Blaine opened the door just a little bit to catch a glimpse of what was outdoors.

When there was no one to be found, he quickly stepped outside, Kurt following right after. Blaine knew they were acting ridiculous and that there was nothing scandalous at two boys coming out of a room, but they knew what happened behind those doors.

He looked around once more before smiling at Kurt shyly.

“Well, according to the fact that the others don’t seem to have noticed we are gone I don’t think they would miss us if we would stay absent some more time. What do you want to do?” Kurt seemed to like the idea of skipping the entire meeting, because his face lit up at Blaine’s words instantly.

“How about a walk around the deck? Or we could take a coffee at the Parisian Café?” Blaine let out a happy sigh.

“That would be great. I’m almost addicted to coffee, you know?”
“Me too. Seems like we have more in common than I thought originally.” They laughed silently, slowly starting to walk towards the heck of the ship.

They walked in comfortable silence next to each other. Even though either one of them had kissed the other already, they didn’t dare to touch each other, first of all because they were in public, but most important they secretly knew that they needed to give each other some time to compose themselves. Although they knew that what they felt was real and reciprocated, it still was a lot to deal with, nothing they should rush into, and they both knew it was normal to be scared a little too.

Ten minutes later Blaine and Kurt sat down at a table next to a large window, giving their orders to their waiter.
“So, you told me you are here with your father and your new stepmother, right?” Blaine was very eager to hear more about Kurt, trying to remember every detail.

“Yes, also my stepbrother Finn is with us. I used to go to school with him, so I know him quite well, but I haven’t met his mother before. They are very nice, and I’m glad that my father has finally found someone. He deserves to be happy.” Kurt slightly blushed at his outburst, but Blaine smiled reassuring. “After my mother’s death… He tried to hide it in front of me, but he was sad. And lonely.” For a moment there were tears glistening in Kurt’s eyes, but he blinked rapidly and they were gone just as quick as they had come.

“You miss her.” It wasn’t a question. “And you really love your father; I can tell it by the way you talk about him.” Kurt smiled. “Yes I do. But enough from me. What is your family like?”

There you go.

Blaine watched out of the window at the water that was troubled by the ship’s propeller, trying to form an answer.

The waiter came back to put their steaming cups in front of them, and when he was gone Blaine lifted his gaze to meet Kurt’s encouraging look.

“My father is… expecting. He is putting all his faith in me to bring the company on top, no matter if I want to or not. I just hate the pressure I’m under, and no matter how hard I try, I never do him justice. And my mother… I guess she cares about me, but she is not holding him back or supports me with the things I want to do. They are my family, and I love them, but sometimes it’s a though thing to do.” Blaine looked at Kurt, curious about his reaction. Kurt nodded understanding and opened his mouth, taking in a deep breath that looked like he was about to speak. But then he just held it in for a moment and exhaled again. He lowered his gaze and blushed lightly, but it was obvious to Blaine that he was about to say something. “What is it?” Kurt shook his head, his gaze still glued on his cup of coffee.

“It’s just… Never mind.” He blushed even harder than before.

“Come on. Tell me.” Blaine tried to catch Kurt’s look.

Kurt shifted uncomfortable, still trying to avoid Blaine’s gaze. Blaine started to worry a little bit.

What could it be that makes him so uncomfortable?
Is it something about me?

He tried to stop himself from freaking out inside and looked at Kurt more intense.

“Kurt, you are making me a little nervous right now. Please tell me what is going on in your mind.”

Kurt’s eyes finally met Blaine’s and he took another shaky breath.

“I just… I wondered… Oh this is mortifying. I wanted to know how things are b-between you and Maria.” If possible, his face got even redder and he quickly took a sip of his coffee in order to avoid the confrontation with Blaine.

Blaine tried to stop himself, but a giggle escaped from his lips nonetheless. Kurt glared at him over his cup of coffee.

“I’m… I’m sorry Kurt. I didn’t mean to laugh at you.” Blaine tried to gain composure again.

“It’s just that I really thought it was something very serious, and… well it is kind of serious.”

Blaine stopped talking for a moment, realization dawning on his face. “Wait. Do you think I have feelings for her?” Kurt immediately threw away his gaze again.

Even then, Blaine couldn’t help noticing how beautiful Kurt’s eyes were, covered with a row of thick eyelashes as Kurt repeatedly refused to look up.

“Kurt.” Blaine was totally serious again. “Kurt, look at me. I know this situation isn’t easy, because I am engaged to her.” He leaned in closer to catch Kurt’s eyes.

“We have been engaged since I was five years old. She is really nice, and I generally like her, but sometimes I really hate her annoying attitude. I don’t feel for her the way I’m supposed to feel for her. I always knew that and thought it would need some time to develop such feelings. But I only feel that way for one person. And that’s you.”

I guess telling him that I almost jump with excitement and my heart tries to beat its record in speed whenever he touches me isn’t appropriate yet.

This time the tears in Kurt’s eyes stayed there. “You really mean these words?” Blaine wanted to reach out and hold his hands so bad. But he couldn’t. They were in public.

“Yes I do.” He whispered, begging for Kurt to understand the truth in his words. “I know it’s going to be hard, but you have to understand that just because there is an arrangement made by my father doesn’t mean that I will live the life he planned for me. We’ll figure something out. Together.” This time he couldn’t help himself, so he reached out and wiped away the single tear that had escaped Kurt’s eyes with his thumb.

A little smile appeared on Kurt’s lips while he leaned into the touch, Blaine’s fingers lingering on his face longer than necessary.

Blaine quickly looked around if someone had noticed their display of affection and suddenly wished they were far away from prying eyes. He let go of Kurt’s cheek and leaned back in his chair. “What do you think, should we go somewhere more… private?” Kurt quickly nodded and they stood up.