It takes a while for them to get back to normal. Kurt tries hard to stop talking about New York and NYADA and for the first time, they have awkward silences as they struggle to find a safe topic to converse about. But with the more frequent silences come more frequent comforting looks, and Kurt’s so relieved that Blaine’s eyes no longer hold something closely guarded, something that he’d been hiding for so long. Because now, everything is all out in the open.

At least, Blaine’s side of the story is. Several days had passed since their tearful counseling session, and Kurt is leaning back on the headboard of his bed, reading a book for English. Blaine is curled up next to him, homework long forgotten, arm across his boyfriend’s waist, head on his shoulder, and mind drifting.

And suddenly, Blaine shoots up. Kurt focuses his attention on him, surprised.

“I never – I didn’t let you explain,” Blaine sputters.

“What?”

“In Ms. Pillsbury’s office – the brutal honesty thing,” Blaine is contemplative, and Kurt still looks taken aback by the outburst.

“Blaine, I –”

“What did you mean by the whole “alpha gay” thing? And the watching me perform stuff?”

Blaine sees the change in Kurt’s face instantly. Kurt looks down at the bed, a frown pulling at his lips, brows tightening.

“Kurt,” Blaine breathes. How could he have overlooked Kurt’s comments from their fight? Yes, he had been upset with good reason, but it was no excuse for ignoring his boyfriend’s feelings. Blaine reaches out, interlaces his fingers with Kurt’s, and raises their hands to his lips to place a gentle kiss on the back of Kurt’s hand. “Tell me, please.”

Kurt meets his eyes again, and sighs.

“I…you’re gorgeous, Blaine,” Kurt says, and Blaine is flattered by the comment, but confused. Kurt has to bite his lip and take a deep breath before he continues. “You’re so approachable. People think you’re handsome on first impression. And…no one’s ever really found me attractive at first glance,” Kurt pauses before he speaks again. “Not even you.”

And now, Blaine understands. It wasn’t about Chandler – and he’d known that before, but it made more sense now. Kurt felt under-appreciated. He’d felt it when he crushed on Blaine before they kissed. Chandler was the first gay man to ever appreciate Kurt for his beauty, his fashion, and his personality upon first meeting. Before Blaine could respond, Kurt spoke again.

“And the whole watching you perform thing kind of fits into that. People would much rather hear you sing than me. It’s just…everyone sees it in you, Blaine. Rachel saw it; Sebastian saw it the first time you met. And me? No one’s ever paid attention to me. Not until you, anyway.” Kurt’s eyes are glassy when he stops talking, and Blaine lets go of his hand, climbs into his lap, and places his hands on Kurt’s cheeks.

“You’re wrong,” he whispers. “I thought you were the most gorgeous boy ever the first time I saw you on that staircase.”

Kurt swallows and looks down again.

“Hey,” Blaine says softly, catching a tear with his thumb. “You’re beautiful. I’m sorry I didn’t see it before, but I see it now. And you’re the strongest, most courageous, most incredible person I’ve ever met. I love you, Kurt.”

Kurt finally returns his gaze, and meets his lips for a slow, deep kiss.

“Now, where’s the fabulous Kurt Hummel that knows he’s sexy and amazing and wonderful and intelligent and fantastic and –” Kurt clamps a hand over Blaine’s mouth, giggling.

“I love you, too.”

They lean in for another kiss, Kurt’s English book forgotten in the sheets of his bed.