Kurt tried to put the incident with Dave behind him. He knew he had the rest of his life in Folaigh with Dave and they would have to address it at some time, but not now. Now was the time he had with Blaine. He found it was easy to put thoughts of Dave out of his mind when his mind and heart were so preoccupied by a wonderful curly haired man whose kisses made Kurt feel like he was floating in the air and somehow grounded him to earth at the same time.

After kissing Blaine in the garden, a memory that made Kurt grinned wildly hardly believing hes had the nerve to do that, he and Blaine had become nearly inseparable. Hed meet Blaine at the Jones in the morning and they would spend all day together only saying good bye at night when Kurt had to get home, and it was always with a "just one more kiss" or a "I could stay another few minutes."

Kurt was waiting for Blaine to come downstairs this morning, having rushed up real quick to change out of his sweater since the day was warmer than hed expected. Mrs. Jones was hovering around, glancing and Kurt and huffing out breath. She obviously had something to say.

"Thank you for letting Sam and Blaine stay here." Kurt said to get the ball rolling. "It is very generous of you."

"Sue was quite insistent." She replied crossing her arms across her bosom. "You know. Im not sure you should spend so much time with an outsider."

There it was. What Kurt knew shed been itching to say for days now, what he knew a lot of people in town wanted to say to him.

"The council voted to let them stay. You know that, you were there." Though Kurt had no idea how she had voted.

"Yes, but that doesnt mean you can trust him. What are you doing following this boy around like a lost puppy? I expected better from you Kurt."

Kurts stomach tightened and he opened his mouth to argue but Blaine came down just in time. He was wearing an overly bright short sleeved shirt that Kurt would have normally been against, but looked adorable on him. Now was the time to defend his action to Mrs. Jones.

"Ready to go?" Blaine asked reaching for Kurts hand. Kurt saw Mrs. Jones narrow her eyes and he tugged Blaine towards the door.

Once they were outside Kurt took a deep breath trying to calm himself, Aaileen Jones was a good woman, hed spent more time at her house growing up best friends with Mercedes than he could count. She wanted what was best for him, but that didnt give her the right to treat him like a child. She didnt get a say in his relationship with Blaine.

"Whats the matter?"

Kurt sighed and squeezed Blaine hand. "Nothing." He smiled and tugged Blaine down the road towards the little school house. Many people in the town were responding to Kurt and Blaine together the same way Mrs. Jones was, giving them cool stares as they pasted. Dave seemed to be steering clear of them but the few times hed seen him he shot glares like daggers towards Blaine.

Not everyone seemed to feel this way though. One huge surprise was Emma Howell. She had invited Kurt to come help her with the children today. "You could teach them some songs or something. They are restless with the festival going on, wanting all day off." Kurt had agreed to help and was surprised when Emma added. "Bring Blaine along if you like."

Kurt was stunned, she had been so against outsiders at the council meeting, but something must have changed her mind. When they arrived at the school house she greeted both Blaine and Kurt warmly introducing Blaine to the children who beamed up at him in awe, an outsider in their school room was unheard of.

It only took Blaine a minute to warm up to the kids asking if theyd like to learn some songs and sitting on the floor with them as he sang. It was then that Kurt heard Blaine sing for the first time, just a few silly childrens songs, but his voice was warm and bright and sent tingles through Kurts whole body. The children loved him too, piling on top of Blaine as he sang; they had no fear of an outsider at all.

Kurt couldnt wipe the ridiculous grin off his face as he watched Blaine, so sweet with the kids and singing with that wonderful earthy voice of his. Something about a spider that kept climbing up a water spout. Kurt couldnt tear his eyes away, watching him let kids climb on his back all the while singing to them, how could anyone think having Blaine here was wrong?

When they wrapped things up with the kids Emma stopped Kurt by the doorway. "Maybe outsiders arent so bad." She whispered and Kurt couldnt agree more.

"That was fun!" Blaine enthused as they got outside; Kurt just grabbed his arm and pulled him around the side of the school house out of view. He pressed him up against the building and kissed him soundly, Blaine slumped against the wall a little and brought his arms around Kurts waist.

Kurt broke the kiss with a smack and grinned when he saw Blaines stunned and dreamy look. "What… what was that for?" He breathed.

"A thank you for being so wonderful in there." That was the most amazing thing about having kissed Blaine in the garden and having Blaine kiss him back. He got to kiss him whenever he wanted to now.

"Well, you welcome." Blaine said laughing.

The only real downfall, in Kurts mind, to spending everyday with Blaine was that every now and again Blaine would ask questions that Kurt couldnt answer. Like why Folaigh had chosen to be so self reliant, or if any of the young people in Foaligh were thinking about going to University somewhere.

He had even started mentioning how Kurt should come visit him in New York. Kurt would say something noncommittal like, "That sounds nice." without ever expressing any real plans of doing it. Blaine seemed like he wanted to ask Kurt straight out why he was resistant to the idea, but never did.

The truth was Kurt did want to go to New York he wanted to say, Yes, yes Blaine Ill come. I want to see you in New York. I want to see your school and the Empire State building and a Broadway show and your favorite pizza place. I want it so much it hurts. In fact he started picturing slipping away with Blaine, just packing his things and leaving Folaigh by the cover of night. That was ridiculous of course. Not only would he never do that to his father, he couldnt be responsible for doing that to Folaigh just because hed been foolish enough to fall for someone who lived on the outside.

The days started to melt together, they spend hours together, Kurt wanting spend as much time with Blaine as possible. Gardening, or working the flower cart or helping with the evenings festivities. Everything with Blaine was just better. He and Blaine would spend time at his Fathers repair shop sometimes; Kurt didnt want slack off on his job just because he was busy with Blaine. Burt even let Blaine tag along on a job or two. Kurt enjoyed watching his dad work, he could fix almost anything, it was Burts own magic. Kurt also really appreciated that his Father was giving Blaine a chance.

They were in the shop having just got back from a job where Burt had let Blaine help out. Blaine was putting away some equipment and Kurt was trying not to think about how nice he looked in those pants when he bent over. His dad was right there after all. Blaine walked over to Burt who was cleaning some tools. "Thank you for taking me today. And being patience with me when I didnt know what I was doing."

Burt chuckled a little.

Blaine seemed nervous his eyes flitted over to Kurt for a moment as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ive never been very good at this kind of thing." He confessed. "My dad and I fixed up a car once."

" A car?"

"Um… an automobile?"

"Ah." Burt nodded. "That sounds impressive. Your father enjoys that kind of thing then?"

Blaine laughed, but it didnt sound happy and Kurt couldnt help but notice the pained look on his face. "Not really, I think he was mostly hoping doing something manly would fix me."

Kurt felt his heart break at those words. How could anyone ever think that Blaine was anything less than wonderful? Everyone was flawed, Kurt knew that, but Blaine was so tenderhearted and happy and he loved to make people smile. How could Blaines own father feel that his son needed to be fixed? Kurt was trying to think of something comforting to say when Burt spoke up.

"Well kid, you know I make my living fixing things. I fix all kinds of things that are broken and just need some extra care. I know when something is broken and can be fixed. I know when something is broken beyond repair… And Blaine, I can tell you that you arent broken at all. You dont need to be fixed."

Blaine blinked his eyes quickly as if holding back tears and Burt placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just because your father cant see you for who you are, doesnt mean youre broken."

"Thank you Mr. Hummel." Blaine said his voice scratchy and looking down at his shoes with a smile on his face. Burt nodded, graciously pretending he didnt see Blaine tearing up, and got back to cleaning up some of his tools.

Kurt moved forward to kiss his fathers cheek feeling an overwhelming sense of gratefulness towards him; then he grabbed Blaines hand and pulled him out of the shop telling his dad they had things to get done before that evening. They ended up in Kurts room pressed together side by side on the bed all hurried hands and warm lips. Kurt wanted to kiss away every hateful thing anyone had ever said to Blaine, and besides, nothing beat kissing Blaine. Kurt realized he didnt have a great base for comparison, but he was sure Blaine was the best kisser in the world.

Blaines skin was warm, always so warm, and he tucked himself close to Kurt cupping his face pressing their lips together, tugging a little on Kurts bottom lip. Kurt shuddered and parted his lips letting their tongues slid against each other as his hands kept moving over Blaines back, wanting to anchor somewhere, but also wanting to touch as much of Blaine at once as he could.

Blaine made little gasps and moaning noises that sent lightning down Kurts spine, they kissed until they had to break apart to breath, both of them flushed and panting, and staring into each others eyes. Kurt just could not stop smiling. And Blaine looked happy again and that made everything perfect.

"Im going to go see my brother when I get back to the states." Blaine said out of the blue.

Kurt planted a little kiss to the tip of Blaines nose. "Doesnt he live across the country from New York?"

"Hell pay for me to fly out to see him."

Kurt grinned. "It so odd to think of people flying all over the world like you do."

"Its not uncommon. You could do it. I know a place you could stay in New York." He said with a cheeky smile.

Kurt lifted an eyebrow.

"With me." Blaine said and his smile was so bright it hurt Kurts heart.

"Are you looking forward to seeing Cooper?" Kurt asked changing the subject like he always did.

Blaine nodded." I didnt think I was, but your dad…" Blaine sighed. "I guess seeing someone who accepts you so fully made me want that. And I have that in Cooper if I just gave him a chance."

Kurt nodded. "Im so glad you have him. If I knew you were leaving Folaigh to go back to somewhere where you didnt have anyone I dont think I could bare it."

Blaine smiled softly and brushed his thumb over Kurts lips. "Im so happy I met you." He sighed and then leaned in again to kiss him. Kurt held Blaine tighter and kissed him back, it was the most wonderful thing in the world, not just kissing, but kissing Blaine. Kurt didnt know how hed gone the past 20 years of his life without it.

In the very little time Kurt wasnt spending with Blaine he was working on a surprise for him. He was making him some clothing. A pair of chocolate colored trousers, a crisp cream shirt Blaine could wear alone or with an ascot (or one of the charming bowties Blaine liked to wear) and a green and gold brocade vest. The shirt actually ended up being the most time consuming, but he got it all done fairly quickly, staying up late and cutting and measuring and sewing by the light of a lantern. He wanted Blaine to have time to wear it before… before the end of the festival and he had to leave Folaigh.

Blaines time in Folaigh was limited and coming to an end much too quickly for Kurts liking. He tried not to think about it too much. Not wanting anything to spoil the time he had left with Blaine. He knew Blaine thought they would keep in touch after he left. Blaine didnt understand that there was a time limit on their relationship, and how could he? Kurt hadnt told him, he wasnt allowed too. The only times Kurt really let himself think about Blaine leaving was when he was alone in bed in the middle of the night and he let tears slid down his face as he hugged his pillow to his stomach.

Once the clothes were ready Kurt couldnt wait to give them to Blaine. They were cleaning up the flower cart one evening after the nights festivities were done. Kurt was working on getting up the nerve to tell Blaine about the outfit hed made him. Was it too much? Would Blaine think Kurt had invested too much time in it? He must have been showing his nerves because he was taking stock of what flowers hed need for the next day when Blaine reached over and laid his hand on top of Kurts.

"Are you okay?"

"What? Yes. Of course."

"Youre quiet and seem… distracted?" He smiled softly at Kurt, his eyes searching Kurts face as if trying to discern what was going on in his mind.

Kurt smiled back. "Im just nervous about telling you something."

"Oh." Blaines eyes widened a little bit.

"No! Nothing bad!" Kurt laughed. "Its just… I um… I made you something."

Blaines thick eyebrows shot up. "You made me something?"

Kurt nodded.

"What? Where? Why would that make you nervous?"

Kurt pulled the tarp over his cart. "Come to my house? Ill show you?"

Kurt had anxious butterflies in his stomach all the way home. When they got there Burt greeted them warmly before they went back to Kurts room together. He had left the clothes there neatly wrapped in brown butcher paper and tied with a green bow.

"Kurt what is this?" Blaine asked sitting on Kurts bed and playing with the bow.

Kurt sat close to him. "Open it."

Blaine smiled and then untied the bow and unwrapped the paper pulling out the three pieces Kurt had painstakingly sewn for him. Blaines eyes grew round and his mouth fell open, but he didnt say anything.

"Well?" Kurt asked laughing nervously.

"Kurt, you made these?"

"Yes."

"For me?"

"Of course."

"Oh my god, theyre beautiful." Blaine laid the vest on his lap and traced the gold thread with his fingers. "Just gorgeous."

"You like them then?"

Blaine looked up from his gift to Kurts face with a stunned expression. "Kurt they are wonderful and you made them. I cant believe you…" He stopped and shook his head looking down at the vest. When he looked back up Kurt could hardly read his expression something between awed and happy. Blaine leaned in bringing a hand up to Kurt cheek and kissing him softly. Kurts heart skipped a beat as he parted his lips and let Blaine deepen the kiss.

"I dont know what I ever did to deserve you Kurt." Blaine whispered against his lips and Kurts heart danced in his chest.

"You should try them on." Kurt said eager to see Blaine in his handiwork.

"Okay." Blaine immediately moved back and started pulling his sweater over his head.

Kurt jumped up from the bed. "Oh! Ill… Ill just wait outside. Call when youre ready!" Kurt said leaving the room quickly and shutting the door behind him, his breath fast and his cheeks warm. Luckily his father wasnt out there anymore, probably off to bed already.

Kurt smiled and laughed softly even as his heart pounded in his chest at Blaines willingness to just strip his clothes off in front of him. It wasnt that Kurt didnt want to… to see, to touch… to... Kurt cleared his throat; he just wasnt ready for that yet.

After a few moments Kurt heard Blaine calling him back in, "Im ready!"

He opened the door and slowly walked in, his stomach dropping to his toes at the sight before him. Blaine stood in the darkening room the light from the lit lantern flickering over him and wearing the clothes that Kurt had crafted for him. Kurt looked him over, the trousers fit perfect, yes Kurt had meant to make them a little tight in the bum area, he wasnt ashamed. The pale shirt against Blaines candle lit tan skin was breath taking. And Kurt had been right; the color of the vest did make Blaines golden eyes stand out. Eyes that were steadily fixed on Kurts face.

Kurt licked his lips nervously and walked up to Blaine running a hand down his chest feeling the smooth fabric of the vest under his palm as well has the pounding of Blaines heart. He looked up from his hand to Blaines eyes. Shadows were dancing over his face and his red lips were parted in a soft smile.

"Kurt I love it." He said and Kurts heart leaped, suddenly he could see it, he could see a life with Blaine. He looked like he belonged in Folaigh now, with clothes like anyone elses. Kurt saw them in a little cottage together; Blaine would teach or find a job where he could sing and be useful and his joyful self. Kurt would help run his dads shop and everyday theyd come home to each other and they would be happy and… and in love.

Kurt closed his eyes and another vision filled his mind. He pictured New York the way Blaine has described it to him; all bustling crowds, and tall buildings and holding Blaines hand as they walked down the street together going to work or school or out to dinner with friends. Happy and in love.

He opened his eyes when he felt Blaines hand on his cheek.

"What are you thinking?"

Kurt bit his lip and blushed. "Im glad you like the clothes. You look amazing in them." Blaine smiled and kissed him softly pulling him back to the bed. Kurt was in love with Blaine Anderson. He was in love. And he didnt know what to do about it because soon he was going to lose him.

After Blaine went back to the Jones for the night Kurt slipped out of the house. He needed to talk to someone, maybe he could find a loophole in the rules that held Folaigh. He walked the short distance to the Howells home. He knocked on the door, his stomach twisted with nerves. He needed to talk to someone on the council. It couldnt be Mr. or Mrs. Jones they still hadnt warmed to Sam and Blaine. It couldnt be his dad, he wouldnt tell his dad what he was thinking until there was some chance of him being able to do it. The only person he could think of on the council who seemed to give Blaine a chance was Emma.

Carl opened the door looking casual, suit jacket off and shirt partially unbuttoned, like he was enjoying a quiet evening in. "Kurt." He said surprised to see him but he smiled warmly all the same. "What can I do for you this evening?"

Kurt stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I was hoping to talk to Emma." He answered. "I know its late…"

"Come in, come in." He opened the door wide and Kurt walked into the Howells cozy and very clean house. Carl led him the living room. "Emma is just putting Johanna to bed."

"Oh, sorry."

Carl sat and Kurt followed suit. "No, no Kurt. Youre more than welcome here. Emma told me you helped her wrangle the children at school the other day."

Kurt smiled. "Actually I think Blaine stole the show."

Carl nodded and Kurt tried to read his expression. "Emma mentioned that. And Johanna has been singing his songs nonstop since then."

Kurt smiled brightly and then stood as Emma came in."Oh Kurt." She glanced at him, her big eyes wide. "What a lovely surprise." She offered him refreshments which he turned down and then sat down to join him and Carl.

"Im sorry to come so late." Kurt started "But I wanted to ask you… about the miracle." Kurt cleared his throat nervously and watched as Carl and Emma gave each other a look.

"I wondered if you might." Emma said smoothing her hands down her knees. "I think I know what youre going to ask, but why dont you go ahead?"

Kurt worried his lip and then nodded. "I know that when you and the other council members used your magic to make Folaigh that you… you made it so they we cant leave here."

"Its not that we wanted to trap anyone here." Emma said as if she knew what Kurt was thinking. "We just didnt anticipate the need for anyone to leave. Not by themselves. We thought that if there was ever a time when the outside world was fit to reenter wed all do it together."

"Right." Kurt said his chest feeling tight. "So there is absolutely no way for one person to leave… without…" He sighed. "Without ruining it for everyone else?"

Emma looked at him sadly, her eyes always so expressive. "Im sorry Kurt, but as far as I know if one of us leaves the magic that protects us shatters. We would all have our own individual magic of course, but Folaigh wouldnt be separate from the world anymore."

"But what if you just… redid the miracle?" Kurt asked hopefully. "If someone left and everyone still had their magic couldnt you rebuild the protection?" Kurt looked back and forth from Emma to Carl; Carl was looking down at his clasped hands and not meeting his gaze. Emma just continued to look sad as she pushed a strand of her red hair behind an ear.

"Its isnt that simple Kurt. We… there was a price to pay with the first miracle. Some of us lost our powers you know. And none of our magic is as strong as it used to be."

Kurt let out a heavy breath his eyes filling with tears as he nodded.

"Im sorry Kurt." Emma said kindly. "We built the miracle out of love. It is love that binds it. We never meant for it to bring anyone pain."

"I know." Kurt said softly standing from his chair. "I was never meant to fall for an outsider."

"We never even considered that possibility."

"I know." Kurt repeated. "Thank you for your time." Kurt said as Emma and Carl got up to walk him to the door.

He walked out into the cool evening air and turned as Emma called him. "Blaine is a good man Kurt. I know things arent how you want them, but thank you."

"For what?"

"For reminding me that there is good in the world. I think I forgot. Maybe we all have."

Kurt smiled weakly and then headed home, his heart heavy in his chest. Just because Kurt could picture a future with Blaine didnt mean they had a future together.

Blaine wasnt sure if things in Folaigh got better after that first kiss with Kurt in the garden or if a beautiful man who makes your heart sing and wants to kiss you and hold you close just makes everything seem better. Either way Blaine found it easier to be in Folaigh.

There were still curious and sometimes angry glances sent his way, but he was also getting to know a few more of the people here. Quinn and Mercedes were a regular part of the group he and Sam spent time with, but there were others too. Twin brother and sister, Madison and Mason, were sweet and friendly and hung on every word that Sam and Blaine shared about New York, particularly fascinated by the idea of movies, something they had apparently never seen before.

"Dude." Sam had come to Blaine with wide eyes. "They didnt get my John Wayne impression or even my Rocky one! I dont think they seen movies at all!"

Blaine wasnt as surprised by that information as Sam was, hed already put together the fact that everyone here seemed to have lived in Folaigh for a while and that none of them ever left Folaigh. Given that the little town didnt even have electricity the fact that the twins had never seen "True Grit" wasnt a huge shocker.

Even some of the older generation started easing up on him. Emma, who was so reserved when he first met her, seemed to change her mind about him. One afternoon when Kurt offered to help with her class she asked Blaine to come along. Blaine ended up sitting with a group of five and six year olds teaching them songs like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes".

Emma watched him, laughing along with the children. Blaine enjoyed helping out, but the best part of that afternoon was looking up from signing to see Kurt staring at him with rosy cheeks and a wide smile, like he couldnt believe what he was watching and found a great deal of joy in it. Blaine had gotten a kiss from Kurt out of it.

That was one of the many lovely things to come out of Kurt kissing after his horrible confrontation with Dave. They kissed all the time now, and the more they kissed the more Blaine wanted to kiss. It was like an addition; Blaine couldnt get enough of Kurts sweet, soft lips on his own. And Kurt had this way of moving his hands up Blaines back while smiling into a kiss that make Blaine want to melt on the spot.

Everything about Kurt was vivid and full of life and though Blaine had a feeling there was something he was missing; there were things about Folaigh he knew Kurt wasnt telling him, still Kurt was… Kurt was the most magical person hed ever met. He was amazing.

When Blaine thought about going back home to New York, the place he loved most in the world, it suddenly seemed dull and gloomy and overcast. Like Kurt was the sun and when he went home hed be leaving sunshine behind.

Blaine was sitting cross legged on his bed at the inn, playing with the wreath Kurt had made him when he made the mistake of mentioning his "Kurt is like the sun" thought to Sam who just stared at him dumbfounded for a moment before remarking.

"Whoa dude, have fallen hook line and sinker for this guy havent you?"

Blaine sighed and put the wreath next to him on the bed. "Sam, what am I going to do? I wasnt supposed to fall for a guy who lives in Ireland. How are we going to make it work?"

"I dont know man." Sam said. "I couldnt make it work with my girlfriend and we lived in the same city."

Blaine bit his lip and nodded.

"Maybe youll get back to New York and be glad you met Kurt, but once youre home… maybe you wont feel so strongly about him."

Blaines eyes widened and he looked at Sam as if hed grown a second head. "Thats not going to happen."

San smiled. "I know. You have it bad." He walked over to Blaines bed and picked up the wreath. "How many of these has Kurt made for you?"

"Just the one." Blaine answered. "Be careful with it."

"Blaine." Sam said holding the wreath up. "This isnt the original wreath Kurt made look at it."

Blaine scrunched his eyebrows up and looked at the flower wreath, really looked at it. The poppies were bright and yellow the leaves green and fresh. The whole thing looked like the flowers had just been plucked and put together. It didnt look like a wreath that had been lying around this room for the past few weeks.

"I… uh." Blaine swallowed not knowing what to say.

"You dont have to be embarrassed that Kurt keeps making these things for you. I think it means he must like you as much as you like him."

"Um… yeah." Blaine said, something like anxiety swirling in his stomach, because as impossible as it was that was the first and only flower wreath Kurt had made for him.

"I dont know what to tell you to do about your feelings for Kurt." Sam continued putting the wreath back down. "I mean Im crazy about Mercedes, but we both know that when I leave thats the end of that. Neither of us are thinking about a long distance relationship. But maybe that will work for you and Kurt."

"Yeah." Blaine said still looking at the flowers.

"Speaking of the beautiful Mercedes Jones, Im heading out, you meeting Kurt soon? Blaine? Blaine?"

Blaine looked up, "Yes. Soon."

Sam left with a smile and Blaine just sat on his bed trying to think of a reasonable explanation for why these flowers hadnt wilted or died. A memory sparked in his mind, something from that night hed spent in the clearing with Kurt, thered been these white flowers blooming and for a moment Blaine would have sworn they all turned to face Kurt.

Blaine shook his head. That was ridicules. Blaines hand unconscionably lifted to touch his head. The spot hed hit weeks ago when hed rolled down that hill. Blaines fingertips started to buzz. A strange tingling feeling he used to feel when he and Sam first got to Folaigh.

Blaine let out a long breath. He was losing it. Kurt was wonderful, amazing, and he was falling hard for him. But just because he thought Kurt was the most magical person hed ever met didnt mean Kurt was actually magical. Blaine was just being crazy. Right? Blaines mouth felt dry, he scooped the wreath up and stuck it in his bag, out of sight out of mind. He wasnt going to worry about something so ludicrous.

Blaine went to the square to meet Kurt, they were setting up for the show that evening. It was finally time for Kurt and others to perform their musical pieces. Kurt greeted him by squeezing his hand and Blaine felt tension leaving his body. Hed just let his imagination run wild this afternoon. Nothing strange was going on with Kurt.

He helped Kurt and a few other young people set up for the evenings performance. Making sure all the lanterns were lit, pulling out big wooden pieces that expanded the stage and then setting out rows of chairs. At one point Blaine noticed the town leader, Sue Sylvester, watching him closely, but when he looked back she was gone. Kurt left early to go get ready, he placed his hands softly on Blaines shoulders and kissed him on the cheek before turning to go.

It was the first time either of them had shown that kind of affection on front of others; he looked around at the people in the square hoping no one would be mean about it. Madison just turned to her brother and said "I knew it!"

Quinn shook her head passing him and whispering "You better be good to him Anderson" but a friendly smile was on her face.

Blaine sat next to Quinn that evening at the performance. Kurt was helping out backstage before he sang and Sam was sitting with Mercedes, they were being all cutesy and couple-y together. Not that Blaine could complain, he knew he and Kurt were in the same boat. Blaine really enjoyed Quinns company anyway; she was smart and witty and took her apparent defeat for Sams affections with an easy, cool resilience that Blaine admired.

It turned out that the whole evening was people or groups of people performing a song or two, like a showcase of the towns musical talents. Kurt sang the song he and Blaine had picked out together and was perfect. Mercedes even sang and Blaine was blown away by her powerful vocals.

Blaine enjoyed the performances immensely; lots of old Irish ballads ranging from tragic to humorous. What Blaine didnt know until Kurt came out at the end was that Kurt was closing the evenings performance with a second song.

A piano was on stage already, the one from the school, Blaine had helped a group wheel it in that afternoon and Kurt and the piano player for the church, an older lady with graying hair and a sweet smile, had re-tuned it. He thought that Kurt would play and sing again like he had for his last song, but instead sweet little Mrs. Brennan sat at the piano while Kurt took center stage.

The intro started and Blaine was immediately entranced, the song was melodious and soft. This wasnt a song hed ever heard Kurt practice. Quinn leaned over and whispered in his ear. "He has been working on this for the last week; he wanted it to be a surprise."

Blaine was about to ask what had inspired that, but then Kurt started to sing and all Blaine could do was sit grounded in his seat with his attention locked on Kurt.

Kurts eyes shone and his voice rang out over the spellbound crowd, or maybe it was just Blaine that was spellbound, he wasnt paying heed to anything else around him right then. Kurt was singing in a Celtic language and Blaine couldnt understand a word of it, but Kurts voice and the melody were so beautiful Blaine felt as though everything inside him was being pulled towards the stage, towards Kurt. Kurt seemed to glow under the light of the lanterns, except somehow the light almost seemed to shimmer blue around him. Blaine felt that familiar tingling under his skin.

Quinn leaned over again and softly started whispering a translation of the lyrics. It was a love song and Blaine knew he shouldnt hope it was for him, Kurt might just be singing a well known Irish song, but Blaine did hope it was for him.

"And if I were a blackbird, Id whistle and sing." Quinn translated as Kurts voice made its way over the crowd. "Id follow the ship that my true love sails in, and on the top rigging Id there build my nest and pillow my head on his warm soft chest."

Blaine felt his heart beat faster. A smile was tugging on the corner of Blaines lips as Kurts voice rang out and then his eyes landed on Blaine and Blaine could barely breathe.

"If I were a scholar, I could handle a pen." Kurt sang and Quinn whispered the translation. "One long, loving letter unto him Id send. Id tell him my sorrow, my grief and my woes. If I could but find him Id crown him with gold."

Kurts blue eyes seemed to pierce him. The song was somehow melancholy and hopeful and when it came to an end the blue lighting faded and the whole square sat hushed for one long moment. Blaine was transfixed his hands shaking a little and his heart pounding.

He was in love. Oh god, how had this happened? He was in love with Kurt, all he could think of while the melody and lyrics swirled through his brain was how in love he was.

Thunderous applause broke out and a huge grin spread over Kurts face. He took a bow and sent a little wave to Blaine who was still sitting stunned in his chair not even clapping as everyone else stood and cheered and the rest of the performers came out to take their last bows. Blaines world seemed to have narrowed into a fixed point of Kurt, Kurt, Kurt.

Once the performers started leaving the stage and the audience began to break up Blaine snapped out of his reverie. He looked around and stood up, rubbed his palms down his pants nervously. He and Sam had less than two weeks left in Folaigh and then they were heading back to the states.

Blaine swallowed down a heavy lump in his throat and tried to find a way to smile as Kurt came running up to him grabbing both of his hands and smiling so hard his cheeks had to hurt. "What did you think?" He asked excitedly.

"I…" Blaine blinked, trying to find the words."

Kurts smile fell a little. "Didnt you like it?"

"Kurt you were incredible." Blaine said quickly. "I loved it."

"I know the last song wasnt in English."

"Quinn translated."

Kurt smiled showing his dimples. "It was for you."

Blaine heart swelled in size, feeling like it wouldnt fit in his chest anymore. "Kurt… I."

He honestly had no idea what to say. He had always been lousy at romance. So instead of saying anything that would ruin the moment Blaine just leaned forward, hands pulling Kurt in until he could bring their lips together. Kurt was surprised for a moment and then he let go of Blaines hands to throw his arms around him and he kissed him back, right there in the middle of the square with who knew how many people watching. Blaine only knew Kurt was there, and that was all that mattered.

They pulled back slowly, Kurt grinning and joyful his eyes full and dancing. Blaine so wanted to say those three words that were pressing against his tongue. I love you. I love you. I love you. But he couldnt, not when he didnt know what was coming next for the two of them. Not when he didnt understand why Kurt seemed to want to leave Folaigh bet refused to do so.

"Thank you Kurt, for the song, for my outfit," He was wearing the beautiful clothes Kurt had made him that evening, "For… everything… I just…" He rubbed the back of his neck and watched Kurts soft expression.

"I know." Kurt said lifting his hand and smoothing his fingers down Blaines cheek. And for a moment it was like they were both holding back the words they knew the other wanted to say as well. And then the moment was gone. Mercedes came up giving Kurt a big hug.

"Want to go back to my house?" She looked at Kurt and Blaine. "We should have a little post show party!"

They both readily agreed and ended up in the Jones front room with Mercedes, Quinn, Sam, Mason, Madison, and a few others drinking cider, playing card games, and laughing a lot. Blaine tried to focus on learning the games he never played before but all night he kept stealing glances at Kurt and more often than not would be rewarded by Kurt smiling back at him.

Once it started getting really late Kurt got up from the table where Quinn had just beaten him at a game of Pinochle. He nodded his head towards the door and Blaine got up to follow him.

"Walk me home?" He asked at the doorway and Blaine smiled and nodded. "Um… you could. You could even stay over at my house if you wanted."

Blaines heart skipped a beat.

"Not to… um… not to do anything. Im sorry I didnt mean for it to sound like that. I mean not that Im against doing things. I just dont feel like tonights the night. I just didnt want… Not that any night has to be the night. I mean I thought if you stayed over we could wake up and have breakfast together in the morning and that sounded nice and I wasnt thinking about how what I was asking would sound and if you dont want to-"

"Kurt I want too. I get it. Just sleeping over nothing more. That sounds nice." Blaines heart was hammering in his chest, spending the night with Kurt sounded amazing, and Kurts flustered explanation of what he meant was adorable. "Um, Ill go grab some things?"

Kurt nodded his face flushed and Blaine quickly went up to his room and grab something to sleep in and clothes for the morning.

When he got back down stairs the party had pretty much broken up, Mercedes lifted an eyebrow when she saw Blaines bag, and then just smiled and rolled her eyes. Blaine joined Kurt back at the doorway; Kurt let out a deep breath and reached for Blaines hand. Blaine willingly took his and they walked hand in hand back to Kurts home, the perfect ending to a perfect night. In the back of his mind though Blaine couldnt shake the heavy feeling that was settling over him. Saying goodbye to Kurt was coming all too soon, and when he left for New York he knew hed be leaving his heart behind.