Kurt was quite content in his job as an assistant at a sweet shop in Repton, a village where he grew up. Sure, his secret dream was to board a ship from Liverpool to New York and never look back, see the bright lights and do something fantastic with his life. But this was 1952, people rarely moved from the town they grew up in, instead settling down with a sensible wife and bringing up two or three beautiful children. He knew that deep within his heart was a longing for something else, but nothing like that ever happened in small villages in England, right?

The twinkling of the bell above the shop door alerted Kurt to the influx of new customers, and immediately�recognised�the blazers from the private boarding school around the corner. He had never attended this school as his father, even though he worked incredibly hard fixing cars, couldn’t afford the prices paid by the wealthy upper classes who sent their children from local landed estates. Instead he attended the local�comprehensive until the age of 15, where he had worked hard but been largely ignored.�

The group of five who entered the shop were regulars, usually spending up to 30 minutes chatting to Mr Jones, the shop owner. It was left up to Kurt, therefore, to greet the latest customer. He was immediately blown away by how handsome the stranger was, which conjured up many thoughts that he had kept hidden for so long. His beautiful, rich brown eyes gazed in wonder at the rows of jars containing a variety of sweets.

His hair was lightly gelled back, and he was wearing a light brown waistcoat, complete with a chain for his pocket watch, and black slacks. The item that piqued Kurt’s interest most was the beautiful dark red bowtie the man wore, he had never seen anything quite like it.

Kurt, being the ever polite assistant, managed to gain enough courage to enquire-

“May I help you sir?”

�“I’ve never been in here before, what do you recommend?”

Kurt was�immediately�taken back by his strong American accent, thankfully he was able to hide his surprise.

“Well I always enjoy a nice Pear Drop, how about a quart of those?”

“That sounds excellent, thank you,” the stranger replied, “I’m new around here, I’ve moved in with my uncle for the summer, it’s nice to know where I can find good candy!”

“Well, anytime!” Kurt answered quickly, eyes unable to leave the strangers retreating form as he left the shop.

- � � ��

The stranger came back every day that week, often staying for a considerable length of time, which pleased Kurt greatly. Through their conversations he learnt his name was Blaine, he was only a year older than Kurt, grew up in a wealthy but unloving family, loved music but was yet undecided what he wanted to do with his life. Of one thing he was certain, he shared such a connection with Blaine, nobody else seemed to understand him like he did.�

Though, he wasn’t sure how Blaine managed to consume that many sweets in a day yet still maintain such a splendid smile.

_

Their meetings in the sweet shop progressed to something more. They would share Afternoon Tea in Jessie’s Bakery, go for long walks along the river and often sat in Blaine’s bedroom reading in comfortable silence. As they spent more time together Blaine transformed from the dapper, sophisticated man that had first entered Jones’ Sweet Shop to an enthusiastic, caring teenager.

They talked about everything and anything; views on politics, music, culture and trends of the day. Kurt felt free when he was with Blaine; he was finally able to express some part of who he truly was: flamboyant, passionate, quick-witted. He usually hid behind a shy exterior, scared that somebody would be able to figure out his biggest secret, he was gay. Blaine seemed to break down his walls, which both excited and terrified him�

-�

To the casual observer Blaine and Kurt were best friends. To Burt Hummel, he wondered if there was anything more, but had never seen any evidence to prove his theory. He was glad his son had found somebody that made him smile for the first time since his mother died. ��

He smiled to himself as his son happily exited the cottage they shared together. Burt had always known that Kurt was destined for something better, that he was going to break out of the tiny village they lived in. Maybe he needed a helping hand to give him the confidence, Blaine had certainly helped but maybe it was time for Burt to visit the elder Anderson at the manor.

-

A particularly cloudy day in August found Blaine almost skipping down the street, he had recently received a new record from America and couldn’t wait to see what Kurt thought. He stopped in his tracks when he saw a burly teenager, who he vaguely remembered seeing taunting a smaller child a couple of weeks ago, exiting the shop with a decidedly angry look on his face. Blaine wondered what Kurt could have done to make him look so angry, but dismissed the thought immediately; Kurt couldn’t offend anybody if he tried.

Blaine pushed open the door to find him sobbing quietly in the corner. Quickly, he rushed to Kurt’s side and enquired what was wrong.

Kurt replied, with a timid voice, “It was nothing, he was just shouting and calling me names because he didn’t like who I am.”

Blaine moved closer, to hug Kurt comfortingly, but he was filled with a rage he was unable to keep out of his voice.

“How could he not like you? You’re amazing Kurt, you’ve been so kind to me and you are funny, witty and intelligent. The man is a moron!”

Kurt was silent for a moment, moved by Blaine’s speech and surprised that somebody enjoyed his company as much as he claimed to. He had talked to Blaine about almost everything, but would he be able to understand his biggest secret?

Kurt forced the words out, voice trembling, “Blaine, please don’t hate me, but I’m gay.” His eyes looked down, away from Blaine, afraid of his reaction.

Blaine hugged Kurt even tighter, “Oh Kurt, I could never hate you. I’m gay too, but I never said anything because I was unsure of the reaction a small village like this. I promise that things will get better though, you’ve just got to have courage.”

They boys sat on the cold tiled floor of Jones’ Sweet Shop for a few more minutes, before realising the implications they would face if they were found in this position, wrapped tightly in each other’s arms.

-

Things continued normally between the pair after the revelation. They still spend large amounts of time with each other, laughing, talking, singing.� They didn’t take their relationship any further, Blaine’s departure to America was looming, and neither was willing to discuss what it meant.

Kurt was cleaning the high shelves on a sunny afternoon, exactly a week before Blaine’s departure, when he came bounding into the shop.

“Kurt, Kurt, guess what!”

Kurt rolled his eyes, used to Blaine’s unwavering enthusiasm, “Oh I have no idea, care to tell me?”

Blaine grinned wildly, it looked like he was going to burst from excitement.

“Well as you know, my uncle is prominent in the cotton industry and wants to expand into America, most notably New York. Which is where I come in, he wants me to run the whole venture!

“Blaine, that’s brilliant!” Kurt replied, but secretly the news made his heart drop as Blaine’s departure was made more realistic. He tried to cover up his disappointment with a beaming smile, but Blaine seemed to sense this.

“Wait, that’s not the only thing,” he continued, face suddenly turning serious, “I want you to come with me. You are amazing, Kurt, and I want the rest of the world to see it. I’ve seen the clothes you design on the back of the receipts when you think nobody is looking. Well I noticed and took them to my uncle. He says that you are very promising and wants to employ you in the factory. I know we’re only friends, but what we have is special and I don’t want to mess this up. New York could be our big opportunity, please say you’ll come with me?”

Kurt launched himself into Blaine’s arms immediately after the question was asked.

“Yes, Blaine, I would love to go with you!”

Kurt’s heart soared, he was going to a place where he would finally be accepted, with a boy he developing deep feelings for. The urge to kiss Blaine was overwhelming, and the shop was thankfully empty, so he moved his lips towards the other boy’s. It was brief, but incredibly sweet and left them both grinning like idiots.

It felt like his life was finally beginning.

-

The boys moved to New York and never looked back. They found acceptance, success and each other. Their relationship eventually developed into something more serious, declarations of love came shortly after they moved to the city, and they spent the rest of their lives wholly committed to each other. Kurt Hummel became one of the most prolific designers of the twentieth century. Blaine Anderson created a well established business, well renowned for the quality of his products and his charitable attitude towards his employees.

Together they saw many changes; the twentieth century was one of great revolution. As time progressed it became more acceptable to be themselves, which they greatly enjoyed. When it was legal to do so, they got married in a small ceremony in New York, aged 78. Their nuptials finalised their lifelong love.

They often retreated back to the tiny village in England to see Kurt’s father and to reminisce about the place they met each other. Mr Jones eventually sold the Sweet Shop, but the magic of two soul mates finding each other still remained.���

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