Kurt pulled his coat tightly around himself as he ducked out of the taxi. He glanced at the town cars and limos pulling up and felt a little out of place. Taking a taxi had been a splurge for him; it was sleeting today, the weather irritable and icy and hed just gotten his hair perfect, so the subway hadnt been an option. Compared to what the other guests showed up in, though, the taxi looked cheap. Still, there was nothing that could be done about that, so Kurt just decided to be grateful for the valet waiting on the curb with an umbrella. Kurts hair would at least survive the walk inside.

Kurt paid the cab driver and thanked the valet as he turned to look at the historic Waldorf Astoria. It was hard to get a clear view of the pale stone and marble building through the rain, and Kurt was quickly escorted inside where he presented his invitation and checked his coat. He caught his reflection in a window: perfectly fitted dark blue tuxedo with velvet lapels and his hair swooped up high on his head, not damaged by the rain. He smiled at his reflection. Knowing he was dressed to perfection helped soothe the anxious butterflies fluttering in his stomach as he walked through the glamorous hotel lobby.

It was finally the evening of the Broadway Ball and even though Kurt had been looking forward to it for weeks, he was feeling a little nervous now that the night had come. He was about to enter a room full of many of his professional idols, people with whom he someday dreamed of working; this was his chance to make a good first impression and you only get one go at that.

Kurt bit his lip and smiled as that thought led to memories of Blaine and the horrible first impression Blaine had made on him. He had more than made up for it by now. After all of their coffee dates and texting almost constantly for days while Blaine was in London, Kurt felt closer to him than ever. To Kurts disappointment, Blaine had been mostly quiet today; he had, however, sent Kurt a text that afternoon while Kurt was getting ready for the ball to say that he knew Kurt was going to charm everyone tonight and that he looked incredible. When Kurt texted back that Blaine couldnt even see him, hed replied with, "It doesnt matter, trust me you look incredible."

Kurt used Blaines encouragement to buoy him as he stepped into the ballroom. The room itself was impressive, high ornate ceiling with a glimmering chandelier. The walls were lined with alcoves and the room filled with rich golden lighting. The dance floor was polished wood and already people were dancing to the live music of the stringed band. A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne and Kurt took a glass, wanting something to hold as he stood nervously in the back wondering what he should do from here.

"Kurt!" Someone nearby called his name and Kurt turned in relief when he saw that it was his teacher Ms. Pole. "Oh darling look at you," she said, standing back and taking him in. "Perfectly on point as usual."

"You look gorgeous yourself," Kurt replied, spying her black Dolce & Gabbana evening gown and placing a kiss to her cheek.

"Did you not bring a guy for arm candy?" She asked and Kurt shook his head, hoping he didnt look embarrassed. He was alright about the fact that he was here alone; he had wanted to come with Blaine, and if that wasnt a possibility, this really was okay. "Well, all the better to meet and mingle!" She said, tugging him further into the room. "I have so many people to introduce you to!"

Kurt followed Ms. Pole as she introduced him to her former students, and professional actors and a few directors. Kurts heart was racing and his cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. He hardly remembered what he even said to anyone and could only hope he wasnt coming off as a complete disgrace to NYADA.

He met one of his favorite directors and couldnt help but gush a little. The man promised to come see him in his off-Broadway show once he graduated and Kurt almost squealed. The evening continued like that; Kurt felt like he needed to pinch himself. Here among these people, he felt like himself; this was where he was meant to be, but someday, he wouldnt just be a student and adoring fan, one day hed be a stage actor – hed be one of them.

He was sipping champagne as Ms. Pole drifted off to talk to some friends and Kurt found himself happily listening to the conversation of the group he was left standing with. He was cheerful, a little warm from the champagne, and completely enamored with the people and glitz surrounding him, so he was taken off guard when he felt a hand on his arm and he turned to see Aaron standing next to him.

Aarons long hair was pulled back and he wore a slick black tuxedo, and by all accounts, should have looked charming and handsome, but when Kurt looked into his eyes, he felt a shiver run down his spine. They were stony and dark, his face pallid, and he still had dark rings under his eyes.

"Hello Kurt." He said with a disconcerting smile as he tugged Kurt away from the group he was with.

"Aaron… what are you doing here?"

"No reason to act so surprised," he answered under his breath. "It isnt like you are the only talented student at NYADA."

"I didnt mean that," Kurt tried to explain, still shocked to see Aaron here after all the drama that had built between them. It didnt help that Aaron was still clinging to his arm, grip growing tighter and his smile slipping to a grimace.

"I know you think youre the bell of the ball, better than anyone, but you arent the only one who deserves to be here."

Kurt sighed heavily and tried to jerk his arm away, but he was surprised by the strength of Aarons hold. "I never thought I was better than you, Aaron. Just because we didnt work out doesnt mean-" Kurt stopped mid-sentence as his eyes landed on someone standing a yard or so away behind Aarons shoulder.

Kurt thought his eyes were playing tricks on him for a moment until there was a part in the crowd and he was able to get a better look. There, standing straight-backed and rigid in the clean lines and short tails of what looked to be a turn-of-the-century ink black tuxedo was… Blaine. It took a beat before Blaine turned his head in Kurts direction, and when he did, their eyes met and Kurts heart did a little fluttery tumble in his chest.

"Kurt!" Aaron snapped, dragging Kurts attention back to him. "What is your problem anyway?" Aarons grip grew harder and Kurts brow furrowed in pain; he tried yanking his arm away again, but couldnt loosen Aarons grip.

"Excuse me." A cool calm voice spoke up, and both Kurt and Aaron looked to see Blaine standing by them. He wasnt looking at Kurt anymore. Instead, his eyes, lit like fire, were burrowing into Aaron. He took a step closer, and even though Aaron had a few inches on him, Blaine seemed to tower over him.

"Let him go." Blaines voice was a low rumble, more intimidating than if hed raised his voice. Aaron didnt respond, so Blaine grabbed Aarons hand, and before Kurt knew what was happening, Blaine had somehow yanked it off of Kurts arm and was bending Aarons fingers back enough to hurt, but not yet break. Aaron yelped as his eyes widened and Blaine kept hold of his hand. "I think you should go." Blaine seethed.

Aaron opened his mouth to say something but Blaines face was like chiseled stone, cold and unmoving.

"Fine!" He took a step back and Blaine let go of his hand; Aaron shot Kurt one last dirty look before turning on his heels and hurrying away into the crowd.

Kurt opened his mouth to say something, but was at a loss for words. He watched a tremor run down Blaines body before he turned to him, his eyes still dark but his face relaxing.

"I dont really need you to defend me like Im a helpless child," Kurt said calmly and Blaines expression froze before he furrowed his brow again.

"My apologies," he said with a slight bend at the waist and then moved to walk away.

"Wait!" Kurt reached out and stopped him with a hand on his shoulder, which he then ran down his arm as Blaine glanced back at him. "That doesnt mean you should go. I dont want you to go. You cant just close down and walk off when you dont like something I say. And what was that with Aaron? I thought you were going to break his hand."

Blaine took a few short breaths before speaking, "Did you come with him?"

"No!" Kurt couldnt believe Blaine would really think that; Blaine knew he wasnt with Aaron anymore. "Of course not. Is that why you grabbed him-because you were jealous?"

"No, no..."Blaine shook his head, "I just wanted to stop him. He was hurting you." Blaine raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I needed him to stop so I made him stop."

Kurt took a deep breath to calm his racing thoughts; Blaine hadnt actually injured anyone and Aaron had been hurting him. On top of that, Kurt had wanted Blaine here at the ball with him so much and now he was here and they were arguing. "Im grateful. Its just that I could have handled that on my own." Kurt said trying to bring this conversation around.

"Just because you can handle something on your own doesnt mean you should have to."

Kurt thought about that for a moment, his heart was still beating a little too fast from Blaines confrontation with Aaron; hed never seen Blaine so threatening. Kurt had been defending himself against bullies his whole life, he knew how to do that and Blaine barging in all anger and heat had been alarming. Still, as he looked at Blaine, who was in his perfectly fitted suit and balling up his fists and uncurling them again like he was still worked up from what had happened with Aaron but wanted to calm down, Kurt couldnt help but be glad he was here. It was nice to know someone else had your back sometimes.

Kurt smiled a little and watched Blaines shoulders relax. "Thank you, for helping."

Blaine nodded and fidgeted nervously like he didnt know what to do now.

Kurt thought about Blaine getting all dressed up in his tux and tie and polishing his shoes and styling his sometimes unruly curls. Kurt had never seen him so put together and it was endearing to think of him putting in all that effort. Hed gotten all dressed up and come out in the cold to this ball. How did he even get in? And why? Was he here just for Kurt?

"How are you even here?" Kurt asked, letting his smile grow to a grin.

Blaine ducked his head almost shyly and rubbed the back of his neck. "I flew in this afternoon as a surprise," he said, looking back up at Kurt through his lashes. "Im sorry Im so late and if I ruined everything with my temper."

Kurt was stunned at how bashful Blaine looked in that moment, especially in contrast to the fierce frightening look his face had held when talking to Aaron.

"You wanted to surprise me?"

Blaine just shrugged.

"Im really glad you did and you didnt ruin anything." Kurts discomfort had slipped away; he was just so pleased to have Blaine here, like he had wanted from the start. "But how did you get an invite to the Broadway Ball?"

Blaine finally smiled at that, "Its my job to acquire hard-to-get items." Blaines eyes quickly scanned Kurts face, and then his entire body, before meeting his eyes again. "I knew youd look incredible."

Kurt laughed as his stomach swooped. "Youre one to talk," Kurt said casually, tugging on Blaines white bowtie. "You look handsome enough to be a hero that just walked out of a Victorian era romance." Kurt blushed as the words left his lips. Throughout the last week, their texts had started leaning towards the side of flirtatious, but Kurt didnt want to frighten Blaine away. He never knew what would make him skittish.

To Kurts relief, Blaine just smiled again.

There was a comfortable silence between them for a moment before Kurt realized he had a hand still resting on Blaines arm, the other on his shoulder from playing with his bowtie. He didnt move, though; instead, he took a step closer.

"Would you like to dance?" Kurts heart stuck in his throat, ready for Blaine to turn him down. He wasnt sure if Blaine seemed like the kind of person who would like to dance, or even if he knew how.

"It is a ball," Blaine answered, moving to hold Kurts hand. "I would love to."

Kurt could feel his face beaming as he squeezed Blaines hand and led him out onto the dance floor. They were in a safe place here, not even the only same-sex couple dancing that evening, but Kurt didnt even think about that. All he could think of was the way his hand fit perfectly in the dip of Blaines waist and the feel of Blaines gentle palm on his own hip. They spun onto the dance floor with the notes of a stringed waltz floating through the air.

It didnt take long for Kurt to realize that not only did Blaine know how to dance, but he was very good at it. He didnt miss a step as he kept his eyes trained on Kurt. Kurt had been a fair dancer before he moved to New York, but his time at NYADA had made him proficient; still, the lightness Blaine had on his feet both surprised and charmed him.

"Where did you learn to dance?" Kurt asked as they continued to waltz.

"This isnt my first ball," Blaine smiled in answer and moved so that they were pressed closer together, Kurts chest touching Blaines. Kurt didnt mind that at all.

They danced together, keeping close, Kurt continually stealing glances at Blaines face, his eyes so intent and gorgeous this close. And Blaine kept smiling, more than Kurt had even seen him do before, like looking at Kurt he couldnt help but grin. They spun and laughed, and it wasnt until the music slowed and Blaine leaned his cheek against Kurts, that he realized they must have danced through several songs already. Kurt sighed happily, his heart beating in his chest keeping time with Blaines. They had started out holding hands and waists, but had somehow slid nearer to each other holding onto elbows and backs.

Kurt felt Blaine spread his fingers against the small of his back and couldnt help the pleasant shiver that ran through him. He turned his face so that his nose brushed against Blaines hair; he smelled of soap and coffee. He felt Blaines soft breath on his neck and Kurt held him closer, their bodies fitting perfectly. Kurt let his eyes close as the song continued and wondered how they had gone from strangers in a coffee shop to dancing like theyd known each other for years, like theyd been in each others arms over and over instead of this first wonderful time.

Kurt would have been satisfied to stay like this all night, Blaine warm and pressed against him as they swayed to the music, Kurt humming under his breath, but when the song ended, someone went up on stage to make announcements. The general thank yous that were required towards the end of an event like this. Blaine took a step back and looked at Kurts face, his eyes bright and blinking and his cheeks tinged pink like he was just coming out of a dream.

"Thank you for the dance," Blaine whispered, not paying attention to the person on the stage. "I didnt mean to monopolize your dance card."

Kurt shook his head. "You were who I wanted to be here with anyway. Do you know how many times I almost asked you?"

Blaine swallowed and didnt reply as Kurt squeezed his hands. Before either of them had a chance to do anything else, they were interrupted by a loud, laughing voice. "Oh, Kurt!" The announcements had ended and Kurt found Ms. Pole smiling and rushing to him, a tall and balding but attractive, man on her arm.

"I see you found a handsome dance partner after all," she said.

"Yes." Kurt turned to Blaine. "Ms. Pole, this is Blaine. Hes a good friend of mine."

"What a sincere pleasure to meet you," her voice was a little louder than necessary, and Kurt suspected Ms. Pole had been drinking all evening. Still, she was delightful and introduced her companion, a Mr. Blackmon.

"I think weve met before," the man said, studying Blaines face as he shook his hand.

The easy demeanor that had come over Blaine as theyd danced instantly disappeared, and he went back to holding himself a little rigidly. "No, I dont believe so."

"You seem so familiar." The man insisted, and Blaine just shuffled uncomfortably on his feet, his smile gone and replaced with the slight scowl Kurt thought Blaine didnt even know he sometimes wore.

"I think they are going to play a few more songs still," Kurt said to change the subject, "You two should be on the dance floor."

"You did promise me a dance, Richard," Ms. Pole said, pulling him away. "A pleasure to meet you, Blaine! Kurt, Ill see you back at school next week!"

When they were gone, Blaine uncomfortably stuffed his hands in his pockets and wouldnt meet Kurts eyes.

"You really arent great at meeting new people are you?" Kurt teased, nudging him a little.

"People dont usually want to meet me," Blaine answered, still not looking at him.

"I did." That made Blaine finally look up and meet his eyes. "For weeks before we spoke, Id been trying to build up the nerve to say hello to you."

"And I was an ass." Blaines face was so distraught he reminded Kurt of a kicked puppy.

Kurt chuckled. "Yes, you were, but I forgave you."

"And gave me another chance."

Kurt reached for Blaines hand and held it lightly between them. "Im glad I did."

Blaines lips tipped up in a smile. "So am I. Regretfully, though, I think Im going to have to call it a night." He glanced around and Kurt noticed the ballroom was emptier than it had been.

"Ill walk you out," Kurt said, still not letting go of his hand.

It had stopped raining, and as they got their coats and walked out into the crisp dark New York night, Kurt couldnt help the thrill that ran through him. This evening had gone so much better that he could have hoped for. Perfect with Blaine by his side.

"When do I get to see you again?" Kurt asked, swinging their hands together.

Blaine watched the motion for a moment before speaking, "Im not sure."

"You said you wanted to get dinner when you were back in town."

"I do." Blaine nodded. "I just have… a lot going on right now."

"Mmm," Kurt hummed, trying to not feel disappointed. "You always have a lot going on; I guess youll just have to make time for me. Maybe this will help motivate you." Kurt turned to face Blaine fully, and before he could talk himself out of it, he reached his arms up to loop around Blaines neck and then gently brought their lips together. There was a nerve-wracking moment where Blaine didnt respond, but then his hands moved and were a comforting weight on Kurts hips as Blaine sighed into the kiss, moving his lips and letting them sweetly linger.

Kurt tugged on Blaines lips with his own a little before slowly breaking the kiss, but Blaine let out a soft moan that made Kurts heart catch, and then pulled him closer kissing Kurt again and taking his breath away. When they parted Kurt felt more than a little breathless and moved his head back just enough to see Blaines face, eyes still delicately closed. Kurt waited until he opened them again, shining a soft gold in the light of the street lamps.

"Call me and well set up a time to have dinner," Kurt whispered. "Call soon."

"Okay," Blaine breathed and Kurts heart skipped a beat. He didnt want to ruin this perfect moment by saying anything more, so he let his hands fall and went back inside the Waldorf Astoria, taking one last glance behind him to find Blaine staring after him.

Kurt wanted to say good bye to Ms. Pole and thank her again for inviting him. His heart was dancing, and he found himself smiling brightly when he found his teacher, giving her a hard and grateful hug before saying goodnight. He still felt lighter than air as he started to leave when there was a polite clearing of the throat behind him. He turned to see Mr. Blackmon.

"May I trouble you for a moment?"

"Yes, of course." Kurt smiled. He couldnt stop smiling. Hed kissed Blaine. Hed kissed Blaine! And Blaine had kissed him back.

"It is about your friend, Blaine."

"Yes?"

"I have met him before even if he does not remember and I…" He trailed off for a moment as if not knowing how to frame his next words. "Patricia. Your Ms. Pole. Speaks very highly of you and I trust Patricias judgement so I thought I should tell you, that young man, he is trouble. He isnt a good sort to be around. I know it really isnt my place to say, but I couldnt in good conscience let one of Patricias favorite students spend time with such a… a questionable influence and not warn him."

"You think Blaine is trouble? I dont understand." Kurt really didnt understand; he was hearing Mr. Blackmons words but they didnt make sense to him. "I know he doesnt always make a great first impression-"

"It isnt that." Mr. Blackmon nervously swiped at his bald brow. "I know him, you should just be wary."

"I…" Kurt couldnt think of anything to say and Mr. Blackmon just nodded and then walked away leaving Kurt feeling deflated and confused.

Blaine stood outside the Waldorf watching Kurt as he walked back inside, Kurt turning at the doors and shooting Blaine a bright smile that did funny things inside his chest. Once Kurt was out of sight, Blaine lifted his fingertips to press them against his lips where Kurt had just kissed him.

It was cold out tonight, the rain from earlier already looking like it might freeze to the ground, and Blaine could see his breath as little puffs of swirling air. He didnt feel cold; for the first time in a long time, he felt pleasantly warm all the way down to his toes.

To think he almost hadnt come tonight. Hed gone back and forth on it for days. He knew that, according to his vision and the soothsayer, he needed Kurt in some way, but he didnt want that. He didnt want to spend time with Kurt just because he was somehow involved with finding his heartstone. He wanted to spend time with Kurt because… he was Kurt. Charismatic and beautiful and thoughtful and funny Kurt.

Blaine let his hand fall from his lips and pulled a pair of gloves out of his pocket, he was suddenly cold again. He had several reasons to want to keep Kurt in his life, that sweet soft kiss feeling paramount at the moment. He was scared of where this could lead, of the danger Kurt could be in just by associating with him – still, he had to admit he didnt know how to cut Kurt out of his life now.