Kurt and Blaine were sitting at their normal table in the Lima Bean, sipping their drinks and holding hands across the table, now completely unafraid to have public displays of affection.

“You know, I do love this place, Kurt, but why don’t we shake things up for our 18 month anniversary?” Blaine suggested.

“Well, you know I’d love to, but there is absolutely nothing to do in this stupid little town.” Kurt responded, his brows furrowed.

“Well, I know that you love animals, but since the zoo just closed, I was thinking we could go to the aquarium. Just think about it. It’s not perfect but it’s something new and I haven’t been there in years and I’d love to go with you.” Blaine fumbled over his words.

“Blaine, that’s adorable. I can’t wait.” Kurt said with a warm smile.

Blaine beamed back at him.

“Well alright, I can pick you up at 10. Is that okay?” He asked, squeezing Kurt’s hand.

“Perfect.”

**

In the morning, Kurt already had an outfit planned in his head for the day.

A gray and white striped t-shirt with a royal blue cardigan, buttons stopping at the base of his chest. He squirmed into a pair of tight black jeans, a compliment to the lighter top-half of the outfit. For the shoes, his classic combat boots. The perfect out for the soon-to-be perfect day.

The doorbell rang and Kurt hurried to open the door, behind which kept an eagerly awaiting Blaine.

Kurt could never quite get over how adorable Blaine always looked, no matter what he wore, and today was no exception.

Blaine was wearing a well-fitted gray peacoat over a red, long sleeved, v-neck sweater, with a pair of faded dark blue jeans, and his brown oxfords. The glasses on Blaine’s nose tied the whole look together.

“You ready?” Blaine asked as he exhaled, his breath shorted by the very sight of Kurt.

Kurt answered with a blush, and he looped his arm through Blaine’s as they made their way to the car.

**

“Which exhibit should we check out first?” Kurt asked as he looked at the aquarium directory.

“I really love penguins, Kurt. Can we please go see them first?”

Blaine wore a toothy grin, the sides of his eyes and his nose were crinkled in delight.

“I could never say ‘no’ to you with a face like that.” Kurt said as he placed a gentle kiss on Blaine’s lips, careful not to offend any passing families.

They linked their fingers together as they made their way to the opposite end of the aquarium.

As per usual, a few dirty looks were shot their way, which only made them stare deeper into each other’s eyes.

They stopped when they reached their destination, the penguins happily glidding through the water and on top of their little ice hills.

“They’re so cute I just want to cuddle with them,” Blaine said with wide eyes.

Kurt let out a small giggle, surprised at how passionate Blaine felt about the little flightless birds.

“See those two, back there?” Kurt pointed with the hand that wasn’t intertwined with his boyfriend’s.

Blaine nodded, looking at the two penguins that rested their necks together, eyes closed, pressed tightly against eachother.

“They do that to conserve body heat,” Kurt smiled coyly.

“You’re such a tease,” Blaine winked.

“Am not!” Kurt playfully pushed Blaine’s shoulder, “But I would love to snuggle with you like that. Whenever I see you. Especially when I’m a little cold. Like now.” Kurt said in obvious hints.

Blaine rolled his eyes, closed his arms around Kurt, and layed his forehead on Kurt’s shoulder, looking into the fabric of Kurt’s outfit.

Kurt let out a sigh, delighted at the warmth of Blaine’s body pressed against his own, and nessled his nose into Blaine’s neck, forming into an almost comical replica of the penguins’ picture.

Blaine lifted his head, looking more tired than before they cuddled in their penguin huddle, and smiled at Kurt, who uncurled from their cozy position.

“So, where-to now? It’s your pick this time.”

“How about the big, scary fish?” Kurt decided after a few moments contemplating.

“Ooh, I don’t want you to get too scared!” Blaine bared his teeth and shaped his hands to imitate claws, looking more like a dinosaur than he probably intended to.

Kurt laughed and wrapped his arm around Blaine’s waist, leading the way to the larger-than-life fish tank.

“Thank you for suggesting this, Blaine. Today has been perfect.”

“You’re welcome. I thought you’d like it. I love seeing you smile and I just knew the penguins would do it for you.”

Kurt tightened his grip around Blaine’s waist, pulling them closer together.

Blaine rested his head in the crook of Kurt’s neck, nesseling against his warm skin, and they both admired the small sharks and larger fish that swam calmly by.

Kurt fumbled around in his pocket, Blaine startled by the sudden movement.

“You okay?” Blaine asked as he lifted his head.

“Yeah,” Kurt said unsteadily as he pulled a small white box from his pocket, “I just…you paid for the admission for the aquarium and for the train ride down here and I knew you would because you’re a gentleman and would never let me pay for something you suggested. So I wanted to give you this.

“Happy 18 months.” Kurt smiled and handed the box to Blaine.

Blaine opened it to find a small bowtie with his favorite colors and his favorite pattern, blue and red plaid. “You shouldn’t have, Kurt. This is the sweetest thing. But you know you never have to repay me for a date.”

“I’m not repaying you, Blaine. It’s my gift to you. For being an amazing boyfriend.”

Blaine placed the bowtie in his pocket and cupped Kurt’s face in his hands, taking in every inch of his perfect skin, before kissing him deeply on the lips, unaware of the few scattered people that were in the room.

They broke apart a few moments later, both smiling and happy and giddy with the other’s presence.

“Why don’t we see one more exhibit and then head home?” Kurt suggested.

“Sounds good. But why so eager?”

“Well, Blaine, it is our 18 month anniversary, do you really think I didn’t plan anything?”

Blaine blushed and slipped his hand into Kurt’s. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

Kurt kissed Blaine on the cheek, unable to resist the blotchy red patches that appeared when Blaine became embarrassed.

“Well, lets get a move on. Your surprise can’t wait forever,” Kurt said quietly into Blaine’s ear.

They made their way home in absolute silence, not a word on the train ride or in the car, each content with simply being, and finally they reached Kurt’s house.

“You ready?” Kurt turned to Blaine and winked, making him bite his lower lip in anticipation.

Kurt opened the door and lead Blaine inside, pulling him by the hand.

Blaine’s jaw dropped and his eyes began to water, “It’s perfect,” he whispered as a tear escaped from his eye, “absolutely perfect.”