By Wednesday, Blaine was able to leave the apartment with absolutely no nervousness. In just two days, Kurt had put his mind at rest. He also decided that Wednesday was his favorite day. He had a class in the morning, but then nothing until his night class. To save time, Kurt just stayed at Blaine's the entire afternoon. It was perfect.

For what had to be the millionth time, Blaine couldn't believe how incredibly lucky he was to have Kurt in his life, even if it wasn't in the capacity that he would like. They continued their old routine of not talking about Kurt's boyfriend. Blaine didn't ask anymore question, not wanting to get angry and say something stupid again, and Kurt didn't mention him out of shame. He didn't want Blaine to know about their relationship because he knew Blaine would judge him, and he just couldn't take that.

After they had eaten a nice dinner, made by Kurt, Blaine regretably had to start getting ready to leave. He was a bit sad that he wouldn't be able to put Ali to bed tonight, since they had a good routine by now. He would sing to her while she snuggled into his chest until she fell asleep. It was just as relaxing for Blaine as it was for Ali. Once he was all ready to go, he went to pick up Ali, since he wouldn't see her until the next morning.

"Okay Ali-gator, Uncle Blaine has to go. I'll see you in the morning. Be a good girl for Kurt mkkay?" She wasn't even paying attention to him, trying to wiggle from his grip so she could keep playing with her toys. Blaine laughed and set her back. "Fine don't say bye."

Kurt laughed from where he was sitting on the couch. "Oh I can't wait to see you and her when she's a teenager."

"Shh. She will never be a teenager. I won't allow it." They both laughed and Kurt stood, probably to shoo Blaine out the door. "Okay okay. I'm going. I'll try to be home by ten at the latest. If she can't sleep then just-"

Kurt interupted with and amused smile, "sing for her. I know the routine Blaine. Now leave." He saw Blaine open his mouth and cut him off again, "and if you apologize one more time for how late your class can run I think I may actually smack you."

Blaine blushed, Kurt knew him far too well. "Okay okay. Geesh, didn't peg you for the violent type." He laughed and bent to kiss the top of Ali's head, and wished he could lean over and kiss Kurt too. "I'll see you in a couple hours. Thanks again Kurt! Bye baby girl!"

Kurt waved and said goodbye, then Blaine walked out the door. When he was almost to his class, he got a message from Kurt. He expected it was probably another adorable picture of Ali but it was a video. He had a few minutes to spare, so he stopped at a bench and sat down before pressing play. He instantly smiled as he saw not Ali, but Kurt, speaking into the camera. "Okay. I know you literally just left, but I had to send you this. I don't know if she's done this around you or not that's why I pulled out the camera. Anyways, I think she misses you already. Here, listen!"

There was a small rustling as Kurt turned his phone around to face Ali. Ali looked up curiously for a moment, then resumed playing. He heard Kurt again, "Ali, can you say what you were just saying?" Ali ignore Kurt, then Kurt made a noise like he was reaching for something. Blaine saw a picture frame come into view. It was a picture Blaine had took of him and Ali then HAD to print it off because it was so cute. Kurt was holding the picture in front of Ali saying, "Ali, who is this? Who's that guy?"

Blaine froze when all the sudden Ali looked at the picture and started excitedly yelling, "Blay Blay Blay!" There was no doubt in his mind she was saying his name. He felt his eyes start to well up and he wanted nothing more than to run home and cuddle Ali and then Kurt. Maybe cuddle both of them at the same time. Point was, he wanted cuddles right now. The video didn't go on much longer, so Blaine watched it again. When he was in danger of being late, he text Kurt about twenty thank you's and put his phone away.

He could hardly focus during class because he kept replaying little Ali's voice in his head. She didn't talk much besides outbursts of random noises. Blaine always felt bad because her vocabulary was rather limited to the usual 'mama' and 'dada', but since Ali didn't see them anymore, she didn't use those words. So, hearing her say his name made his heart swell and he felt warm fuzzies all through his body.

Blaine shook his head and tried to focus on what the professor was saying and that's when he felt it. Someone was staring at him. He glanced to his left and sure enough, there was a guy sitting a few seats down and he was looking directly at Blaine . Blaine blushed then smiled politely before turning back to the lesson. The other guy kept staring, which made it even harder to pay attention and was starting to make him uncomfortable.

He made a point of turning a little in seat, away from the guy, hoping that he would stop staring . When the professor started winding down the lesson, Blaine quietly started packing his things away so he could leave the room as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. As soon as they were dismissed, Blaine stood and debated how weird it would make him look if he literally sprinted from the room. He just wanted to get home to his little girl. But he barely stood before the guy was standing in front of him.

Blaine noticed he was much taller than he was with dark hair and grey eyes. Blaine supposed he was attractive, but he wasn't really paying attention. The guy smiled and Blaine put on his polite smile when the guy spoke. "Hi. I'm sorry I was staring, but I never see any other guys wearing bowties and I kind of was stunned. I'm in your musical theory class on Monday morning and saw you were wearing one then too. I'm Eddie by the way." He held his hand and Blaine shook it on instict.

"Blaine. Um. Bowties?"

"Yeah! I have a collection, I don't wear them often because I used to get made fun of a lot in high school, so I tried to tone it down."

Blaine laughed. "I know what you mean." He normally would get really excited and start asking a bunch of questions, but he really wanted to get home. He started heading towards the door with Eddie following after him.

"So, do you wanna go grab a coffee?

Blaine checked his phone to make sure there weren't any messages from Kurt then sent a quick text to tell him he was on his way. "Uhhh, what? Sorry."

"That's okay. I was just seeing if you wanted to grab some coffee, I know this great place just a few blocks from here. They have the best scones!"

"Sorry I really need to get home." He was only half paying attention at this point, which was probably rude, but he could only think about getting home.

"Oh. Got someone waiting for you?" Blaine didn't see the crushed look this guy was giving him, far too lost in his own world."

"Uhhh, sorta. Not exactly waiting, but there."

"Girlfriend?"

Blaine barked out a laugh. "No. Oh god no." They were out of the building now and Blaine was debating on getting a cab again.

"Oh. Then a boyfriend?"

"No, I don't have a boyfriend." But he sure wished he did. They reached the curb and Blaine finally gave this poor guy his attention while he waved for a cab. "I'm real sorry Eddie, but I need to get home. It was really nice meeting you."

"Oh. Okay. Yeah. Nice meeting you too Blaine. I'll see ya around I suppose." He smiled hopefully, but it was lost since Blaine was already getting in the cab. He made some noncommital noise in the back of his throat and waved over his shoulder. Eddie walked away with his shoulders slumped.

By the time he was halfway home, Blaine had already forgotton about his encounter with Eddie. He was watching the video Kurt sent him again. It really was the best video he's ever seen. First, there was Kurt's smiling face, then Kurt talking in the cutest baby voice ever to his Ali, then the best part was Ali saying his name. He wouldn't be surprised if he continued to watch this video everyday.

The cab finally pulled in front of Blaine's apartment building and he quickly paid before rushing inside. On his way up, he wondered if it would be a bad idea if he let Ali sleep in his bed tonight. He just really wanted someone to cuddle with. It would just be once, that couldn't be a bad thing, right?

After what felt like the longest elevator ride in history, he was outside his door. Once he stepped inside he paused and looked around. He figured Kurt would probably be in the living room waiting for him to get back, but he wasn't anywhere in sight. Blaine stood and listened to see if he could hear any sound from Ali's room. There was none. Curious, and only mildly panicked, he walked to Ali's room and stopped dead in the doorway. And then promptly lost all his breath.

Kurt and Ali were asleep in her rocking chair. She was laying on his chest with her chubby cheek pressed up on his shoulder. Kurt's head was resting on top of hers and he had his arms wrapped around her protectively. It was the single most beautiful thing Blaine had ever seen. He wanted to keep this image in his brain forever and even though he knew it was a bit creepy, he pulled his phone out and snapped a quick picture.

It was moments like these that made Blaine wish they were a family. He had caught himself pretending over the past few days that he was coming home to his perfect family. He would fantasize about coming home, planting a kiss on Ali's head then reaching over to pull Kurt into a sweet kiss. Then they would talk about their days as they cooked a meal together. It was the most perfect fantasy, and watching the images in his head gave Blaine such a warm feeling all through his body.

After he felt his staring reach beyond the point of creepy, he toed off his shoes and tiptoed over to Kurt, bending down to eye level so he hopefully wouldn't startle him and wake up Ali in the process too. He gently placed his hand on Kurt's shoulder and gave it a tiny shake while whispering Kurt's name. Kurt slowly blinked his eyes open and he gave Blaine the most beautiful smile that actually made him stumble back a little. He returned the smile, feeling his whole face lighting up. He continued whispering so he didn't wake the sleeping girl.

"Hey. Falling asleep on the job, are we?"

Kurt laughed softly and rolled his eyes. He nodded with his head to tell Blaine to leave while he put Ali in his crib. Blaine pouted and looked at Ali helplessly, she was so close but he knew if they transferred her to Blaine's arm she would most likely wake up. When Kurt stood from the chair, Blaine held his hand up to stop him. His heart was racing a little as he stepped right up next to Kurt, he wanted to wrap his arms around both of them, but settled for bending close and kissing the back of Ali's hair. The closeness was a bit overwhelming and the feeling offamily was about to knock him off his feet. He pulled away and stumbled out of the room, and away from the strong urge to kiss Kurt.

Kurt stood blinking after Blaine, feeling a little dazed. He had no clue what just happened, but something definitely did. It was as if there was something in the air, something charged and intense. It was just a moment though. A small space in time where Kurt felt...something. Something he only felt when he was in Ohio. A feeling of contentment and complete comfort. Family.

Kurt shook his head and gently put Ali down in her crib. He was a bit sweaty where she had been laying, and suddenly felt a little cold without her. He waited a moment to make sure she was actually asleep, then backed out of the room, gently closing the door behind him. When he turned around, suddenly Blaine was there hugging Kurt tightly. Kurt was a bit shocked, "Blaine wha-"

"Please Kurt. Just. I need a hug right now."

Kurt nodded and wrapped his arms around Blaine, holding him firmly in place. Neither one said anything, just held onto each other. Both had butterflies flapping wildly in their stomachs, but neither were brave enough to admit it. Both too afraid of rejection. Kurt never had anyone hold him so tight, as if they were afraid of letting go. He couldn't handle his emotions right now, he had to break the silence because talking was good. Talking kept him distracted. "Blaine? Is everything okay?"

Blaine stepped away and was blushing. "Yeah. I'm just..Thank you for that video Kurt. The only other actual words I've heard her say are 'mama' and 'papa' and she hasn't said either in the longest time. When she did it would break my heart. I don't know what it was, hearing her say my name like that,but I guess I got a little emotional. I just want to cuddle her, but I kind of can't right now, so I just needed a hug. Sorry if you were...uncomfortable."

Kurt smiled adoringly, because seriously guys like Blaine just didn't exist in his world. He put his hand on Blaine's shoulder. "I wasn't uncomfortable. And I understand, I think. It's like...it's like you know she knows who you are and that you're the one taking care of her and that you love her." Blaine's eyes started tearing up so Kurt wrapped him up in another hug, a little more gentle this time. He pulled back with a smile, keeping both hands on Blaine's shoulders. "And I may have been saying my name to her all day hoping she'd say it. No luck, but I'll keep trying."

Blaine laughed at that and was once again grateful for Kurt. They stood and stared at each other, smiling, and Blaine felt himself about to do or say something stupid. He opened his mouth and was about to speak when Kurt's phone vibrated on the coffee table, ending the moment. Kurt jerked away and rushed to get his phone, and Blaine stood there with his head down. He heard Kurt sigh and he knew the words that would come next.

"I gotta go."

Blaine kept his head down and headed to the door. "Yeah I know."

Kurt felt the heavy weight of disappointment settle in his chest. He really hated Lawrence in this moment. "So um. Her chart is on the kitchen counter. I, uh, set your coffee maker up so you just have to turn it on in the morning. Sorry, but I am not getting up at five o' clock just so I can get us coffee."

Blaine managed a smile and opened the door for Kurt. "I've never expected you to bring me coffee, so don't even worry about it. And thank you Kurt, I cannot say it enough I swear."

Kurt wasn't going to admit he did all those extra little things just so he could see Blaine smile at him in that special way. "You're welcome Blaine. I'll, uh, see you in the morning."

"Yeah. Um, can you maybe do me a favor?"

"Depends on what it is?"

"It's just, I have all these protective mother feelings all of the sudden. Will you let me know that you make it home okay? It's just...New York and nighttime, and I know you can take care of yourself, I'm not implying that you can't. But I just..get worried."

Kurt was giving Blaine an amused look,. "You finished?" Blaine nodded, looking a bit bashful and Kurt thought it was adorable. "Yes. I will let you know when I get home. And stop worrying about offending me or whatever." He really wanted to hug him again, but didn't want to overstep

"Right. Night Kurt."

"Night Blaine."

Kurt walked out and Blaine shut the door softly behind him. He stood there breathing slowly for a while, trying to calm down his emotions. He felt something had changed between them tonight, no matter how hard he tried to convince himself he was being delusional. Something was telling him that Kurt may return some of his feelings. Although the thought should make him feel elated, it made him more depressed. No matter what he felt, Kurt still had a boyfriend and Blaine couldn't do anything about it. He wouldn't put Kurt in a position where he had to chose, nor would he make Kurt a cheater by being foolish and kissing him.

But his urges to kiss Kurt were becoming stronger by the day, and he knew it was only a matter of time before he completely gave in. With a deep sigh, he pushed away from the door and walked back to Ali's room. He just needed someone to be close with right now. He carefully picked her up and slowly walked back to his room. The climb into bed was awkward while he was trying to hold her without waking her up, but he managed to get himself under the blankets.

He didn't even change out of his clothes, and he knew he had homework he was neglecting, but he just wanted to sleep and cuddle with someone. As he fell asleep, he wondered what it would be like to have Kurt to cuddle with. A short while later, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket, startling him back awake. He struggled to free it and when he finally unlocked the screen, he saw a text from Kurt. Made it home. Would say without a scratch, but I may or may not have shut my finger in the cab door. Sleep well Blaine!

Blaine smiled at the phone and text back his own goodnight to Kurt, then set his phone on the nightstand. Once he was fully laying back down, he cuddle Ali a little closer and fell asleep almost instantly.

By the time Blaine got home Friday evening, he was completely exhausted. After only one week of school, he was already feeling the pressure. Things were a lot different with a baby in the picture now. He could hardly get his work done between doing everything with Ali and trying to keep his place clean. He was staying up later, finding it was easier to get his work done while Ali was asleep.

He truged into his apartment, nodding to Kurt and Ali who were playing on the floor, then he plopped face first into the couch. He heard Kurt laugh and say, "rough day?" He spoke into the couch then realized Kurt most likely couldn't understand him, so he turned his head. "Rough week. I don't know how people with kids can do this. I'm exhausted." As if to prove his point, he suddenly yawned.

Kurt laughed then reached over to pat his ankle. "You'll get the hang of it soon enough. It's only the first week."

Blaine smiled at Kurt and time seemed to freeze for a moment, like it seemed to always do whenever he looked at Kurt. Ali crawled over to the couch and looked up at Blaine then started blabbering at him. He reached down and picked her up, turning himself over so he was on his back, then sat Ali on his stomach. She looked down at him and kept talking while she excitedly hit his chest. "Well someone's got a lot to say today. Tell me all about it baby girl."

Both Kurt and Blaine laughed as she continued to talk to Blaine, looking far too serious for a baby. Blaine grinned over at Kurt, who was still sitting on the floor. "Did you make her mad or something today?"

Kur shrugged. "Not that I'm aware of. I wouldn't let her play in the bathroom, so maybe she's mad about that."

Blaine turned back to Ali, tickling her sides a little. "Was that it baby? Did that mean ol Kurt not let you play in the bathroom?"

"Hey! I am not mean."

Ali started yelling at this point, causing Blaine to start laughing uncontrolably. Kurt crossed his arms over his chest and pretended to look grumpy. Blaine stood and shifted Ali to rest on his hip. "I'm sorry. I know she has no clue what we are saying, but that as just an awesome coincidence ." He went to his bag that he dropped by the front door and pulled out an envelope then returned to sit on the couch, handing kurt the envelope. "Your first weeks pay good sir."

Kurt grabbed it rather shyly, but smirked at Blaine. "Why thank you fine gentleman." This was what he loved most about being around Blaine. They playfulness and the easy comfort.

Blaine was about to reply when his phone started ringing. He held up a finger, signaling Kurt to wait just a moment before he left. When he grabbed his phone he saw it was his father. Well this couldn't be good. He sat Ali down on the ground then went to the kitchen while he answered.

Kurt sat on the floor, confused by Blaine's sudden shift in behavior. As soon as he had looked at his phone, he had gotten paler then left the room. Unfortunately, in the small apartment, sound carried and try as he may to ignore it, Kurt could hear everything Blaine was saying. He heard Blaine answer the phone with a "hello Sir" followed later with a "yes father." It sounded so formal, and not at all the way Kurt thought someone should talk to their dad. Even Lawrence didn't talk to his father like that. He tried to tune out the conversation in the kitchen, but he couldn't really do much when Blaine yelled angrily into the phone, "it's none of your concern who I hire to take care of Ali! I have her best interests at hand. And I may be new at this, but I can already tell I'm a hell of lot better at being a father figure than you ever were!"

Then there was a small slam and Blaine came charging into the room. Kurt stood catiously and watched as Blaine paced back and forth angrily. He hated for even thinking it, but he couldn't help but find Blaine extremely attractive right now. He took a tentative step forward and reached a hand out, only to let it drop back at his side. "B-Blaine?"

The sound of Kurt's worried voice made Blaine snap out of his angry haze. He stopped and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I just..I can't believe the nerve." He hardly even recognized his own voice.

"Did...I mean, does your...father, not want me watching Ali or something? I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear."

"It's fine. And apparently my mom finally told my father about you. He said he didn't want another one of 'my kind' watching his granddaughter. And that, the only reason I hired you was because I was trying to 'do whatever it is that you people do'. What does that even mean! Uggh. I cannot believe him. He never once showed an interest in me and Coop when we were growing up. Coop was the one that raised me. Now all of the sudden he thinks he has the right to pretend to care about Ali. Well no. I won't let her be tainted by him."

Kurt just stood blinking as Blaine shouted out his anger. When Blaine started running his hands through his hair angrily, Kurt stepped forward and grabbed his wrists and forced them to his sides. Then he grabbed Blaine's face and held it between his hands. "Blaine. Calm down. Look at me." Blaine's eyes were flying around wildly before they locked with Kurt's. Kurt felt some of the tension leave his body and gave Blaine a little smile. "Breathe Blaine. With me." He made a point of taking a breath, which Blaine followed.

They stood like that for a few moments before Kurt saw the fire die out in Blaine's eyes. He dropped his hand and smiled. "Better?"

Blaine blinked as if he were coming out of a trance, which he sort of was. He did just spend the last couple minutes staring into Kurt's eyes, anyone was bound to get a little lost there. "Yeah. Thanks Kurt. Sorry. I just...Daddy issues."

Kurt nodded. "I understand. Man, you're worse than a mama bear protecting her young."

Blaine dropped his head and sighed. He couldn't believe he lost control like that, he never shouted, ever. "Sorry."

"Hey. No." Kurt ducked down so he could see Blaine's face. "None of that. It's actually pretty sweet. I don't think you see how amazing you are with her Blaine. Don't listen to what anyone says, you're doing a great job raising Ali. Not too many people could handle that kind of pressure, but I think you're amazing." He blushed and rushed to add on, "you know. With Ali. You're amazing with Ali."

"You mean that?"

"Of course I do. Kurt Hummel is nothing but honest."

Blaine smiled and felt his eyes get watery. Why couldn't Kurt be his to love? "Thanks Kurt. And for the record, you're amazing too."

"With Ali?"

"Yeah. That too."

Kurt looked away with a shy blush, it was the cutest thing Blaine has seen and he would do everything to get Kurt look like that more often. Ali had crawled over and was pulling on Blaine's pant leg so he swooped down then threw her up in the air. When he caught her he blew a loud raspberry on her cheek, causing Ali to laugh. "You're amazing too baby girl."

He spun her around a few times, Ali's screams of laughter filling the apartment. When he got a little too dizzy, he stopped and looked at Kurt. "So, you staying for dinner? I will be making my famous...phone call to the Chinese restaurant."

Kurt laughed but then shook his head sadly. "Sorry. I need to...get going probably."

Blaine's shoulders slumped and he nodded sadly. "Right."

"Right. So. I'll see you Monday morning?"

Blaine frowned. He sort of forgot it was the weekend. He wouldn't see Kurt for two whole days. He walked over to the door, Ali still on his hip. "Yeup! Have a good weekend Kurt."

"You too Blaine. Bye bye Ali." He reached out and gave her hand a squeeze before walking out in a hurry.

Kurt walked away quickly, as if putting a greater distance between them would somehow make him feel better. Of course things didn't work that way. Blaine had flat out said he thought Kurt was amazing, and he meant it. Kurt could tell. He didn't really know how to process this new information. Sure, he knew things had been changing between them the past week, but he just asumed it was Blaine getting more comfortable around him. That's how friendships worked after all, gradually feeling more comfortable with a person as time went on.

Except, Kurt had felt almost instantly comfortable with Blaine once they met. He wondered if Blaine felt that too. Kurt was so lost in his thoughts it took him a moment to realized he was already outside the subway. Shaking his head, he reached in his bag to get out his Metro card and then he remembered the envelope Blaine had given him. They had never actually settled on what Kurt would be getting paid, so he was curious. Once he was seated on the subway, and even though he knew it was risky to do so, he took the envelope out and opened it. He counted it then almost dropped it in surprise. Shoving the envelope back into his bag and looking around to make sure nobody saw, he pulled his phone out and texted Blaine.

"Blaine."

The reply was almost instant. A simple "Kurt."

"Blaine!"

"Donkey! But no seriously, what's with the names?"

"Uhh. You know the envelope you gave me?"

"I'm aware of it."

"Blaine! There's $500 in there!"

"And?"

"FIVE-HUNDRED DOLLARS! This is too much. I'm coming back to give you some of it back."

"You most certainly are not. Kurt you went above and beyond this week. You deserve it. So just say thank you and leave it be."

"Blaine."

"And if you even dare show up here, I will not let you in."

"I have a key you idiot."

"Yeah, but not to the chain lock! HA! What have you got to say to that huh Hummel?"

"I hate you."

"No you don't. You are eternally grateful for my existence."

Well that was certainly true, but he wasn't about to say that. Instead he sent, "You keep thinking that Anderson." Blaine replied with a winky face, making Kurt smile into his phone.

He spent the rest of the subway ride thinking about the predicament he was in. The plan he made last week was not coming together too well. Cheap apartments were hard to find in New York, plus everytime he tried looking online, Lawrence would come home, making Kurt scramble to close out the tab. He had a feeling Lawrence suspected something was up since he was slowly becoming even more overbearing and demanding.

Wednesday nights were rough, since he got home so much later. They didn't argue, but Lawrence liked to 'show Kurt that he was his', as if he had somehow forgotten. It made getting up so early on Thursday really difficult, and this was only the first week. Luckily, Blaine had been extremely tired as well, so he didn't notice that Kurt seemed a bit off. He couldn't handle the embarrasment if Blaine asked him why he was walking differently.

Kurt just needed a new plan. He hated thinking about how he would have to ask for help, but he was getting desperate. He was sure Rachel would be able to help him in some way. She seemed to know everybody, maybe she could help him get a deal on an apartment somewhere. He wouldn't even think of asking to stay with her for a while. Living with Rachel Berry was not something he wanted to endure, especially with her ever changing boyfriends.

The extra money Blaine gave him this week would certainly help, even though he still thought Blaine was insane for giving him so much. Just another thing to add to the already super long list of 'Blaine Anderson is better than everyone else'. The new plan was starting to take form. He would call Rachel tomorrow while Lawrence was out, then he would go from there.

Once he got off the subway, he spent the short walk to his apartment thinking of what would happen with him and Blaine once him and Lawrence broke up. The thought made Kurt smile widely. He sure hoped his plan would work.