"So...hi." Kurt looked up at Blaine, who was staring at him while he stirred his coffee. "I feel like we've never really said hi to each other before. You know, like this," he clarified, thinking of when they first "met" in person.

"I get it. So I guess I should say hi to you too," Blaine replied, a sly smile on his face. They had decided on the Lima Bean for their "date", although Kurt didn't like to refer to it with that title. He saw it more like a meeting or just a casual outing. They sat across from each other at a small table in a somewhat private corner of the coffee shop.

Since they had hugged on stage, Kurt had done a lot of thinking about Blaine—about everything—throughout the entire day. He knew that he'd done poorly on his trig quiz since the only angles he could think about were the spaces between Blaine's fingers on his back, the amount of degrees his blazer expanded away from his chest when Kurt shifted his head on his shoulder, how the stage lights hit them, causing the shadow of their entwined figures to go on and on behind them...

Yes, he enjoyed that a lot more than he should have, but Kurt couldn't help but think about how fast their rela—whatever it was called—was progressing. He'd never expected his first...involvement with a boy...would begin as uniquely as his with Blaine had. They'd only spoken to each other twice in person, and had only known each other for two months (Two months?! Already?He thought). He'd expected that he'd have known the person for a while before, and slowly feel himself being swept off his feet...

Isn't that what Blaine is doing to me now?

Regardless, he was still wary of starting their "friendship" on the wrong foot. Kurt really, really did not want to screw it up.

"Yeah..." Kurt sighed, trying to think of something to talk about. "Oh, sorry I left so quickly earlier today. I had to get to class; I havethatkind of teacher first period." While Kurt somewhat liked his Chemistry teacher, she was an absolute totalitarian. Tardiness was one of the worst offenses one could commit, and although Kurt had been singled out by Blaine at the short meeting, she still glared at him when he walked in, completely out of breath, after everyone else had taken their seats.

"No, it's okay," Blaine waved his hand, taking a sip of his drink. "I needed to settle things with Brittany. I almost forgot she was there," he admitted, with a hint of pink staining his cheeks.Is heembarrassed?Kurt had to bite his lip from giggling at the thought. He never thought of Blaine as the self-conscious type. "well, she was under the impression that I could get us a rocket ship to go to Mars. I'd need a fortune comparable to Harry Potter's to get that! What's on Mars, anyway?" Kurt shook his head, laughing at Blaine's incredulous expression. "She seemed really intelligent from what she wrote, but meeting her...she's a little out there."

"Yeah, I can't disagree with that! So, what are you two going to do?" Kurt queried casually, taking a quick look around the Lima Bean. There were a few other people dispersed around the shop, but thankfully no one Kurt recognized. That did strike him as odd, since most nights the coffee shop was bustling with customers, but he was fine with the fact that there weren't many people to interrupt him and Blaine.

"I asked what she liked to do, and she said that next week we could go to the localcat show," Kurt nearly spit out his drink from how ridiculously triangular Blaine's eyebrows were due to his countenance, "and then she said that I could be on her little video thing with fondue, whatever that means."

"Sounds eventful," Kurt commented.

"Oh yeah," Blaine rolled his eyes. "I'm sure that Brittany by herself will keep me on my toes nearly the entire time, but cats aren't really my thing. I'll probably text you most of the time—if that's okay with you," he added quickly, his eyes questioning.

Kurt was taken aback by this. "Um, sure, sure, that's fine, I guess," he stammered, and then composed himself. "That should be fine, but I don't think I could possibly be more entertaining than prize-worthy felines," he shrugged his shoulders, giving Blaine a meek grin.

"Kurt," Blaine reached his hand over to cover Kurt's open one sitting by his drink. Kurt let out a tiny gasp at the gesture, but Blaine didn't seem to notice. His soft hand flipped it over and gently pressed their palms together, easily interlacing their fingers. Kurt couldn't help but stare at their interlocked hands. "Kurt, don't say that. I love talking to you; why would I have written to you every day for a month if I didn't?"

"Well, it's a lot different when we're in person," Kurt mumbled, reveling in the fact that Blaine still hadn't moved his hand away.

"Indeed it is," Blaine agreed quietly; Kurt could detect a strange tone to his voice. They sat in silence for some time, staring at their hands. Kurt felt his own pulse thump in his palm, quivering through his long fingers; he wondered if it was only his own sweat making his hand warm and moist. Regardless of this, he could not deny how natural it felt to have Blaine's hand in his.

"What's next for you?" Kurt suddenly piped up, trying to bring an end to the silence that was making him slightly uncomfortable. He also needed a distraction from the fact that Blaine was still holding onto him, a feat that only his mother had achieved.

"To be completely honest, I'm not really sure. I only did this with a couple of schools in the area. I also got a good response from them, which is awesome. Wait, I almost forgot, I'm going to be on the state news for this!" He beamed at Kurt, who promptly began to babble his congratulations and his excitement for Blaine.

"How could you possibly forget—wow, Blaine, that's great! You deserve it, oh wow, you're going to be on my TV screen—congratulations, I just-"

"Seriously, Kurt," Blaine cut him off, "you could be in on this too. None of this would have gotten as far as it did without you," his demeanor sincere and focused on Kurt, who opened and closed his mouth like a fish, trying to find a response to the offer.

"I—I couldn't, Blaine, oh, I don't know..." Kurt stated, his mouth becoming dry. "It's just—you had the idea, you started it all, I just tagged along..."

"Kurt." At the sound of his name being repeated for the umpteenth time, he snapped his head up to meet Blaine's gaze. There was thatlookagain, the same one from when they were on the stage. Kurt watched his lips move, muttering something to himself, but he didn't question it.

"Yes?" Kurt hated how small his voice sounded.

"You do realize that I didn't need to read all of those books, right," he stated, his voice monotone. He flexed his fingers against Kurt's, who didn't notice since he was still trying to compute what Blaine had said.

"I knew most of the books we read like the back of my hand, Kurt," he said, absentmindedly tracing circles on Kurt's hand with his thumb, "I didn't need to read them, I didn't need whatever I said I needed from you. Well, I guess I did, in a way...I just, you know, liked 'talking' to you," Blaine made quotation marks with his free hand, "kind of a lot." A rubicund color had returned to his cheeks, and Kurt felt his own face grow hot at this admission. All he could muster was "Oh."

"Now that I've started this..." Blaine heaved a great sigh, and finally let go of Kurt's hand, placing it on his coffee cup. "Kurt, when I first started writing...I had no real purpose. My teachers suggested that I do something with my love of books, so I thought hey, might as well write about them, and then you came into the picture, and...wow. You just—I feel like I've been looking for you forever. All I could see, however, were some words on a paper. That was it. You don't know how badly I wanted to see the face behind the ink, behind all of those ingenious things you shared, behind all of the laughs you brought; I can go on and on. I knew that we'd meet at some point; there was no way I'd finish this and never hear of you ever again. I had to, though. I had to cut myself off from KH, not just because I needed the Book for the whole presentation thing, but because—oh God, this sounds so pathetic—I was becoming too attached. I was attached to someone I'd never even seen in my life. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? Attached to a bunch of words on a few sheets of paper. The difference is, however, that those words hadmeaning. I knew that you were real.

"To be honest, I never thought you went to William McKinley High School, even though it makes complete sense now and I was an idiot for not even considering that. It's dumb that I didn't even know who you were either; I should've known...anyway, what you wrote to me. I can't even put into words how I feel-"

"Before you continue," Kurt interrupted, feeling a little overwhelmed with all that Blaine was pouring to him, "I just want to let you know that yes, I really care about you, and like you, but...I'm just notreadyfor anything more yet. I'm just trying to figure my life out right now, and I could really use a good friend. I don't want anything to progress to quickly or anything." The words were out; Kurt still wasn't sure how true they were, or how exactly he felt about them. He couldn't believe he was actually discussing something likethis, especially with someone as perfect as Blaine.

"What about what you wrote, though? That left me under a different impression..." Kurt couldn't bring himself to meet Blaine's hurt expression.Hereallywants this, doesn't he, a little voice in the back of Kurt's mind commented,why are you doing this? You want this too.Before it could go any further, Kurt spoke up.

"I wrote that thing really late one night after a party, basically right after I finished that book. I guess I wasn't thinking straight; the party was a little strenuous, I don't know what I was thinking..."

"Yeah, but if you didn't believe those words at least in some way, you wouldn't have put them down," Blaine countered quickly, "You know they're true. C'mon, Kurt, don't lie to me. Don't lie to yourself, please."

"I just don't—can't we talk about something else? How about the Buckeyes, haven't they played recently? I know you like college football, you told me once. Please, Blaine," Kurt pleaded, desperately trying to divert the conversation from whatever it was becoming.

Blaine let out a long sigh. "If that's what you want, then." He uneasily began telling Kurt about how the football season had been going, and eventually they launched into topics that interested both of them, since Kurt hardly knew a thing about football. The chatter flowed easily, almost as if they'd known each other for ages, as if it wasn't the first time they were truly having a conversation face-to-face for the first time, as if they were just really good friends.

Blaine finished his drink as Kurt began discussing the latest developments in New Directions' endeavors in their road to nationals and let out a small laugh, cutting Kurt off.

"What?" Kurt asked, wondering why Blaine was looking at him likethatagain. He had just started complaining about how irritating Rachel was starting to get; he didn't see how that was funny.

"Can I just—can I try something? Just to try to change your mind," He seemed to be a little withdrawn from reality as his eyes searched Kurt's face for consent.

"Sure, but change my mind about Ra-"Oh. That'snotwhat he's talking about, Kurt deduced as Blaine cautiously leaned over the table, his eyes not on Kurt's anymore, but rather his parted lips. Kurt simply sat in his seat as Blaine drew even nearer, his mind thinking a thousand thoughts instantaneously, yet he was unable to fathom a single one. He stared a Blaine with wide eyes until their faces were just an inch apart, and finally let them fall shut as Blaine closed the gap.

It was soft, so much softer than Karfosky or even Santana. Blaine was gentle with him, and tasted strongly of coffee. Kurt didn't mind; he heard Blaine knock over his empty cup, possibly in shock, as Kurt instinctively reached up to cup his face with his hand. He didn't even know what brought him to do it. Blaine's cheek was smooth and radiated a kind of warmth that caused chills to run down Kurt's spine. He could feel his muscles moving beneath it as Blaine deepened the kiss.

After what seemed like ages, Blaine broke away, slinking down into his chair. Kurt didn't realize how dizzy he was from lack of oxygen: he lay back in his chair, taking in a long, shaky breath. He couldn't believe he'd finally gotten his first real kiss—fromBlaine.

"...Well?" Blaine said tentatively. Kurt looked up from his cup, which he'd focused his gaze on since he was afraid of what he'd do if he looked at Blaine too soon, which would probably be lunge at him for another round. Blaine was looking down in his lap; Kurt could only see the top of his gelled head, his smoothed curls shining. "What do you think now?"

Kurt got up from his chair and dragged it over so he was next to Blaine. He picked up the empty cup from the floor—it had rolled quite a distance away—and placed it on the table next to Blaine's hand, which he then covered with his own. Blaine languidly lifted his head, turning to Kurt with a look of wonder on his face.

"I think I need you to do a little more convincing," Kurt replied mischievously, surprised at the fact that he could come up with such a coy response, and immediately felt Blaine's mouth close over his once more.

"Hey, Lady Lips, wake up over there!" Kurt felt himself being slapped back into reality from his reverie—literally. He brought his hand to his stinging cheek as Santana stood over him at glee rehearsal the next day with her hands on her hips. "I know that you were out with Blaine Warbler yesterday, gaying it up in the Lima Bean, but that doesn't mean that you have to day dream your wedding here!"

"H-how did you know that?" Kurt stuttered, looking around the choir room at the majority of people who were looking at him. Mr. Schue had left for a quick bathroom break (Kurt knew better; Ms. Pillsbury had just walked past the door and Mr. Schue practically bolted), so Kurt decided to take the opportunity to recall what had happened at the end of the night as they walked back to their cars, arm-in-arm:

Blaine: Hey, I'm sorry that I kind of just kissed you.

Kurt: It's okay—I don't mind at all. It was very sweet.

Blaine: I just couldn't help myself, you know? You can't just go on rants like that; it's incredibly alluring for me.

Kurt: Okay, okay, okay, no ranting. Got it.

Blaine: No, do it! It gives me an excuse to kiss you! (Kurt steps on his foot; Blaine winces in pain but gives Kurt a winning smile.) So, when can I see you next?

Kurt: I can text you; I have a lot of stuff going on with glee and school and everything, so I don't know.

Blaine: Hey, why don't we do it through this. (Blaine pulls out the Book from his messenger bag.) You can write it down in here; I should be in the library every other night, since I help my grandmother clean up. Feel free to text me, though; I don't mind that at all.

Kurt: I guess I don't either. That works perfectly. I hope it won't be too long.

Blaine: (embraces Kurt, whispers in his ear) Me too. Me too.

"I have my sources," Santana said, subtly glancing where Mercedes and Tina were sitting next to each other in the front, giggling about something. They mimicked kissing motions and squealed: Kurt suddenly put the pieces together.

"Excuse me for a moment," Kurt said distractedly. He got up from his seat and walked up behind the two girls, clearing his throat. They jumped in their seats and turned around.

"Did you two spy on me?" he asked, restraining himself from shouting.

"Yes," Tina admitted at the same time Mercedes emphatically shook her head. Tina elbowed her, and Mercedes changed her movement to a nod. "We were sitting kind of close; you looked around one time and we were scared that you would catch us, but most of the time you were looking at Blaine," the two of them burst into another fit of giggles, and Kurt smacked their arms.

"I am never telling you anything ever again!" he fumed, storming back to his seat as Mr. Schue walked back into the room. It was a mistake to tell them where and when they'd be there, that was for sure. Kurt knew that he'd have to get back at them in some way. Nevertheless, he felt his thoughts turn back to Blaine as he half-listened to Mr. Schue go over what the theme of the week was, when he suddenly came up with an idea.

Kurt pulled into the parking lot of the library just five minutes before closing time. He recognized Blaine's car towards the front and parked in the space next to it, picking up the small bouquet of flowers he had picked up shortly before leaving. He got out of his car, locked it, and crossed the street, holding the flowers behind his back as he approached the door.

"Hello? We're about to close—Kurt?" A disembodied voice called out as Kurt strode in; Mrs. Anderson then popped out from behind the front desk. "My, it's been a long time since I've seen you! How are you? How's your arm?"

"It's a lot better, thanks. I was wondering if Blaine is here?" He asked, heat rushing to his cheeks. He then heard a loudthud!resonate from somewhere nearby, a sound he recognized to be a bunch of books tumbling to the floor.

"Sorry, Grandma, I'll pick them up," Blaine. Mrs. Anderson smiled warmly at Kurt, and called out for him not to worry, that she could get them, but that he needed to organize the papers at the front desk. She winked at Kurt as she disappeared through a door that was situated behind her. It soon opened again, and Blaine appeared with a cross look on his face. His jaw dropped slightly as he saw Kurt standing in front of him. Before he could say anything, Kurt thrust the flowers in front of him, out for Blaine to take.

"Wow, Kurt, thank you! What's the occasion?" Blaine chuckled, taking the yellow and red roses and bringing them to his nose to smell.

"I just decided the brilliant idea I had to surprise-visit you and tell you that I'm free next Friday night, specifically free to go to the local movie theater and watch a special showing ofMoulin Rogue!which is one of my favorite movies ever and I will never talk to you again if you've never seen it," Kurt practically sang, taking a step closer to Blaine, who was still smelling the fragrance of the flowers.

"That was quite a run-on, Kurt. Anyway, of course I've seen it before, and that sounds wonderful. I'm not sure how much I'll be watching the movie, though," he said lowly, walking out from behind the counter to hook his free hand around Kurt's waist. Kurt felt his face flare at the suggestive implications of Blaine's statement, but still sent him a passive smile.

"Blaine?" Blaine jumped back at the sound of his grandmother's voice: she had peeked her head out of the slightly-opened door. Kurt hoped she hadn't been watching for too long. "You two can go ahead; I don't have much else to do." She closed the door behind her, and Blaine instantly entwined his hand in Kurt's. They wordlessly walked out of the library, the cold greeting them with a few flakes of snow.

"Apparently it's supposed to snow pretty badly tonight, so I'm going to want to get going soon," Kurt said as they approached their cars.

"Ugh, can't we just stay somewhere so we can get snowed in together," Blaine said lowly, pressing Kurt closer to him. "Whoops, did I say that aloud?" he recovered, his tone filled with genuine surprise.

"Yes, yes you did," Kurt replied, feeling another set of chills completely unrelated to the cold.

"I'm sorry, Kurt, I don't want to appear—I'm not really likethat," Blaine looked at Kurt, "I just like spending time with you. To be honest, I was fantasizing about us reading to each other," he professed, removing his hand from Kurt's to get his keys. Kurt stood there for a second, unable to move from how utterly romantic and enticing that sounded, and then began to fumble with his own keys.Oh, he knows exactly how to do romance me,Kurt sighed, wishing that he could maybe do the same with Blaine.Moulin Rougesoon seemed to pale in comparison to reading books likeThe Fault in Our Starsto each other, cuddled up in under a blanket in front of a blazing fireplace with hot chocolate nearby...

"Of course, we'll probably have school tomorrow, since it doesn't seem like much, and I don't think my dad will like the idea of me having a boy over that I barely know," Kurt mumbled to Blaine's back, since he was still gingerly setting his flowers in the passenger seat. He then turned around to face Kurt.

"Kurt," Kurt loved how Blaine said his name; he said it breathlessly, making the seemingly brusque name more elegant. "We have plenty of time to do stuff like that. You know me, too; we've known each other for how long? Two months, going on three?"

"I'd never even seen you until after one month," Kurt said quietly. Blaine took Kurt's gloved hands in his own, rubbing them in an attempt to warm them up.

"That doesn't matter. We can be friends without having ever seen each other, right? All that matters is that you exist, and that now you're here by my side. It's almost like I can't remember what life was like before you, even before I'd never seen your face." At that, he took one of his hands and brought it to Kurt's face fastidiously; Kurt did the same, bringing one of his to cover Blaine's hand.

"To tell you the truth, I can't either," Kurt replied, "and I don't really want to, since life before you was really dull."

Blaine smiled at Kurt, his resplendent in the darkness of the frigid night. He pressed his hand into Kurt's as he leaned in to kiss his naked cheek, and then ducked away into his car. Kurt intuitively stepped away from the car, a bit disappointed in how quickly Blaine left, and with only a kiss on his cheek.

Still, Kurt found himself touching his tingling cheek, feeling the ghost of Blaine's lips. He could not believe how lucky he was to have found a boy like Blaine simply through a Book, a Book that completely changed his life-their lives. He stood there as the snow began to fall down even faster, his eyes still in the direction of where Blaine had driven away. He sighed and got into his car, sticking his keys in the ignition.

He couldn't wait for next Friday, but he couldn't tell anyone, especially not Tina or Mercedes.I have to tell Dad, he remembered.How do I tell him, though? Are wedating?Kurt shuddered at the thought—in a good way. Being Blaine'sboyfriend...wow. If he went in time in that moment and told his past self from even a couple of weeks ago that he'd be dating BDA, he was sure that his past self would think he was insane because 1) he'd never thought that he'd meet BDA at least that soon, and 2) there was no way they could master time travel in such a short period of time, unless he'd met the Doctor fromDoctor Who.

Kurt laughed to himself at the thought, and began to drive away, trying to come up with things to keep him occupied so he wouldn't get too caught up with his "date" with Blaine the next week.