Sunlight was just beginning to slant through the curtains when Blaine woke up, stretching and groaning.  The sheets were cool and comfortable against his bare skin, and with just a couple more minutes, Blaine would have probably burrowed back down into the worn comforter and fallen back to sleep.  With great self-restraint, Blaine was able to sit up and stretch his arms above his head and sigh.  His hand pressed against the spot where Kurt had been laying the night before, now empty, wondering where he had gone; if he was just going to the bathroom and would be back, or if he had taken shelter on the couch in front of the TV.  Blaine didn't want to wait to find out—he heard his belly give a irritated grumble—and finally pushed back the comforter.

The cold of the room leached over his skin, causing him to shiver as he stood up and found a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to slip on.  He thought about grabbing the blanket to drag it out with him, but thought better of it, knowing that Kurt and Rachel had a blanket settled over the back of their couch for chilly nights and mornings.  Pushing back the curtain that led to Kurt's room in the apartment, Blaine registered the faint smell of pancakes, his belly giving another gurgle.

He was smiling as he walked into the kitchen, his arms crossed tightly over his chest to conserve some warmth.  Rachel and Santana were at the small table set in the kitchen, talking and sipping at mugs of coffee and tea while Kurt stood at the stove in the process of flipping something.  Santana and Rachel both looked over at Blaine, a wicked smile curling Santana's lips.  “Well, good morning.”

Blaine hesitated, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth as he watched Santana's face, knowing that she knew something she probably shouldn't.  He didn't think long on it because Kurt turned around at Santana's greeting and grinned.  “Good morning, sleepy head.”  He was almost cooing it seemed as he said that, eyes bright and happy.  Blaine ignored the look that Santana was giving him as he walked over and wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist, pulling him in close.

“I hope I haven't slept too long,” he said against Kurt's neck.

“Oh, no, you haven't.  Just a little later than us, it's only ten.”  Kurt patted Blaine's back, kissed the top of his curly head.  “You're gonna have to let me go so I don't burn the pancakes,” he said, laughing.  Blaine nodded, removing his arms. 

A blush spread hot and red across his cheeks as he heard Santana behind him say, “I'm surprised you're not both still sleeping.  Sure sounded like you wore that boy out, Hummel.” 

Rachel burst into giggles, trying to hide them in her cup but failing miserably.  “Santana,” Kurt muttered, rolling his eyes, not even a little red on his cheeks.  After spending a year living alone with her, Blaine guessed you got used to it.  But he's only spent a few days at a time here in New York before he had to go back to Lima, he still wasn't used to the lack of privacy and the fact that any sound made at night would be heard by Santana just a few sheets down.

Blaine stayed quiet, face still red as he wrapped his arms around Kurt again, this time from behind, resting his head against his upper back.  “Shut up, Santana.  Not like you and Dani are any quieter when she stays over,” he mumbled, voice muffled against Kurt's soft shirt.

“Damn right,” Santana replied, not even at all embarrassed.  “Like I'd want to hide that.”

“I think we should change the subject,” Rachel finally blurted out, shaking her head, her lips pulled into a smile.

“I agree.”  Blaine let go of Kurt with a kiss to the back of his neck.

“Foods almost done, take a seat at the table, I'll serve,” Kurt said quietly, rubbing a hand along Blaine's arm, kissing him softly on the mouth before turning back to the stove.

Blaine made no argument and went to take the seat across the table from Santana who was watching him with the same smirk she had when he first walked in.  “Don't.”

“Calm yourself, bowties, I wasn't going to say anything.  I'm just enjoying the sight of your blush and that massive hickey on your neck.”

Blaine's eyes widened, hands flying to his neck, poking and prodding at the skin, looking for soreness.  Santana began to cackle, throwing her head back.  Rachel shook her head and patted Blaine's arm, then sipped at her tea.  “There's nothing there, it's okay.”

Blaine was still glaring at Santana as Kurt set a plate in front of him full of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, and still steaming.  Blaine's stomach grumbled loudly again and he thanked Kurt before diving right in, stuffing his face.  Santana made a face and Kurt just shook his head, laughing airly.

When everyone had their food, they all settled down at the table for loud conversation.  Blaine was quiet as he continued to eat, just watching the three as they talked animatedly.  They were talking about their plans to go out on the town for Christmas shopping and how it was about time to start putting up decorations.  Rachel interjected with the announcement that she said they should have done it the week before Thanksgiving.  Blaine just smiled and chewed away, happy.

This, he thought, This is what I live for.  This is where I belong.  Here with Kurt and Santana and Rachel and New York.  This is my home, my future, and I'm so glad it's finally mine.  He smiled again down at his half eaten plate of food, to himself, before scooping up another forkful of eggs.