Kurt jolted awake with the sound of his phone buzzing across his nightstand. He groped for it blindly, bringing it close to his face and wincing at the harsh brightness, automatically closing his eyes again. He cracked one eye open, peeking through his lashes to see that it was a text message from Blaine, wishing him a good morning. He smiled, unable to help himself as he tapped out a reply.
They were meeting up for lunch that day, something Kurt had been looking forward to. The previous night had been amazing. He hadn't felt so enamoured with someone in such a long time.
The memory of Blaine's lips on his own, Blaine's tongue in his mouth and Blaine's hands stroking his sides as they kissed left Kurt tingling all over. He was glad he had taken Isabelle's advice and had seized the day with Blaine.
"You got in late."
Kurt almost fell out of bed at the voice behind him. "Shit," he hissed. "Rachel!"
Rachel yawned innocently, stretching her arms above her head. She looked positively sleep rumpled and Kurt wondered when during the night she had climbed into bed with him. He must have been deep asleep to not have noticed her – she usually hogged the covers.
Kurt glared at Rachel from his side of the bed and she gave him a smile. "What?" she asked.
"Why are you in my bed?"
"Because I missed you," Rachel replied, pouting.
Kurt rolled his eyes fondly and shifted his legs so their feet were pressed together comfortably. "I'm here."
"Where were you last night?" she asked.
Rachel asked too many questions the moment she woke up, Kurt decided. "I was out."
"On a date?"
Kurt nodded. "Yeah, I was."
Rachel squealed and threw herself at him in a hug. Kurt quickly caught her before she bowled them both off the bed, one of her pigtail plaits smacking him in the face as she did.
Kurt hugged her back, knowing it was the only way to appease her enough to get her to let go.
"What's he like? Who is he? Did you kiss him? Oh my god, that's why you were out so late, wasn't it, you hussy!"
Kurt shot Rachel a look. "He's amazing. I really like him and no, you're not meeting him yet. I want to make sure it's going to last before you or Santana get your claws into him."
Rachel feigned a hurt look. "So, is he a good kisser?" she asked with a grin. "I bet he is considering how late you got home. Was that him texting you that woke me up?"
Kurt smiled, unable to help himself when he thought of Blaine. "He's a fantastic kisser," he replied. "We spent most of the night making out on his couch. It was amazing."
Rachel squealed again and grabbed his hand, squeezing it in her excitement. "I'm so happy for you!" she said.
"Thanks, Rach. I am too."
"It looks like love is in the air!" Rachel started.
"Wait, you've met someone too?"
Rachel nodded shyly. "I have," she replied, grinning. "And no, you're not meeting mine either. You can meet mine when I get to meet yours."
Kurt nodded. "I can accept those terms."
"This is nice," Rachel said. "I feel like we haven't done this in so long."
"Yes because creeping into my bed is so normal," Kurt teased. Rachel pouted and kicked his shin with her toes. "Ouch, you need to cut those demon toenails!"
Rachel was about to reply when Kurt's bedroom door opened and Santana walked in. "Hey, Santana!" she started instead. "Come join us!"
"Wanky."
Kurt rolled his eyes but Santana climbed in anyway, on Rachel's side, where she'd made room for her.
"What's up with the girly snuggles anyway?" Santana asked, resting her head on her hand so she could look down at both of them.
"Rachel climbed into bed with me while I was sleeping," Kurt replied.
Santana's lips quirked and Kurt could see she was physically restraining herself to stop from commenting. "You two have issues," she said somewhat fondly.
"We should go out for breakfast," Rachel suggested. "We could get bagels and coffee from that coffee house you like so much, Kurt."
"I would but I have a lunch date," Kurt replied and Rachel pouted. "I don't want to stuff myself at breakfast–"
"When you can stuff yourself with him at lunch?" Santana interrupted.
Kurt threw her a glare. "No," he started. "It's just a date. It might not go anywhere yet."
"But Kurt..." Rachel said. "I thought...?"
Kurt shook his head. "I don't want to jinx it by saying he's the most perfect guy I've ever met – even if that is true."
"You're not still hung up on that guy from the Vogue party, are you?" Santana asked, twirling some of Rachel's hair around her finger in an oddly domestic movement. "Because kissing a guy in a mask is nothing to feel guilty over."
Kurt sucked in his bottom lip, biting it for a moment. "He was... intense though – the masquerade guy, I mean. We didn't even know each other, we still don't know each other, and I wanted to just have my way with him."
Santana laughed. "Kurt, if there's one thing I know about you for sure is that you literally cannot do one night stands," she said. "It's not a bad thing. Boring, sure, but not bad. That's just who you are. Knowing your luck, Mr Masquerade and this new guy you're boning are the same guy."
"I'm not boning him," Kurt said petulantly.
"Not yet, fine, but you probably will," Santana continued. "You're smitten already – I could practically see the love hearts floating from underneath your bedroom door."
Rachel nodded. "She's right," she said. "You seem pretty taken with this guy, even though you won't tell me who he is," she jabbed him with her finger for extra emphasis, "so don't feel too bad. So you kissed a guy wearing a mask? So what? It doesn't change how you feel about the guy you spent all night making out with."
Santana wolf whistled. "Go lady lips!"
Kurt rolled his eyes fondly. "Ugh, when did I start taking advice from you two?"
Santana grinned "When you realised that Auntie Tana knows best."
"I'd better get up," Kurt said. "I have errands to run before my lunch date."
"You know he doesn't really exist until we meet him, right?" Santana teased. "So, get on that already, Hummel, we don't like to be kept waiting."
"No," Kurt replied, slipping out of bed. "You're not meeting him. Not until I know if this is going somewhere. The last thing I want is for you to sink your claws into him and scare him off."
"Would I really do that?" Santana asked sweetly.
"Yes," Kurt and Rachel replied in unison, both nodding their heads.
"You tried to do it with Tobias," Kurt added.
"And he passed the test," Santana replied with a casual shrug. "I have to make sure that these guys you date are good enough for you."
"And I'm flattered but it's my decision to make," Kurt said as he picked up his phone to flick through his schedule. "So, you'll meet this guy when I am ready – no sooner than that, okay?"
"Ugh," Santana said, getting out of Kurt's bed as well. "You are so boring, Kurt. I hope you and Mr Boring fall in boring love and have boring babies and are just boring for the rest of your boring lives."
"Thanks, Santana," Kurt said absently. "Love you too."
By the time Kurt had run his errands and had got home to get ready, he was on the verge of being late for his date with Blaine. He made it just in time, thankfully, and Blaine greeted him with a big smile and a loving kiss. As Kurt kissed him back, he thought to himself that he really could get used to this.
"I didn't know if you were a fancy restaurant at lunch kind of guy, so I thought a little caf� was probably the best way to go," Blaine said after they chose a table towards the back of the caf� to sit at.
"It's perfect," Kurt assured him, taking a seat across from Blaine at the table. He paused, just for a moment, to take in the fact that he was on a lunch date with the first guy he had really liked in a long time. They still had things to talk about, of course, like all new relationships (he didn't want to presume but he hoped they were in a relationship now), and that scared him a little bit but just seeing Blaine smile at him made those worries fade away.
"How are you feeling today?" Blaine asked once they had been sitting down for a few long moments. "Do you have many bruises?"
Kurt glanced up at Blaine and gave him a small smile. "Surprisingly, I'm okay," he replied. "I have a few bruises where I landed in the same spots over and over but on the whole, I'm not too bad."
"Good," Blaine said and he reached across the top of the table to take Kurt's hand in his. "I'm glad you came."
"Me too," Kurt breathed.
Their moment was interrupted by their server coming to take their order. Blaine said for Kurt to order first before he ordered himself. The server left them alone after taking their orders and Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand gently and Kurt felt the touch all the way down to his toes.
Even though they had just seen each other the night before, they still found new things to talk about and before Kurt knew it, they had finished their lunch and were accepting the bill from their server.
"You're not paying, let me get this," Blaine insisted, slipping his credit card into the little book.
Kurt resisted the urge to pout in Blaine's direction. "Fine," he said. "But I'm getting it next time."
"Next time?" Blaine asked softly.
Kurt nodded. "I would like to, if you would."
"I'd love it," Blaine replied, looking at Kurt with such affection in his gaze.
Neither of them noticed the server taking the book and bringing it back again.
They left the caf� and Kurt smiled when Blaine's hand slipped into his own the moment they started to walk down the street together. He had a slight bounce in his step that he couldn't stop even if he wanted to.
"I know this is probably an awkward subject to broach," Blaine started as they kept walking. "So I'm just going to do it."
Kurt nodded, feeling a little nervous. "Okay."
Blaine shot him a grateful look before speaking again. "I really like you, Kurt," he said. "Like really like you. I know I'm old...er and I just wanted to know if that was going to be an issue at all?"
Kurt deliberately gave Blaine's hand a squeeze. "I don't think it is," he replied. "It's not a problem on my part – is it on yours?"
"No, not at all," Blaine said emphatically.
"Good," Kurt replied with a smile.
"Good," Blaine repeated.
"This isn't just a... thing for me," Kurt started. "In case you were wondering. I... well, I've only really had two steady relationships before and well, I really like you."
Blaine grinned. "It isn't a thing for me either," he said. "I've only been with Dale and we were together for a long time." He paused in the middle of the street before turning to face Kurt. "I guess I just want to get it out there that I don't really do short relationships. I'm looking for a guy I can spend the rest of my life with. I know that's probably scary to someone as young as you-"
Kurt quickly cut Blaine off by kissing him. "It's not scary," he whispered. "I promise."
Blaine gave him a hopeful look. "You're so young, though."
"Not really," Kurt said softly. "Age is just a number and I think we should give this a try. I like you, Blaine, I've liked you since the moment I spilled my coffee on you at Vogue and I would really, really love to see if we could make a relationship work. I don't just want to date a bunch of losers before finding the right guy – not when I'm sure I've already found him. I get that you're cautious; your last relationship didn't exactly end on good terms, but I'm willing to try if you are."
"I'm willing," Blaine replied before kissing Kurt again.
~*~
"I'm going to Paris!"
Blaine blinked as he glanced down at his phone in his hand and saw that it was indeed his niece calling him. "That's... wow!"
"I know! This is so exciting!"
"Aud, forgive an old man here but why are you going to Paris?" Blaine asked.
"Oh! For modelling. I got a contract with an agency and I fly out tomorrow to start work! I can't wait, Uncle Blaine. This is everything I've ever wanted."
"I'm so happy for you, sweetheart," Blaine replied as he steadied himself on the subway again. It wasn't the smartest move to be on the phone while on the train but he had a destination to get to and he didn't want to ignore his niece either.
"Will you come see me off at the airport tomorrow? Dad said he'll send the car to pick you up," Audrey asked.
Blaine nodded automatically. "Of course I will," he replied. "I can't believe you're heading to Paris, that's amazing. How long are you going for?"
"Six months to start with," Audrey said. "It could be extended depending on how much they like me and if they want me to work more. Don't worry though, I'll be back as often as I can. Dad's fretting like mad, of course. Can't have his baby girl traipsing across the world now, can he?"
Blaine laughed, earning him a few odd looks which he ignored. "You'll do great, sweetheart, I just know it."
"Thanks, Uncle Blaine, that means a lot to me," Audrey said. "I'd better go; I have a lot of things to pack!"
"I bet you do," Blaine replied. "Text me your flight details and I'll make sure that I'm up early enough to help you at home if you want it."
"I will! I'm just so excited!"
Blaine grinned to himself as they said their good byes and disconnected the call. He knew it was only time before Audrey's career took off and he was just glad it had happened soon for her. She deserved the world, he thought. He may be a little biased though.
The train finally came to Blaine's stop and he got out, smiling when he saw Kurt's face from afar, undoubtedly looking for him.
"Hi," Kurt breathed as soon as Blaine was within distance. Blaine gently kissed Kurt on the lips in a hello.
"It's so good to see you again," Blaine said, slipping his hand into Kurt's as they headed up the stairs onto the busy Manhattan streets.
It had been just over a week since they had been able to catch up again. Between Kurt's work schedule and Blaine's, they only had time for phone calls and text messages. Both were great, especially when starting a new relationship but Blaine wanted nothing more than to hold Kurt in his arms and kiss him again.
Since it was a Saturday again though, so they had made sure they both had time to meet up and have a proper date. Kurt said he didn't want to do the whole 'wine and dine' thing, so Blaine figured he would take Kurt somewhere he was sure that Kurt had never been before – golfing. He hadn't told Kurt where they were going though; he wanted it to be a surprise. He just hoped that Kurt had a good time.
"Are you going to tell me where we're going yet?" Kurt asked as Blaine hailed a cab.
"Nope," Blaine replied. "If you don't like what we do, I'll have to make it up to you."
"Promise?" Kurt asked flirtatiously.
Blaine grinned and kissed Kurt quickly again. "Promise."
The cab ride wasn't overly long, which Blaine was thankful for, and before he knew it, they were pulling up at the Anderson golf course. His great-grandfather had the course built in his early thirties, celebrating becoming the youngest partner to ever join one of the top legal firms of his time. It was a sport that had been encouraged for all Andersons to play, male and female, and Blaine wanted to share an afternoon with Kurt, teaching him how to play, while there was still a little bit of sun left before winter truly hit.
"A golf course?" Kurt asked as they wandered to the club rooms.
Blaine nodded. "It's owned by my family," he explained, telling Kurt about the tale of his great-grandfather's achievements. "So it's kind of a family tradition, really."
"Oh," Kurt said, giving Blaine a look that he couldn't quite decipher.
"Have you ever played before?"
Kurt shook his head. "I've played mini golf – does that count?"
"We'll make it count," Blaine replied, leading Kurt inside. He was greeted by the regular patrons as he led Kurt through to the Anderson personal rooms. "We have spare clothes, if you don't want to get your Marc Jacobs shirt dirty?"
Kurt nodded. "Thanks," he said.
Blaine pulled out a soft white shirt and a grey cashmere sweater that was his own for Kurt to change into. He left Kurt to change while he got the family golf clubs from his dad's private office. He enjoyed the perks of his family owning the place – it meant he didn't have to remember to bring his golfing equipment each time; it could stay at the club rooms.
Kurt exited the room a moment later and Blaine couldn't help but stare. He knew Kurt could probably pull off any outfit but he just looked so good in Blaine's cashmere sweater.
"Sorry if it's a little small," Blaine started.
"It's perfect," Kurt replied with a smile. "Honestly."
"Alright," Blaine said, grabbing his bag of golf clubs. "Want to head out onto the field?"
Kurt nodded. "Lead the way."
Blaine smiled and offered his hand to Kurt, who took it with a smile, and led them both outside. He set the golf bag in the back of the golf car and slipped into the driver's seat. Kurt climbed in next to him and Blaine drove them to the first hole.
"Normally we start beginners with trainers but you've got me, so we may as well have fun with it," Blaine said as they drove.
"I am willing and eager," Kurt replied. "This will be an adventure either way. I can't promise I won't accidentally hit you in the face with a club though."
Blaine laughed. "I'll be sure to duck if I see you swinging in my direction."
They pulled up the first stop and Blaine set up the tee, before handing Kurt an appropriate club. He went over the basics of how to hold the club for the best results and how to swing to hit the ball. Kurt had a few practice tries and managed to hit the tee three times instead of the ball and he hit the ball once but it went backwards instead of forwards.
Kurt laughed, clearly unaffected by how poorly he was doing. "I'm much better at football," he commented as Blaine set the tee up again.
"You've played football?"
Kurt nodded. "I was the team kicker for half of my sophomore year in high school," he replied. "Then I traded to become a cheerleader. They won their first game because of me."
Blaine swallowed thickly at the double image of Kurt in football gear only to have it replaced by Kurt in a cheerleading outfit. He shook his head and stepped closer to Kurt. "Here," he said. "I'll be a better teacher and give you some more guidance."
Blaine stood behind Kurt, telling him to stand with his feet in line with his shoulders so he had a better sense of balance. He slid his hands down Kurt's arms in what was probably not an entirely conducive way to golfing but he didn't care. He positioned Kurt's hands on the golf club and guided Kurt into a swing. He settled his hands on Kurt's hips as Kurt took the swing, hitting the ball off the tee, further than Blaine expected him to.
"Was that good?" Kurt asked, turning in Blaine's arms.
"That was really good," Blaine replied. "It looks like you got close to the hole as well."
Kurt grinned at him. "Really?" he asked teasingly.
Blaine nodded and tilted his head up a little to kiss Kurt soundly on the lips. He let himself enjoy the moment before regretfully letting go of Kurt.
"Kiss me again," Kurt whispered and Blaine couldn't say no, wrapping his arms around Kurt's waist one more time. He felt the golf club hit his leg as it slipped out of Kurt's grasp as he wound his arms around Blaine's neck.
Blaine felt his body responding to the kiss, pressing in closer, holding Kurt a little tighter and his brain becoming even fuzzier than it already was. He let out a broken moan that caused Kurt's fingers to tangle in his hair, keeping them close together.
"We should go," Kurt whispered. "Your place, my place, I don't care but we should go."
Blaine started to nod but then shook his head. "No," he said.
"No?" Kurt repeated, sounding a little hurt.
Blaine shot him an apologetic look. "I promised myself I wouldn't just jump into sex with the first guy I had feelings for after Dale," he started. "I really want to, Kurt, believe me, I do but I don't just want this to be a sex thing with us."
"I don't either," Kurt agreed. "It doesn't mean that it will be though, right? We can still fool around a little...?"
Blaine took a deep breath. "As tempting as that is, and boy is that tempting, I think we should wait until we've had a few more dates first."
Kurt actually pouted and Blaine couldn't stop himself from kissing Kurt again. He cupped Kurt's cheek with his hand and stroked along Kurt's bottom lip with his thumb.
"It'll be worth it," Blaine promised. "I already know that I like you so much more than I probably should but I just want to wait a little longer."
Kurt nodded. "Of course," he said. "Besides, isn't that what they invented masturbation for?"
Blaine groaned. "You're going to be the death of me. I'm an old man, Kurt, show a little compassion."
Kurt laughed and pressed a soft kiss to Blaine's lips. "You're doing fine keeping up with me so far. You know, for an old guy."
~*~