'goodnights' and 'sleep well'.


One evening Blaine let himself into the shop, surprised to see Kurt sitting at their usual evening table, busy on his laptop. "Hi Blaine!" Kurt said cheerfully looking up from whatever he was typing.


Blaine smiled over at Kurt, "hi." Before he could comment any further a small dark haired girl of about the same age as Kurt appeared from the kitchen, engulfing Blaine in a hug.


"You must be Blaine," she squealed excitedly as Blaine tried to reciprocate the hug out of politeness, wondering what on earth was going on. "I've heard so much about you - I just couldn't wait to meet you. Kurt refused to come home to have dinner with metonightbecause this is one of his Blaine nights. So the only way I can see him is to come and cook for us all here.."


"Rachel, Rachel," Kurt interrupted, "just calm down a minute." Kurt turned to Blaine, "Blaine, please meet my over excitable, broadway star to be, roommate and best friend, Rachel."


Rachel giggled at Kurt's description of her. "Pleased to meet you Rachel," Blaine offered smiling broadly at her, having been released from her over enthusiastic hug.


"Oh," she gushed, " I can see why Kurt likes you so much. You really are adorable." Blaine saw Kurt roll his eyes in despair at Rachel's words. "I need to finish dinner - it won't be long. You sit down with Kurt, Blaine, and I'll leave you two to talk about whatever you talk about while I put the finishing touches to my culinary masterpiece."


With that, Rachel disappeared back into the kitchen. Kurt shook his head, "no filter," he commented, "but she means well.."


"She seems a nice friend to have," Blaine smiled, still reeling internally from Rachel's revelations. "So, roommate huh?"


"We've roomed since we both started at NYADA, although we were sort of friends at high school. We hated each other in the beginning, probably because we were competing against each other for solos when we were in Glee club, and it kind of turned into a love /hate relationship over time."


Kurt got up from his seat. "I'd better go and see if Rachel needs a hand, she can be a bit of a drama queen in the kitchen, well in everything really, sometimes." As Kurt headed into the kitchen he turned back to Blaine, "Blaine, would you be okay to make us all a proper coffee to have with dinner. I'm going to clean the machine later, so it's okay to use it. Rachel will have a drip - i yhink she'll take it black. Thank you." Blaine glanced up at Kurt as he spoke - had Kurt just winked at him?


Blaine had just placed their coffees on the table when Rachel and Kurt appeared from the kitchen with the food. Rachel had done a good job of throwing together a delicious vegetable pasta dish, with a big salad for them all to share. "Nothing fancy," she'd declared with a flourish as she sat down.


"Rachel, this is the best," Blaine declared after his first mouthful, "and I'm starving, so thank you."


"You're welcome, and oh, Blaine I see you've made me a coffee. I've heard you make the best coffee ever.." Blaine's eyes grew wider in surprise as chewed his next mouthful of pasta. He discreetly glanced sideways at Kurt, who seemed to be staring intently at his own dinner, looking a little more flushed than normal. Blaine wasn't sure if this evening could get any weirder.


Rachel and Kurt had been suitably impressed to find out that Blaine had been the lead vocalist at his high school glee club. "I think your glee club sounds better," Blaine had commented. " at least everyone stood a chance of getting a solo. In mine there was a student council who appointed someone as the lead, and everyone else had to more or less sing back up. I mean I can't complain as I was lucky enough to get the lead, but it can't have been much fun for everyone else."


Blaine had discovered that Rachel had been in an off broadway production of 'Evita', which had then gone on tour for a few months. She was now back for the show to do another stint in New York, starting in month's time.


"I'd really love to come and see it when it opens," Blaine had declared to Rachel.


"I'm going to insist that you do," Rachel had told him. "In fact you and Kurt, even though Kurt's seen it loads of times. I need to keep reminding him not to give up on his broadway dream."


"You shouldn't Kurt, if that's what you always wanted to do," Blaine urged, " I haven't heard you sing, but I know how good you have to be to get into NYADA."


"You're sweet Blaine, but there's nothing out there for me. I sing like a girl - so roles are limited..." Kurt tailed off.


"No Kurt," Blaine started, "even if roles are limited you can't give up. You have to explore other avenues, you know sing or act anywhere for now because you never know what's round the corner."


"Blaine," Kurt sighed, "I gave it a good try, and at some point I had to be honest with myself.."


"Seriously! How can you say that. You're not much older than me." Blaine couldn't believe that Kurt thought it was too late for him to keep trying. "Kurt, this shop is great, I love it here, but I can't see you wanting to run this business forever. You're so much bigger than this."


Suddenly Rachel threw her hands up in the air. "Oh my god! You two. You're just so cute together." She smiled, as both men looked at her in astonishment. "Don't worry, I know you're both oblivious, but I'm going to be the first to say 'I told you so' when it happens."


******


"What pizza do we all want To eat?" Blaine asked, waving the take out menu at his friends.


"Definitely pepperoni," Jeff cut in excitedly.


"Hawaiian's my favourite," Sam said, "but to be honest I'll eat anything I'm so hungry."


"Right," Blaine picked up his phone. "Unless anyone objects, I'll just order one pepperoni and one Hawaiian."


Mike and Nick hummed a murmured agreement, as Blaine took his phone and the menu somewhere a bit quieter to phone through their order.


Blaine and his friends were having a rare Xbox/movie session at Blaine's apartment. They were hardly ever all free at the same time these days, but this particularSunday afternoonhad proved to be miraculously suitable for everyone.


Blaine had forgotten how much he enjoyed just hanging out with the boys. Life was so busy lately, not all of it in a bad way, but hectic all the same.


"So," Sam turned to Blaine as he came back to join the others, having finished his phone call. "How's that diva of a boss treating you these days? I'm impressed you're even still working for him."


The other boys were engrossed in the Xbox game not hearing Sam's question. "Okay..actually," Blaine said slowly. "I like it there."


Blaine snuck a glance at Sam, who raised his eyebrows at Blaine's reply. "You're just too nice Blaine," Sam sighed.


"No," Blaine lowered his voice, "he's actually nice. I like him."


"I can't believe what you're saying." Sam stared at Blaine.


Blaine looked down at his phone rather than look at Sam. "I really like him Sam... Really like him. I know what you're thinking because I thought it too before I knew him." Blaine paused, giving Sam time to absorb this information. Luckily at that moment there was a big raucous from the gamers.


Nick threw down his controller. "That's it I'm officially useless at this game. Sam you take over..." Sam moved to join the other boys still looking confusedly at Blaine as he went.


"We need to talk later," Sam muttered to Blaine.


Blaine couldn't believe he'd actually told Sam he liked Kurt. He had no intention of telling anyone - ever. He'd only just been able to admit it to himself, and there was no way Kurt would ever feel the same way about him. Kurt was sophisticated and stylish, what on earth would he ever see in a scruffy haired douchbag like Blaine.


*******


Now that Blaine had admitted to himself how much he liked Kurt, it was as if a whole new world had opened up for him. The sight of Kurt in his skin tight jeans had him imagining all sorts of things that he rapidly tried to erase from his mind, and every time they accidentally touched or brushed past each other, Blaine literally felt sparks shooting through his whole body. In fact work had become a complete nightmare..and Blaine loved it and hated it, all at the same time.


Blaine had decided that the only way out would be to tell Kurt he was going to give up the job. He'd tell Sam and Mike he'd take up their offer of bunking at their apartment - he was hardly spending any time at his own apartment anyway as he was having to work at the coffee shop to pay for it. He knew he'd miss having his own place, but he really had to do something before he made a complete fool of himself...not in a million years would Kurt ever see him in that way.


As Blaine arrived for his next shift at work, the thought of telling Kurt he was leaving almost made him feel like crying. Blaine found himself staring at Kurt's perfect pink lips as he spoke to him, imagining what they would taste like if he kissed them, and knew deep down he was lost - there was no way he could leave.


Perhaps he could put a stop to the regular dinners. He didn't want to of course, but maybe that would be a good start until he could get his brain in order. Then Blaine started to worry how would he stop the dinners. Just not turn up? He didn't feel like he could that. He would have to make up an excuse, and Blaine hated lying.


"Blaine.. Are you alright?" Kurt made Blaine jump out of his skin. "You don't seem your normal self today."


"Oh I'm fine - miles away, sorry." Blaine's heart was thumping in his chest. He'd been so absorbed he hadn't noticed Kurt come to stand next to him.


"Are you freefor dinner tonight?" Kurt asked him, absentmindedly straightening the cups stacked on top of the coffee machine.


"Dinner," Blaine breathed, as Kurt leaned into him, reaching the cups that were a but further away. "Um.. Dinner.." This was stupid. Of course he wanted dinner with Kurt. "I'm not sure what time I.."


"Oh Blaine, let me explain. Rachel's invited a one of our old school friends, Santana, overtonight, and she would like you to come as well - we would love you to come as well.." Kurt amended, almost seeming a little nervous. Blaine glanced sideways at Kurt to see if that were the case. "In fact you'd be doing me a favour - the girls spend a lot if time fretting over my personal life and I'm sure they'd love to take you under their wing too." Kurt smiled softly.


Blaine knew he should say no. Kurt was just being kind, surely, knowing he wouldn't be at the shop this evening. "I don't know what time I'll be finished.."


"It'll be perfect then...our apartment is right near NYADA actually - you won't have far to come. You can call me when you're done later and I'll give you directions." Kurt turned his head towards Blaine, stopping what he was doing and looking him right in the eyes.


Oh for heaven's sake! One look in those clear blue eyes and Blaine was gone. He'd completely forgotten why he was trying to say no to dinner in the first place.


When Blaine didn't answer immediately, Kurt looked down, "if you don't want to come I completely understand. I mean I'm sure you have enough of me working here..."


'I can't come because I think I'm slowly falling in love with you.' "Of course I'd love to come." Blaine briefly squeezed Kurt's hand that was resting on the counter, giving him bright smile,"there's nothing I'd like more." Which of course was the absolute truth.


********


Kurt had been plucking up courage all morning to ask Blaine over for dinner. He wasn't sure why he couldn't just come right out and say it. It wasn't as if Kurt was asking him out on a date or anything, but without the security of the coffee shop Kurt felt as if he were going to be naked on display for Blaine to see. Blaine visiting Kurt in his own home felt symbolically like a big deal. Kurt mentally chastised himself for being so ridiculous. On some level he knew he and Blaine were friends now. The dinners they'd got into the routine of sharing at the shop, although unplanned, had grown to be quite special to Kurt. Whilst Blaine obviously chose to join him, Kurt wasn't sure if Blaine felt the same way about them.


Blaine coming to work at the coffee shop had been an awakening for Kurt. He was like a breath of fresh air amongst the monotony of everyday life. Whilst Blaine had impeccable manners and charm, it was more than that - Kurt really felt they had a connection. Kurt knew he wasn't an easy person to work for, but along had come Blaine and slotted right in - making Kurt feel like they had always meant to be. Kurt couldn't be sure, but sometimes it seemed to him that Blaine felt it too.


Rachel had been keen for Kurt to invite Blaine over, threatening to come in the shop and ask him herself if he didn't. Kurt wasn't going to have that though - although she meant well, Rachel wasn't always the most subtle of people. She had made it clear to him in no uncertain terms that she thought Blaine was perfect for Kurt. "He's just what you need Kurt. I haven't seen you this happy in ages," she'd enthused. In fact, Kurt couldn't know for certain, but he wouldn't be surprised if Rachel hadn't orchestrated this whole dinner around getting him and Blaine together.


Kurt had looked from the kitchen doorway at the adorable curly haired man with the gorgeous smile that could light up the whole room, and realised that if Blaine turned him down, a little piece of him might just die inside. So when Blaine accepted his invitation, giving Kurt a huge smile as he accepted, Kurt could do nothing but smile back.


Maybe, just maybe when Rachel texted Kurt later to see if Blaine was coming over that night, Kurt's heart might have been soaring as he tapped a reply into his phone.