It took Kurt a second to realize what was happening; that Blaine hadn't just rolled into his face on accident. He inhaled sharply as Blaine's lips pressed firmly against his, soft and surprisingly dry. It was nothing like he'd ever imagined, and Kurt was proud to say he'd daydreamed of this moment quite a bit. Blaine's lips shifted awkwardly against his and Kurt couldn't help but smile against them. That was more how he'd pictured his first kiss. Sweet, but awkwardly clumsy, with their noses bumping and bashful smiles pressed together.

Just as soon as it started it was over. Blaine pulled back slightly and Kurt tried to remember how to exhale before he opened his eyes. The other boy was staring at him, looking dazed and breathless. Kurt might not know how to breathe when he was kissed, how to move his head, or even where to put the hand that was currently clenching air, but he knew he wanted more.

Kurt leaned in now, catching Blaine by surprise with the abrupt move. Their jaws bumped and Kurt giggled, clumsily cupping Blaine's cheek as his lips tingled against Blaine's. His skin was prickling with something new, unknown, as Blaine exhaled, the warm air whooshing over Kurt's upper lip and jaw. He wanted it to go on forever, to learn and move, and discover everything he hadn't with Blaine.

Again, Blaine pulled back, further this time, still looking dizzy, but stunned, too.

After a few deep breaths, Kurt took in the expression, the slight horror creeping into Blaine's face as what had just happened hit him.

Kurt had loved that, wanted it to happen again and again, but–

Blaine couldn't stay. The boy he was falling in love with was dead and nothing could keep them together through that. Heart plummeting, Kurt glanced down at their still joined hands and gave Blaine's a firm squeeze.

It's okay. I love you and I know it won't ever work because you can't stay, but it's okay.

"Kurt, I– that was– shit."

Blaine sat up abruptly, rubbing his hands over his face as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. Kurt sat up, too, crawling over behind Blaine and feeling guilty all of a sudden. He'd wanted that kiss, had dreamed of one with a faceless boy and then one with Blaine. It seemed like Blaine had wanted it, too. He had kissed Kurt first after all, but the guilt lingered. Blaine couldn't stay and he'd been exhausted when he'd kissed Kurt. Kurt had let him instead of doing what was logical and pulling away.

"It's fine, Blaine," Kurt said softly. "It's–"

"I shouldn't have–"

"I'm glad you were my first kiss, Blaine," Kurt said sincerely. He squeezed Blaine's shoulder tentatively and hoped Blaine would calm down and be less upset about what had happened. "It was nicer than anything I ever imagined."

"I– Kurt, I don't know– I– "Blaine continued to stammer for a few seconds before falling silent. "I'm sorry. Excuse me."

Blaine got up, stumbling a little from his exhaustion as he headed up the stairs and out of sight. Kurt watched him disappear before sinking back down onto his bed. As wonderful as that kiss had been, it also broke his heart. He wanted something he could never have. They both seemed to. The only difference was that one day Kurt could find another to love and Blaine couldn't. Blaine would never know what came with being in love openly, whether it was exhilarating and freeing or a struggle to fight through daily. Nothing could give him that chance and time back.

"Kurt?"

His dad's voice echoed down the stairs followed by the heavy tread of his footsteps. When Burt appeared, Kurt tried to keep his expression in check. His dad couldn't know about this. It was already complicating everything even more and it would worry Burt. The last thing Burt needed was to worry about him anymore than he already did.

"You okay, bud? Blaine came upstairs in a big hurry," Burt ventured, watching him closely.

Kurt tried not to panic or flinch, but the worry seeped into his voice nevertheless. "He didn't leave, did he? It was– I mean, he started it, but–"

"Whoa, whoa, hold up," Burt interrupted. Kurt swallowed at the sudden worry creasing his dad's brow. He'd already blown not worrying him. Great. "Blaine's upstairs, out on the back deck from what I saw. Figured he was making a phone call or something since reception down here is bad."

"He's– yeah," Kurt choked out, not meeting Burt's gaze. "He had to call Jack a- and let him know he's staying here tonight."

Burt frowned, looking unconvinced as he hovered closer to the bed. "Didn't think he had to check in with Jack since he's not actually his guardian or anything."

"He didn't want him to worry, Dad, honestly," Kurt said in a bad attempt at exasperation. "It's– we're fine."

"Doesn't sound like it," Burt countered gruffly. He looked around uncertainly for a moment before plopping down on the bed next to Kurt. Immediately, Kurt tried to steer the subject away from himself.

"I don't know why you still wear these things," Kurt remarked, gesturing towards the well-worn pajamas his father was in. "They're older than me–"

"Oh, no, you're not getting out of this talk, bud," Burt said sternly. "And your mother gave me these for our first anniversary minutes before she told me we were having you. They stay even after I can't fit them anymore."

Kurt hadn't known that and it surprised him. There was a lot he didn't know when Kurt stopped to let the thought settle. He had no idea what Blaine was thinking or doing upstairs, if he regretted the sweetest kiss Kurt would ever have in his life, or if he, like Kurt, dreamed of something more that couldn't be between them.

"You gonna spill or am I gonna have to dig?" Burt asked.

"I– Dad, it's nothing, okay? Just a... misunderstanding," Kurt lied. He looked towards the stairs, hoping Blaine would reappear and that his dad would leave. He loved the man more than anything, but he couldn't talk to him about this. Not when it was Blaine and they both knew what that meant.

Burt sighed and looked him over again before he spoke. The look always made Kurt feel like he was under a state-of-the-art telescope and his dad could see everything. Each planet, star, and galaxy that dotted his skin and person in an imperfect, never-ending pattern was on display in those moments.

"Kurt, I know how much Blaine means to you, and I know when he leaves in June we'll all be heartbroken," Burt said after a moment, "you most of all. You're feeling things and discovering something you never have before, and don't deny it because I'm your dad. I know these things," Burt added sharply as Kurt opened his mouth to splutter out a vehement denial. "You're falling for him and it's a wonderful feeling. It's a huge leap you only take a few times in your life and– he's not here forever. I know that, you know it, and so does he. Time is short, bud, and denying what you're both feeling just because it won't last forever isn't the answer. Nothing in life does, that's one thing I've learned since I was your age. Loving your mother and having you for my son is all the proof you need of that."

Burt patted him on the shoulder and stood up. He didn't ask any more questions about what had or hadn't happened to drive Blaine upstairs, but obviously he didn't need to. If Burt could see what was happening then who else had? How could either of them keep up this game of ignoring the obvious connection happening between them when even Burt was rooting for them?

His dad was halfway across the room when Kurt spoke again, his voice hoarse and cracking.

"Dad, I'm scared," he admitted in a rush, hugging himself tightly and fighting off the tears that had been threatening since his dad's little speech.

Burt was back at his side in moments, a gentle arm around his shoulders and a hand easing his face up until their eyes met. "That's okay, Kurt. Love's a scary thing to find yourself in. It's something out of your control and overwhelming, but being scared of it? Kid, that's the most normal thing you and Blaine have going for you."

"I- I still don't know," he mumbled weakly. "Dad, we– he's so set on keeping his distance," Kurt ventured to say. "I know there's something there, but I don't want to force him if he's not comfortable with this."

Burt nodded and leaned in for what Kurt thought was going to be a short hug. Instead he got a soft kiss on the forehead and a firm squeeze, something his dad hadn't given him in a long time.

"Talk to him," Burt encouraged. "Tell him how you feel, Kurt. Let him know it's okay, if it is. You can't force him, you're right, but you can made sure he knows you're willing to make good on the time you two have."

Kurt gave his dad a watery smile as Burt stood up and stretched. "I'll go send him back down, okay? Goodnight, Kurt."

"Goodnight, Dad. I love you."

Burt returned the sentiment as he climbed the stairs out of sight. Kurt rolled back onto his bed, sliding under the covers, and facing away from the stairs. Part of him thought his dad was right about everything that was happening; denying how they felt didn't do anything but make them struggle. It would only strain their friendship, but giving in when he knew heartache was the only end was terrifying, too.

After about ten minutes, Kurt heard the door at the top of the stairs creak open and a pair of timid footsteps come down. He stayed still, assuming it was Blaine and not nearly ready to have such a conversation after that kiss. For now, he wanted that sweetest to linger and last. Cherishing that moment was all he wanted, and if he spoke the truth and heard the reason he already knew for Blaine's denial, it would shatter that.

"Kurt?"

Blaine's voice was soft as the bed dipped behind Kurt's back. He felt the springs creak as Blaine laid down behind him and shuffled the bedding around until he was comfortable. It was silent for several minutes, and Kurt hoped that Blaine thought he was asleep and would soon do the same. He couldn't stand the false silence he was allowing when he wanted nothing more than to roll over and curl himself into Blaine's embrace.

"I– Kurt, I'm sorry," Blaine said quietly. Whether or not Blaine thought he was asleep or not, Kurt couldn't tell. "If things were different... I hate this, too. I want– god, I want so much to share the world and my own heart with you, but," Blaine paused for so long, Kurt didn't think he was going to finished. Heart in his throat, teeth biting his lower lip painfully, Kurt waited and hoped he would. "I can't do that to you. I can't let us fall and see how much we can mean to each other only to take it all Beyond with me. And I hate that I can't tell you any of this while you're awake."

Kurt bit his lip harder and tried not to cry. Everything he suspected was true. He couldn't push Blaine to give in to this. It was something he had to do on his own, if or when, he chose to.

"I hear that grandson of yours has been putting on quite a show."

Cameron looked on from the file he was reading to find Thomas in the doorway, watching him. Before Blaine had left for this last mission such a visit was rare, but now the other man was showing up almost daily, checking in with Blaine's progress and giving Cameron enough looks to make him feel uncomfortable. It was odd and definitely kept Cameron on his toes. He didn't know if the constant appearances was to check on his own progress with telling Blaine how much he loved him, or if there was something else going on. Cameron was starting to lean towards the latter.

"I wouldn't quite call it a show," Cameron remarked as Thomas dropped down in the chair across from him. "He's finally starting to do what he's there for. I just hope he manages to overcome it all by June."

"I would with that kiss from last night," Thomas said happily. "Even if they're both still–"

"They kissed?" Cameron echoed in amazement. His fingers fumbled over his screen, quickly pulling up Kurt and Blaine's files. "But– I looked last night before I left and he'd only told them part of what happened–"

"You missed the most important part, Cameron." The certainty in Thomas's words made Cameron fall silent. Thomas stood up and straightened his jacket and tie. "Come on, have a look at it."

Uncomfortable and rather confused, Cameron barely managed to keep a hold of his chair as Thomas rolled him aside and linked in through Blaine's file and into his Timestream. With a few clicks and changes, Cameron suddenly had a clear view of Blaine and Kurt, lying on Kurt's bed facing each other with their hands linked. They were talking about the future Blaine had dreamed of, and before Cameron could blink, his grandson had leaned in and pressed his lips to Kurt's.

Go for it, kid. You've only got one shot.

Cameron watched it unfold as his grandson pulled back briefly only for Kurt to push forward. It was a sweet moment, the sweetest that Blaine had probably ever experienced. Just the thought made Cameron ache from head to toe. There was so much his grandson had missed, so much Cameron could have helped to give him if he'd looked past the things he'd been taught and had instead chosen to love his grandson for who he was.

Just as quickly as the kiss happened, it ended, Blaine pulling back and leaving the room. Thomas ended the connection and beamed over at Cameron. It wasn't anything to smile about that Cameron could see. They were both still in denial, even if this was a tiny step forward. Nothing had changed.

"They're getting there," Thomas remarked, patting Cameron on the shoulder. "They're falling so fast."

"Blaine gets that from me," Cameron told him, pulling his chair towards his desk as Thomas settled down into the other one again. "His dad, too. Cooper... well, I guess I'll never know if he did."

Thomas nodded along with his words. "An Anderson family trait. A troublesome one to have. Gives these moments a lot of entertainment value on this end, though."

Cameron sighed heavily and stared at his screen that was still left open to Blaine's file. He only wished things could be different; that Blaine could have had this chance while he was alive, instead of only having a few short months to be with his soulmate.

When Cameron looked up, Thomas was watching him sadly. "He'll get his chance."

"I know," Cameron admitted. "It's just not the one I would have wished for him. He deserves so much better than what his life was."

"There's still his Beyond to think about," Thomas said after a moment. "He's on the right track for that."

"But what good will it be when he's devastated about leaving Kurt behind?" Cameron couldn't help but ask. "They'll both be heartbroken and Blaine... god, he's going to feel so guilty. No matter what happens he's going to blame himself for Kurt's emotional breakdown."

"Blaine's a sharp kid, Cameron. So is Kurt," Thomas said. "They're already learning that the length of their time together doesn't limit what they can share and be. It's not how long they have their happiness for, but how happy it makes them while they have it."

"I know that," Cameron argued, hating how petulant he suddenly sounded. "But my grandson– after what I did to him– after the way the world treated him–"

"Look, life isn't met to be easy," Thomas reminded him bluntly. "You and Blaine know that better than most. Nothing about these next several months is going to be simple or happy-go-lucky for either of them, but if he gets this right... well, it'll be one of the best, most rewarding Beyonds we've given in a long time," Thomas continued cryptically. "It's rare when anyone gets this chance. He deserves it. More than any of us, just for enduring here for so long."

Cameron watched Thomas closely. It was even rarer when they had such a candid discussion of his grandson. Usually such conversations revolved around one of Cameron's other agents, but once in a while it was Blaine. The last time had been eight years ago, oddly enough, when Blaine had first returned to help Kurt with his mother's death. Thomas knew a lot more than Cameron did, even if it was never spoken of out loud. He'd watched other agents go through their final missions and go off to their various Beyonds, but there was something different with this one. There always had been with Blaine. Cameron had known that when he was alive and even now that feeling still resonated in his gut whenever Blaine was with him.

"He was taken early, wasn't he?" Cameron asked softly, staring over at Thomas. His chair stopped swaying as Thomas's smile shrunk a little. He never met Cameron's eyes, but the truth of his words filled his little office better than air. Cameron had always suspected it, but until now he'd never had the nerve to ask.

"He was," Thomas said simply. "His purpose – his life – it was meant to be a lot more than it was or would have been back then. A boy – young man – like Blaine has so much to offer and give. Taking him from the world wasn't a decision any of us made, but Time did. It seems harsh, I know, but at least this way he stands a chance at knowing how great his own heart is."

"Even if he doesn't get to have that forever or a full life," Cameron muttered bitterly. He expected Thomas to echo his words like he usually did after such a comment. Only silence followed, though. Thomas's eyes were twinkling slightly and that crooked, little smug smile was easing back his lips.

"That," he said brightly, "remains to be seen."

Stunned, Cameron said nothing as Thomas hopped to his feet and swung his arms around a little. He didn't know what to say. The way Thomas talked made it sound like the impossible was possible, but that was ridiculous, at least in this way. Once you were gone there was no going back, not completely. When your life connection was severed there was no repairing or mending it. What was done was done. Cameron had watched one other agent discover their own soulmate in their final mission and that woman was now Beyond, starting a new existence until she either re-met her soulmate Beyond or met the other on her list. That was how it worked. You moved on after here. There was no going back.

"Thomas, what–"

"You've always known things with Blaine were different, Cameron," Thomas reminded him easily. "I'll see you this afternoon, all right? There's a lot you still need to know before Blaine really gets in deep."

"But–"

"Three o'clock," Thomas told him before he disappeared.

Cameron stared at the door for a long time after that. He couldn't believe what Thomas was implying and yet...

His eyes returned to the screens in front of him. Blaine and Kurt's pages, both pulsing around the edges, almost in time with each other–

Pulsing... Pulsing!

Blaine's page was– but that didn't make any sense. Sure, the pages of agents back on a mission has some degree of pulse that flashed around their file, but this was different. This was solid, stronger than a hidden trip into Time. He refreshed it immediately, but the slight pulse remained, lightening the colors and then darkening them, like a visual display of a heartbeat, but it was slow. Slower than Kurt's, and less steady, but moving, alive–

Three o'clock wasn't going to come soon enough.