Kurt signed himself in as a visitor to the administration staff and made his way down the corridors towards Blaine's office. He knocked gently on the closed door and Blaine appeared a moment later. He smiled when he saw Kurt.

"Can you give me a few more minutes?" Blaine asked. "I'm just with a student."

"Of course," Kurt replied with a nod. He stepped back into the corridor to read the notice boards, taking in the familiarity of high school club listings and other advertisements.

The sound of the bell startled Kurt and he glanced up in time to see several classroom doors opening and students filing out. He quickly made his way back to outside Blaine's office where the door was still firmly closed.

"Hey, Kurt!" Tina called out to him happily. "Are you here to see Blaine?"

Kurt nodded. "Yeah," he said. "I thought I'd surprise him for lunch."

"That's sweet," Tina replied. "Is he in his office?"

"He's just with a student at the moment," Kurt said.

"Come to the staff room with me then," Tina offered. "He'll come there when he's done."

"Okay." Kurt followed her through the throng of students to the staff room.

"How have you been, Kurt?" Tina asked as she pulled out a plastic container full of fruit from the fridge. "How's living with Blaine?"

"I'm good and living with Blaine is amazing," Kurt said. "It's nice coming home to someone."

Tina smiled. "I know what you mean. Grape?"

"Thank you," Kurt said, picking one off the bunch to eat. "I just got approved for two weeks leave for the end of May so I'm hoping Blaine and I can go on vacation together somewhere. We haven't done the whole going away together thing, so I really want to do that."

Tina smiled. "Do you have anywhere in mind?"

"Europe," Kurt answered without hesitation. "It'd be a dream come true."

"What would be a dream come true?" Blaine asked from behind Kurt.

Kurt glanced up at him with a smile. "Holidaying in Europe."

"Mmm, it would," Blaine agreed. He leaned over and kissed Kurt before sitting down next to him. "Hi, by the way."

"Hi," Kurt returned.

"This is nice, you visiting me," Blaine said.

"I thought I'd surprise you," Kurt replied. "So we could have lunch together."

"I'm definitely surprised," Blaine said. "But I brought lunch with me..."

"I know," Kurt replied. "I packed you extra when I put your lunch together this morning."

"Kurt packs your lunch?" Tina asked, amused.

"Only sometimes," Blaine replied. He got up and headed to the staff refrigerator and re-joined them a moment later. "You're very sneaky, Kurt Hummel."

Kurt grinned. "I know," he replied. "I have news, as well."

"Yeah?"

Kurt nodded. "Isabelle finally approved my leave. I have two weeks off for my birthday."

"Kurt, that's amazing," Blaine said happily. He leaned over and kissed Kurt again. "Maybe we will get to holiday in Europe."

"I hope so!" Kurt replied.

After the end of lunch bell sounded, Blaine turned to Kurt with a slight pout.

"I have another appointment soon," Blaine said. "You can hang around in here, if you want, until I finish for the day?"

Kurt reached over and ran his fingers through Blaine's loose curls. "I might," he replied. "Because otherwise I'll probably end up going shopping and that won't end the same time as you finish."

Blaine chuckled. "I can get you my iPad, if you want?"

Kurt shook his head. "Thanks but I'm good," he said. "I've got a book to read."

"Okay," Blaine said, standing. "I'll be back when I'm done."

"Okay," Kurt returned. Blaine leaned over and kissed him for a few long moments before pulling back. "Go," Kurt laughed. "Or you'll be late!"

Blaine gave him another quick kiss before disappearing. Kurt smiled to himself and shook his head. He got up and moved to one of the couches and sat down, getting comfortable. He had just pulled out his book when his phone rang. He pulled it out and answered it without looking at the screen.

"Hello?"

"When did you move out?"

"Excuse me?" Kurt asked, pulling the phone away from his ear to see that the number on the screen was a blocked one. "Who is this?"

"Has it really been that long that you don't recognise my voice, Kurt?"

"Wait... Tobias, is that you?"

The male on the other end of the line chuckled and Kurt let out a relieved sigh. "The one and only."

"God, you scared me there," Kurt replied. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Tobias started. "I had some time free so I thought that I would call you and see how you were. I called the apartment's phone only to wake up Sam, tell him I'm sorry, by the way, and to find out that you apparently don't live there anymore?"

"No, I don't," Kurt said. "I live with my boyfriend, Blaine."

"Congratulations," Tobias replied. "Look at you being all grown up. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Kurt bit his lip. "I didn't want to leave that in a message. There's nothing classy about leaving a message on your ex-boyfriend's voicemail saying that I'm now living with my new boyfriend."

Tobias laughed. "You're right," he said. "So, how is life with the boyfriend?"

"It's good," Kurt replied. "Really good."

"I'm glad," Tobias said. "Is that the same guy you were pining after when I was there last?"

"I wasn't pining," Kurt started. "And yes, yes it is."

Tobias laughed happily. "I'm glad you're happy, Kurt."

"Thank you, I am too."

"I don't have long to talk, but I just wanted to hear your voice and make sure you were okay."

"I'm okay," Kurt said. "I hope that the tour isn't too hard on you..."

"Nothing I can't handle," Tobias replied. "Actually, I kind of have a boyfriend myself."

"Kind of?" Kurt repeated.

"Yeah," Tobias began. "We've only just started seeing each other and I don't want to jinx it."

"I'm sure you won't; anyone would be lucky to have you."

"Thanks, Kurt," Tobias replied. "I'm coming home again soon. Can we catch up? Then you can meet my boyfriend..."

Kurt grinned. "I'd love to!"

"Awesome," Tobias said. "That's pretty much what I called for, to say I have a new boyfriend. Well and to say I miss you."

"I miss you too," Kurt replied. There was some noise in the background and Tobias sighed, sounding audibly frustrated.

"I gotta go but I'll call again when I'm free."

"Okay," Kurt replied. He smiled and disconnected the call after saying good bye and slipped his phone back into his pocket.

Between his appointments, Blaine came back into the staff room to check on Kurt, joining him on the couch for a few moments.

"I might take you up on that offer for your iPad, if that's okay?" Kurt asked.

"Of course," Blaine replied.

"Thanks," Kurt said. "I was thinking I could look up some travel prices for the two weeks I have off and see what we could get done in that time."

"Oh," Blaine said. "Umm, I think my iPad's battery has died..."

Kurt shot Blaine a confused look. "You just said–"

Blaine gave Kurt an apologetic look. "Sorry."

"Well, is there a computer I could use?"

"Umm... Not really, we all have staff codes and you'd need to be somewhere supervised. It's best if you just keep reading your book for now."

"Blaine," Kurt said curtly. "What is going on? Why can't I just use a computer?"

Blaine sighed. "I wanted to keep this a secret but I know what you're like when you get an idea."

"Secret? What secret?"

"Isabelle called me a week ago to say you'd been approved for your vacation time," Blaine started.

"...Why would she call you?"

"So I could plan ahead for your birthday," Blaine replied. "It's meant to be a surprise though, Kurt."

"Oh," Kurt said. "Can I have a hint?"

Blaine grinned at him. "Do you really want a hint or can you hold out until your birthday?"

"No, I want a hint," Kurt replied with a nod.

"Fine," Blaine said. "We're leaving the country for your birthday."

"We're going to Europe?" Kurt asked excitedly, wondering just how much information he could get from Blaine.

"We're going to Europe," Blaine repeated with a nod.

Kurt let out a happy sound and threw his arms around Blaine's shoulders, hugging him tightly. "Oh, you are the best boyfriend ever."

Blaine's arms wound around his waist and squeezed slightly. "Now you're not going to be surprised on your birthday."

"I will, believe me, I will," Kurt said. "Oh, wow, I need to do some shopping so I have appropriate clothes for where we're going... You know, it would help me a lot if you tell me where in Europe we're going..."

Blaine grinned and silenced him with a kiss. "You'll find out later."

Kurt smiled into the kiss. "You're so good to me."

"I try," Blaine replied, kissing back.

~*~

Everything had been organised and paid for long before they were even due to go away; Blaine had made sure that their accommodation was booked well in advance because he knew how busy Paris was going to be in that last week of May. Everyone loved the summer and the moment it started, there would be people everywhere outside enjoying the sun while they could.

He had taken the time to see a travel agent who had given Blaine brochures on the must see places in Paris. Blaine was beyond excited. Kurt still wasn't aware exactly where in Europe they were going to be and Blaine couldn't wait to see his face when he realised where they were going.

Planning their vacation was exciting for Blaine. He hadn't been away in a long time and he knew how much travelling to Paris would mean to Kurt.

It was exciting to think about, going to another country together. The only away time they'd really had together was when they went to Ohio to visit Kurt's family. It wasn't really a vacation they could spend soaking each other up though. Paris was definitely the place for that.

The amount of culture and amazing places they would visit was enough to leave Blaine counting down the days until they left.

"Next!"

Blaine's head snapped up as he realised it was his turn in the line of people to order coffee. He stepped up to the counter and placed his order.

"Don't worry, I daydream here too," a guy who suddenly appeared next to Blaine said. He was tall with honey blonde coloured hair and a million watt smile that could put Cooper to shame. He shot Blaine an amused look and tucked his hands into his designer jeans.

Blaine shot him a small smile. "I was a million miles away," he replied.

The guy smiled back. "Anywhere interesting?"

"Paris, actually," Blaine replied.

"Excellent choice," the man nodded. "Cameron Phillips, by the way."

Blaine shook the offered hand. "Blaine Anderson."

"So, what are you doing in a coffee house all alone on a Wednesday afternoon?" Cameron asked.

"Getting coffee...?"

Cameron chuckled and was about to say something else when the barista called out Blaine's name. He stepped away from Cameron to collect his order and was prepared to leave when Cameron spoke again.

"Would you like to get a table?"

"Oh," Blaine said, a little startled. "I'm actually meeting someone here, sorry."

"Until they arrive?" Cameron suggested.

The barista called out Cameron's name and he collected his coffee as well, re-joining Blaine.

"Maybe that isn't such a good idea," Blaine started. "My boyfriend is going to be here in a moment."

Cameron didn't look deterred though. "C'mon, I'm not going to bite."

Blaine was thankfully saved from answering when the door to the coffee shop opened and Kurt walked in, looking a little windblown but positively gorgeous. He adjusted his scarf as he glanced around the coffee shop and the moment he spotted Blaine, his face lit up. Blaine smiled back, unable to take his eyes off his boyfriend.

"Hey," Kurt said as he approached.

Blaine noticed Cameron give Kurt a once over and he raised an eyebrow in clear distaste.

"Are you lost?"

Kurt blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Cameron," Blaine cut in. "This is Kurt, my boyfriend."

"A little young, isn't he?" Cameron said, completely ignoring Kurt.

"Old enough, thank you," Kurt replied and Blaine could practically see his hackles rising.

Cameron made a face and turned back to Blaine. "Give me a call when you're done baby-sitting." He held out his card for Blaine to take and Blaine shook his head.

"Insulting my boyfriend isn't any way to get my attention," Blaine replied. "Keep your card, I won't ever need it."

Blaine bodily turned away from Cameron and took Kurt's hand, leading him to the couches. "Sorry about that," he said. "He came out of nowhere."

"It's okay," Kurt replied, sitting closely next to Blaine. "I'm just going to order a coffee, I'll be right back."

Kurt leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips before getting up to place his order. He arrived back a few minutes later with his coffee and a plate with two biscotti on it. Blaine beamed at him and gratefully accepted the delicious treat.

"Best boyfriend ever," Blaine said around a mouthful of his biscotti.

"I try," Kurt replied with a wink. "I'm so excited, Blaine, we have one more week and then we're going to Europe!"

Blaine grinned. "I can't wait."

"I am almost completely packed," Kurt started. "I have my passport; you have my money to exchange since you still won't tell me where we're going..."

"And you can wait until we leave," Blaine replied.

"So mean," Kurt said, leaning into Blaine a little more.

"Mmm but you love me."

"I do," Kurt replied, leaning over to kiss Blaine.

Blaine's stomach flip-flopped at those two words falling from Kurt's lips. Ever since he had said that marriage was definitely on the table for them, he had been thinking about it more and more. He and Kurt had been together for a while now and even though it was still a relatively short time, Blaine could not imagine his life with anyone else.

Living with Kurt had been the first step, in his mind. He just needed a ring and the perfect place to propose.

He didn't want to rush it, though. He wanted it to be the right time for both of them.

Blaine liked living with Kurt. Kurt was easy to get along with and even though he had been warned by all of Kurt's housemates and Sam at how particular Kurt was, Blaine had found it endearing rather than annoying. He liked things a certain way as well and it was nice that he had someone who cared enough to remember that fact.

Kurt was easy to live with not only because Blaine was madly in love with him but because they both had respect for each other and each other's belongings.

Blaine could have used someone like Kurt in his life when he was dating Dale.

"What are you thinking about?" Kurt asked softly, reaching up to stroke his fingers through Blaine's loosely gelled curls.

"You," Blaine replied.

Kurt flushed and kissed him softly. "I hate to break this textbook romantic moment but I have to go back to the office for a couple of hours," he said as he pulled back. "I won't be too long."

"Good," Blaine said. "I'm making risotto for dinner."

"Delicious," Kurt replied pecking Blaine on the lips again. "I'll see you at home."

Blaine nodded and Kurt got up, grabbing his coat before leaving.

It wasn't until Kurt had gone that Blaine noticed that he'd left a book on the table. Blaine picked it up and saw that it was Kurt's sketchbook. He flicked through the pages, completely taken by Kurt's designs.

He had an amazing talent, Blaine noticed. He just wished that Kurt would do something about it.

Blaine slipped the book into his satchel and slung it over his shoulder before leaving the coffee shop to walk a little before going home. He had plenty of time to get dinner ready before Kurt would be home and he wanted to do some window shopping to see if there was anything else he could get Kurt for his birthday.

Before Blaine knew it, he was outside Tiffany's. He sucked in a breath and stepped into the shop. He could just browse. There was absolutely nothing that said he had to buy anything at all.

"Hello, sir," a female voice came from off to Blaine's side. "My name is Laura, may I help you today?"

"Umm..." Blaine glanced from Laura to around the gorgeous store. "Engagement rings," he blurted out.

Laura beamed. "Of course! We have a wonderful selection over here," she said as she headed for the very obvious female engagement rings."

"Oh," Blaine said. "For my boyfriend."

Laura smiled at him still. "Do you know his size?" she asked as she led him to another display section of rings.

"Not the ring size, no," Blaine replied. "But he has long, slim fingers."

Laura hummed. "I think I know just the thing that would suit him."

Blaine nodded and she pulled out a ring, sitting in a padded box. She handed it to him and he stared at it sitting in the palm of his hand for a few long moments before he picked it up. He shook his head.

"I don't think that's the one," he replied, handing it back, a little disappointed.

As Laura put the ring away, Blaine spotted another one.

"That's it," he whispered. "Uh, sorry, to the right of your hand."

Laura gestured to the ring and Blaine nodded. She handed it over and Blaine smiled.

"This is it," Blaine said. "This is the one."

"Excellent!" Laura said. She gave him a price and Blaine handed over his credit card without hesitation.

There was nothing to even think about – it was the perfect ring and Blaine couldn't be happier with himself.

He accepted the little blue box and slipped it into his coat pocket before leaving the store. He hailed a taxi and gave the address to the Anderson and Sons firm before he realised what he had said.

Blaine couldn't stop grinning as he rode the elevator to Cooper's floor. He waved at Donna, his receptionist and she nodded her head, telling him to go straight in.

"Hey, Bee," Cooper said as he looked up from behind his desk.

"Hey, Coop," Blaine returned, sitting in the chair in front of Cooper's desk, still smiling.

"What's with the face?" Cooper asked.

"I went shopping..."

Cooper adjusted his glasses on his face and leaned back in his chair, giving Blaine an inquisitive smile. "You got a ring, didn't you?"

Blaine didn't even question how on Earth Cooper would know that but he nodded anyway. "I did."

"Well, let's see it then."

Blaine pulled out the box from his pocket and handed it over to Cooper. Cooper whistled and glanced at Blaine over the top of his glasses.

"This is some piece of work," Cooper said. "Not too girly, just the right amount of bling... I think Kurt will love it."

Blaine beamed. "I think he will as well."

"So, when are you popping the question?" Cooper asked as he handed the ring back to Blaine.

"I might do it when we're in Paris," Blaine replied. "Maybe up on the Eiffel tower on his birthday..."

"Too clich�," Cooper responded. "You need a big gesture that he'll remember. This is Kurt, he would love the greatness of it all."

Blaine paused and thought over what Cooper had said. "I... maybe. I just want the moment to be the right one."

"If you plan it well, the moment will be the right one," Cooper said. "I'm happy for you, Blainey. My little brother's all grown up!"

Blaine rolled his eyes. "Coop," he said. "I'm forty-four years old, I'm positive that I'm 'all grown up' already."

"You are. And you've snagged yourself a little beauty who's still only twenty-two," Cooper said with a wink. "Go for it, tiger. And then tell me the moment you do it because I need to be the first person to know this since you let my daughter tell me that you were even seeing someone to begin with."

Blaine felt a twinge of guilt as Cooper spoke. "Well, maybe not the moment I propose because I hope that we'll be too focused on, you know, getting engaged to call you, but I promise you will be the first person I call."

"Before Audrey?"

Blaine nodded. "Before Audrey."

Cooper grinned. "Fantastic!"

"I'd better go," Blaine said. "I want to hide this ring before Kurt gets home from work."

"Good idea, squirt," Cooper replied. "And good luck. Not that you'll need it, of course."

Blaine smiled at his brother and got up to give him a hug. "Thanks, Coop."

"Anytime, kiddo."

Blaine left Cooper's office and was about to wave at Donna when he saw she wasn't at her desk. He stepped behind her desk and left her a happy little message on a post-it note that he stuck to her screen.

He carried on his way, unable to stop the slight bounce in his step as he walked.

Blaine paused before he reached the elevators and saw the copy room door open. He hesitated for a moment before stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

He reached into his satchel and pulled out Kurt's sketchbook. Cooper's advice from a few weeks beforehand rang clear in his mind. If Kurt wasn't going to do something about his work, then Blaine would help nudge him in the right direction. After all, that's what boyfriends were for. He would just copy the sketches and urge Kurt to send them in.

With that in mind, Blaine lifted the lid of the copier and placed the first sketch in the pad face down onto the glass plate.

~*~