To be fair, there were a few things about this time of year Blaine didn't enjoy as much. Included in that list is the annual Work Holiday Party. This year wasn't so bad as it was at one of the better restaurants in town, so the food would be excellent, at least. But before they could get to the food, Blaine had to endure an hour or so of cocktails and schmoozing with people that, while nice enough at work, weren't really people he would voluntarily socialize with on a regular basis. Add to that the fact that Kurt wasn't there yet and Blaine was starting to get a little grumpy.

Blaine starts thinking back on how his wooing has been going thus far and is pleased with his efforts. Kurt has been opening up to him and Blaine feels closer to Kurt than he has to anyone in a long time. Tonight might just be the night that Blaine finally tells Kurt that he is interested in being more than friends. He knows Kurt might be interested, too. Kurt has hinted over the last few months that he likes being in a relationship, and that he is definitely open to the possibility of a boyfriend. Whether or not Blaine figures in to those thoughts specifically remains to be seen. It might be the thought of a relationship with a coworker is something of a deterrent to Kurt. Blaine can certainly understand that. If they were to start a relationship and something happened to end it, things could be awkward. But there's something about Kurt that makes Blaine believe that would never happen.

Blaine has learned a lot about Kurt over the last few months. Kurt is loyal, he is honest, witty, caring and loving. The way he talks about his family and his friends from high school and college tells Blaine this. The smile that lights up his face as he talks about his dad or his friends Mercedes and Rachel make want Blaine to make sure nothing ever happens to make Kurt sad.

Kurt is brave and courageous and you always know where you stand with him. He also doesn't take shit from anyone. The way he stands up to people that occasionally try to start something when they're out at a bar with words said in a voice so light and chipper that you don't know he's actually insulted you until a good ten minutes later is something Blaine has always wished he could do. And the stories he tells of the bullies at his high school and what he had to deal with on a daily basis are staggering.

He's in the middle of talking to Don, the Dean of his department, when hears a voice behind him. "Oh, my god," it says.

Blaine turns, smile on his face as he turns to face Kurt. "Yes?" he says calmly.

"I should have known," Kurt replied, shaking his head. "I mean, with what your daily wardrobe looks like it should have been obvious, really."

"What's obvious?"

"You're one of those guys," Kurt says gesturing to Blaine's ensemble.

Blaine looks down at himself. He's wearing a bright red dress shirt with an deep green sweater vest with small snowflakes knitted into the pattern at the hem, his good black trousers and, okay, yes, a tie with tiny reindeer on it. To be fair, from far away, the reindeer just look like a small polka dot pattern.

Blaine just smiles and crosses his arms, appraising Kurt's outfit in return. Blaine must admit that, as usual, Kurt looks stunning. He's wearing dark gray trousers, those black leather booties and a deep green sweater with snaps on one shoulder over a simple white collared shirt. It's simple, but so put together Blaine can't help but groan a little internally at his own feelings of fashion ineptitude.

"If by one of those guys, you mean someone who loves Christmas, then yes. I do," Blaine says. "You're not some kind of horrible Grinch, are you?"

"Of course not," Kurt insists. "But, I do also know how to dress in a way that is both appropriate for the holiday and not a blinding eye-sore."

"Hey! My mom bought me this tie," Blaine says faking affront.

"Of course she did. Where's the bar?" Kurt replies looking around. "I think I'm gonna need a drink or five to get through this evening."

Blaine guides Kurt over to the bar and they're stopped a few times to talk with various colleagues. They finally get their drinks and are on their way to the hors d'oeuvres table when they're once more waylaid by Miss Lopez, a fellow professor specializing in Spanish literature.

"Merry Christmas," she greets them with a smile.

"Merry Christmas, Santana," Blaine replies.

"Merry Christmas," Kurt adds. "You certainly look lovely this evening."

Blaine has to agree she does. She's in a form fitting emerald green dress that's covered in sequins and all sorts of sparkling crystals. The ridiculous heels she's wearing also show off her toned legs to their best advantage.

"Thank you, Professor Hummel," she says. "My favorite part is the headband. You know the rules boys!"

Blaine lifts his eyes and sees that there is a sprig of bright, green plastic mistletoe dangling from the sparkling band perched on her head. Blaine flushes red at the implication and tries to wave her off.

"Come on, Blaine," she needles. "It's Christmas! You don't want to wind up on my naughty list, do you?"

Blaine certainly does not. So, he turns to Kurt and raises his eyebrows in question. Kurt merely shrugs and smiles as if to say, "Why not?"

Before he can think about it too much and how this was definitely not what he imagined for his first kiss with Kurt, Blaine slowly leans in and waits for Kurt to meet him. Kurt closes the gap and Blaine's eyes flutter closed as their lips touch.

It's soft and easy as they are in public, but Blaine can't help sucking in a breath at the electricity he suddenly feels coursing through him. One hand comes up to hold Kurt's face lightly as he pulls away. He sees Kurt's pupils are blown and there's a flush rising on his cheeks. He's breathing harshly and Blaine is sure he's in no better condition.

"And my job here is done," Santana says patting them both on the cheek as she walks away.

"I…" Kurt begins.

"Have dinner with me," Blaine interrupts. "As a date. A real, proper date. Please." Blaine is sure he's begging and sounds like an absolute fool, but he can't help it. Kurt just… does things to him.

Kurt smiles shyly and bites his lip before nodding in response. He looks so absolutely adorable Blaine can't help but lean in and kiss him again.

Best. Christmas. Ever.