"This had better be good!"

Kurt tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the steady grumblings in Spanish of Santana to reach the door. He sniffed and wiped at his eyes with his hand, feeling more and more pathetic by the minute.

"Hey, lady lips... Whoa..."

Kurt glanced up at Santana and was startled when she pulled him in for a tight hug. Great, he thought, I must look bad if Santana is hugging me.

"What's wrong?" Santana asked as she gently guided him inside the apartment. "Shit, Kurt, did he hurt you? I will go all Lima Heights on his ass."

"Santana," Kurt said brokenly. "Don't."

Santana fell silent as she led him to the living room and sat him down on the couch. "I'm going to go make tea, help yourself to the tissues."

Kurt nodded and grabbed a handful of tissues from the box sitting in the middle of the coffee table. He was glad that some things hadn't changed with him moving out. It had always been much easier to keep a box of tissues on the table for when they watched sad movies than to have to keep getting up all of the time to wipe their eyes or blow their noses.

Santana returned a short while later with two steaming mugs of tea and she sat down next to him on the couch. "What happened?" she said, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"It's stupid," Kurt mumbled before taking a sip. "Blaine and I had a fight."

"Want to tell Auntie Tana all about it?"

Kurt sighed and set his mug down on the coffee table. "He went behind my back and submitted my portfolio to Marc Jacobs."

Santana stayed silent for a few long moments. "Yeah, I'm going to have to get Rachel for this," she said. "This doesn't make sense."

Santana stood and disappeared from the room and a moment later, a sleepy looking Rachel emerged from the bedroom, tying her fluffy pink robe around her middle.

"Kurt?" she asked, rubbing at her eyes with her fist. "What's wrong?"

"I needs to get my beauty sleep, so just keep the crying down," Santana said, leaving them alone in the living room.

Kurt sniffed pathetically and Rachel climbed onto the couch next to him and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. She kissed his cheek before picking up the mug of tea that Santana had abandoned.

Kurt explained that he and Blaine had had a fight and what Blaine had done and Rachel nodded sympathetically in all of the right places. Kurt felt a little silly explaining it all, it sounded all jumbled when he said it out loud but how he felt wasn't changing on the situation.

"He's my fianc�, Rach," Kurt said after finishing the story, feeling utterly exhausted. "We're meant to be able to trust each other and talk to each other and then this happens? How am I supposed to be able to marry a man who could just betray my trust like that?"

"Do you love him?" Rachel asked, curling her fingers on Kurt's forearm, squeezing softly.

"Of course I do," Kurt replied without hesitation, sniffing pathetically. He reached for another tissue and wiped at his eyes again.

"Well, there's your answer," Rachel said simply like it was the most obvious answer in the world.

Before Kurt could open his mouth to reply, Santana emerged from the bedroom with a loud groan. "I can't gets my sleep on if you two are going to be loudly talking," she said, sitting behind Rachel on the couch.

It took Kurt by surprise to see how utterly comfortable they were with each other. Rachel automatically leaned back into Santana's touch and Santana curled her arm protectively around Rachel's waist, slotting themselves together perfectly.

"He made a mistake," Santana said, locking gazes with Kurt. "We're all human, we make mistakes, Kurt."

"But he could have just asked," Kurt protested.

"Would you have listened?" Santana asked with a pointed look. "You've been crazy busy lately at Vogue and even at our Sunday dinners you've been distracted, constantly on your iPad or your BlackBerry, organising things and working. If we feel like we've hardly seen you in the last few months, how do you think Blaine feels?"

Kurt sighed. He knew Santana had a point. He twisted his engagement ring on his finger, running the pad of his pointer finger over the diamond embedded in the band. "I don't know," he replied honestly.

"That man bends over backwards for you, Kurt," Santana said. "I see it, Rachel sees it, heck, even Sam sees it. Why don't you?"

Kurt bit his lip. "Am I really that bad?"

"Yes," Santana said at the same time Rachel passionately said, "No!"

Kurt snorted softly. "I think Santana's right," he said to Rachel. "I've been so focused on work lately that we haven't even had sex in three weeks."

"Ugh, no wonder he's trying to get you to do something different," Santana said. "I get antsy if I don't have sex at least once a day."

Kurt's eyes widened and he looked at Rachel who flushed heavily and nodded. "I... Congratulations?" he said awkwardly.

Santana smirked. "Look, go back to your boy, apologise and realise that you've been offered a fucking paid internship for Marc Jacobs and give him the best thank you sex you've ever had. Then, when you're done, tell me the details because I needs some new masturbation material."

"Santana!" Kurt and Rachel exclaimed in unison.

"What?" Santana asked innocently.

"She's right," Rachel said after a moment, squeezing Kurt's hand gently. "I know Blaine went it about it all the wrong way but Marc Jacobs liked your stuff enough to give you an internship without interviewing you – that's gotta count for something, right?"

"Actually, I kind of think they did interview me," Kurt admitted.

"What? When?"

"It was a couple of weeks ago now," Kurt started. "I was on my lunch break and I had a call. I just thought it was something to do with Vogue and I answered all of their questions while eating my tuna salad wrap."

Rachel laughed. "Oh, Kurt," she said. "I think you'll be just fine. Now, go back home to your fianc� and apologise for freaking out. Make him apologise too and–"

"And have lots of hot gay sex and maybe film it for me," Santana added, cutting Rachel off. She winked at Kurt and he shuddered.

"I'm not filming Blaine and I having sex just so you can see it," Kurt replied rolling his eyes at her. "But thanks for the encouragement."

"Anytime," Santana said with a wink. She got up off the couch and stretched before clearing away their mugs.

"Can I stay the night?" Kurt asked Rachel. "I'll sleep on the couch and I promise I won't disturb you guys. I just... I don't know if I can go home just yet. I need to think things through and see if I'm still on the same page as Blaine."

Rachel nodded hesitantly. "Of course you can stay," she said. "Your old room is still set up for guests; you can use that instead of the couch."

"Thanks," Kurt said. He got up off the couch and headed for his old room, Rachel following closely behind him.

He flicked the light on as he walked into the room and sighed, turning to Rachel. "You think I'm being stupid, don't you?" he asked.

Rachel lifted her hand to her neck where her star pendant necklace sat. "Not stupid," she replied. "A little silly, sure, but you do need to give yourself some time to think about it all." She paused and Kurt kept his gaze on her.

"What?" he asked.

Rachel bit her lip and shook her head, her hand falling back to her side. "You don't think you'll break up, do you?" she wondered.

Kurt blinked. "I... I don't know," he replied and he sat down heavily on the bed. "I – I guess Blaine and I need to talk about things thoroughly before deciding if we want to stay engaged or not."

"Please don't break up," Rachel said, climbing onto the bed next to him. "Please."

Kurt felt eyes begin to swim with tears and Rachel launched herself at him in a hug, the force of it knocking them both backwards.

"You're meant to get married and have kids or maybe a dog and be the perfect inspiration couple," Rachel blurted out. "You're not allowed to break up."

"I don't think we will..." Kurt said slowly. "I mean, I love him still. And it isn't like he cheated on me, which is good. But the trust was still broken. I just need some space before I go back to talk to him. The last thing I want to do is get all hot headed and break it off with him over something stupid."

Rachel nodded emphatically. "Good," she said. "Want me to stay in here with you?"

Kurt bit his lip and shook his head. "Better not," he replied. "Santana might have my head."

Rachel giggled. "No, she wouldn't," she said and she tugged on the sleeve of the Harvard hoodie Kurt was wearing. "She loves you just as much as I do."

Kurt smiled. "I know," he replied. "And I'm grateful for both of you."

Rachel leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Get some sleep, Kurt," she said as she slipped off the bed, straightening her robe as she did. "And if you disappear before we wake, talk to Blaine. And be sure to listen to what he has to say. I'm sure he's hurting right now just as much as you are."

"I know," Kurt replied solemnly.

"And text him to let him know that you haven't run away forever," Rachel added. "He's probably worried sick."

"I will," Kurt promised.

Rachel blew him a kiss and closed the door behind her as she left.

Kurt got up off the bed and turned it down before climbing back in. He wrapped his arms around himself, snuggling into his old bed before pulling out his phone. He sent Blaine a quick text to say that he was staying the night at Rachel's and that he would see Blaine in the morning.

Blaine sent back a short 'okay, I love you', which made Kurt feel even worse. Kurt tucked the phone under the pillow on the opposite side of the bed and shut off the light. He pulled the covers high and hoped that sleep would come quickly.

He wasn't granted that wish, however. He slept fitfully and when he woke, it was five thirty in the morning.

He groaned and got up out of bed. The apartment was quiet and it was still dark outside.

Kurt headed for the bathroom to freshen himself up a little, splashing some cold water on his face before towelling it dry. He looked at his reflection for a few long moments. Blaine's hoodie was extremely comfortable. It was a little worn but it smelled like Blaine and it made Kurt feel safe. The lettering on the front was faded like it had seen too much sun, and Kurt couldn't help but wonder how often Blaine wore the hoodie when he was at Harvard.

Kurt turned his face to the side and lifted the hood part to his nose and inhaled deeply, letting the smell of Blaine's cologne wash over him.

He knew in that second that he had completely forgiven Blaine, even if he was a little irked still.

Kurt switched the bathroom light off and tip-toed to the kitchen to leave Rachel and Santana a note. He scribbled out a quick thank you for looking after me to them and signed it with a kiss and a hug symbol.

Kurt hastily slipped into his shoes and out of the apartment before anyone could wake up.

The streets of New York were just starting to get busy. He passed a few street vendors setting up for the day and he gave them all a small smile as he walked by.

Kurt made it back to the apartment building quicker than he thought he would and he stepped into the elevator, pushing the button for his and Blaine's penthouse. He jiggled on the spot, both eager and nervous to see Blaine. He just hoped that his fianc� didn't hate him too much for not coming home the previous night.

The elevator doors opened with a soft ping! and Kurt stepped out.

Blaine was in his recliner chair, lying back. His mouth was open a fraction and his glasses were askew on his face. Kurt stared at him for a few long moments, taking in Blaine's features. He looked distressed, even in sleep, and Kurt hated that he was the one that did that to Blaine.

The wrinkles near Blaine's eyes were more pronounced and in this light, he looked greyer than he did before. Kurt sighed and squatted down next to Blaine's chair. He carefully pulled the glasses from Blaine's face and set them on the coffee table.

Blaine's face twitched and he snuffled a little but didn't wake up.

Kurt lifted his hand and gently stroked Blaine's cheek. Blaine automatically turned into the touch and his eyes slowly opened. He jolted a little and his eyes widened.

"Kurt!" he exclaimed, voice thick with sleep.

Kurt gave him a small smile. "Hi," he said.

Blaine hastily sat up and got out of the chair. He threw his arms around Kurt in a bone crushing hug which Kurt happily returned. "I'm so glad you're home!" he said into Kurt's neck.

Kurt nodded. "Me too."

Blaine pulled back completely, arms dropping to his sides. "You... You're here to stay, right?" he asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Kurt replied. "I'm sorry I was such a jerk."

"No, don't apologise," Blaine said. "I was the idiot."

"We were both idiots," Kurt amended.

Blaine gave him a weak smile. "I was so worried you weren't going to come back."

"I'm sorry I made you think that," Kurt said softly. "I was hurt and pissed off."

"You have every right to be, Kurt," Blaine started. "You're completely right; I shouldn't have gone behind your back like that. I–"

Kurt cut Blaine off with a kiss. Blaine hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around Kurt again as he returned the kiss. Kurt melted in Blaine's embrace, holding his fianc� close as they kissed passionately. Kurt cupped Blaine's face with his hand, thumb stroking over his cheek before pulling back. He pressed a few more, quick kisses, to Blaine's lips before parting altogether, dropping his arms to hold Blaine's hips.

"So you're not mad at me?" Blaine asked softly.

"Not really," Kurt replied. "I'm annoyed that that you didn't ask me to submit my portfolio, yes, but I guess I understand why you did it."

"I just want you to be happy, Kurt," Blaine said, sincerity shining in his eyes. "And you have just seemed so miserable lately when you come home from work and I don't want that for you."

"I know but that's my decision to make, Blaine," Kurt replied, lifting his hand to rest on Blaine's shoulder. His fingers curled into the fabric of Blaine's thin shirt a little.

"I know, I know," Blaine said, pressing his forehead to Kurt's shoulder for a brief moment.

Kurt cuddled Blaine and kissed the top of his head, closing his eyes as he did.

"I don't want you to waste your life being stressed over a job because you'll only regret it," Blaine admitted. "I want you to be happy."

"I am happy," Kurt replied. "Well, for the most part. Working at Vogue is great, it really is, but I can't just go in there and say 'oops, got a job at Marc Jacobs, catch you later' because that is really irresponsible."

Blaine lifted his head and their gazes locked. "I'm sorry," he said softly, lifting his hand to stroke at the back of Kurt's neck. "You have so much talent, Kurt. I would hate to see you ignore that because you feel like you owe Vogue to stay there."

"I kind of do, though," Kurt replied, taking Blaine's hand off his neck to lace their fingers together. He pressed a kiss to their joined hands before wrapping his arms around Blaine's middle once more.

Blaine looked at him with confusion in his eyes.

"I feel guilty even thinking about leaving Vogue, especially after everything Isabelle has done for me," Kurt explained. "But I'm going to give Marc Jacobs a try."

"Really?" Blaine asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Kurt nodded. "I'll see if I can take some leave and work it out with Isabelle – she'll understand. This is the opportunity of a lifetime."

Blaine beamed up at him. "Kurt, you're going to be amazing," he said giddily. "I just know it."

Kurt grinned and kissed Blaine soundly on the lips. "Thank you."

Blaine kissed back, his hands tightening in the back of the hoodie Kurt was wearing. "I love you," he whispered against Kurt's lips.

"I love you too."

~*~

Blaine's life was pretty good. He woke up every single day with the love of his life, his fianc�, in his arms, and every single night, he went to bed with Kurt, feeling content and happy. He was happy with his job and glad that Kurt was too. Kurt had been approved for a leave of absence from Vogue and had taken on the job at Marc Jacobs. It was a nerve wracking and exciting experience for both of them, Blaine thought.

It had taken a while to get used to being in a new job, with a new pace and settings. The way things were done was vastly different to Vogue and Kurt seemed a lot happier with it all. This, in turn, made Blaine happy.

All in all, Blaine's life was pretty good.

It was winter again and to celebrate their first kiss and subsequent anniversary, Blaine had taken Kurt ice skating.

"You'd think that a year later, I'd actually be better at this," Kurt grumbled as he got up off the ground once more, dusting the ice and snow off his ass.

Blaine grinned. "Sorry," he said. "It's something you need to do more than just once to be good at. Ice skating takes practice and a certain level of balance."

Kurt swatted at Blaine playfully who just skated away from him, grinning from ear to ear.

"C'mon, if you can catch me, I'll take you home, make you a hot chocolate and then fuck you all night long," Blaine said.

"Well, with an offer like that, how could I refuse?" Kurt teased as he started to skate towards Blaine.

Blaine beamed as he skated backwards, keeping his eyes on Kurt the entire time. He purposefully went slowly, figuring it was kinder to Kurt to do so.

Kurt wobbled on his skates, looking somewhat like Bambi did during his first steps and Blaine couldn't help but chuckle. Kurt was so unsteady on his skates that it left Blaine wanting to laugh a lot. He didn't though because he didn't want Kurt to hate him too much.

"It isn't fair," Kurt said. "You've had twenty-one years more experience than I have."

"I wasn't skating before I could walk, Kurt," Blaine pointed out. "Maybe nineteen years more experience than you."

Kurt poked his tongue out at Blaine and Blaine laughed, holding out his hands for Kurt to take in his own.

"Does this mean we get to go home now?" Kurt asked as Blaine pulled him into his arms. Blaine kissed Kurt's cold flushed cheek and nodded.

"Yes, it does," he said.

"Good," Kurt replied, sounding utterly exhausted. "My feet are killing me."

"C'mon, let's go home and you can soak in the bath tub and I'll rub your feet for you," Blaine promised.

"Ohh, Mr Anderson," Kurt said flirtatiously. "That sounds like one hell of a promise."

"I aim to please," Blaine replied with a wink. Kurt chuckled and they skated over to the exit of the rink together.

Once they were at the benches, Blaine sat down and took his skates off, thinking back to the last time that they had been there.

"Our first kiss was right over there," Blaine said, pointing to a spot where a lesbian couple were currently kissing. He smiled to himself as he reached for his second skate.

"It was a pretty good kiss before I fell flat on my ass," Kurt added with a grin. "Always knew you'd sweep me off my feet."

"That was the plan all along," Blaine said as slipped his feet back into his own shoes.

They returned their skates to the rental booth and walked hand in hand out of Bryant Park.

"We should do this every year," Kurt said. "Make it a tradition."

Blaine nodded. "I like that," he agreed. "Maybe in between, I can actually teach you how to skate properly so you don't end up covered in bruises and have a sore ass for a week."

Kurt hummed. "It doesn't count unless it's in the good way," he said, squeezing Blaine's hand in his own. "Deal," he finally added. "I mean, if you can teach me to ride a horse, how to play tennis, golf and how to keep Cooper from prying into our sex life, I think you can teach me how to skate pretty easily."

"I don't know," Blaine said lightly. "Cooper almost got you a few times. I still don't get why he's so invested in my sex life. It's just weird."

"If I hadn't lived with Santana for so long, I would think it's weird to but I kind of get it," Kurt replied, straightening his scarf with his hands. "It's just their way of keeping tabs to make sure people are keeping intimate or something."

"It's still weird to me," Blaine said.

Kurt smiled, clearly amused and they walked back to their apartment. Blaine headed straight for the kitchen to make them a hot chocolate each, adding a sprinkling of cinnamon to each mug to add a little bit of zest to it. He joined Kurt in the living room and slipped underneath the blanket that Kurt already had lying across his legs. They snuggled together on the couch and Kurt turned on the television so they could watch something from their DVR.

"Just think," Blaine started. "These next few months are going to go by so quickly and at the end of June, we're going to be married."

Kurt grinned at Blaine over the top of his mug. "I can't wait," he said. "It's going to be the wedding of the century."

"I don't doubt it," Blaine replied, knowing that it Kurt was going to make it the best day ever for them both.

~*~