xxx xxx xxx

To say Kurt was nervous was an understatement. He was currently pacing the sitting room, eyes flicking to the window every few seconds, phone dangling casually from his fingers as he waited for Blaine to arrive. Said boy – boyfriend, his brain happily reminded him – had insisted on doing this properly. Which meant he was coming to pick Kurt up. Which was great, except he was a bit late and Kurt was torn between freaking out – because what if something had happened? - and getting annoyed, because he was late. Kurt exhaled softy, brushing his fringe aside for the thousandth time.

"Dude," Finn said, playing some shooting game on the Xbox360, using the wide-screen TV and draped across the couch. "Chill. Seriously, you're making me feel nervous."

"Gee, Finn, sorry," he gritted before closing his eyes and forcing another breath out. "... Sorry. I didn't mean to snap."

"... It's fine. But seriously, he'll be here soon." Kurt turned to Finn after checking his phone, worry in his eyes as his stepbrother paused the game and gave him a little dopey smile. "You're lucky mom's not here with the camera trying to take a picture of you."

"... Why would she do that?" Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow as he crossed his arms.

"She likes to document that sort of stuff. She took a picture of me and Quinn when we went on our first date." Kurt snorted softly as Finn flushed, rubbing the back of his head.

"That's both adorable and oddly creepy," he smiled, realizing that Finn had completely managed to distract him from his panic. "Maybe she's just waiting for—"

There was a crunch of car tires on gravel and Kurt gasped, turning to the window and beaming when he saw-... Finn (who'd stepped up beside him to look too) burst out laughing.

"Seriously...? He drives a red Mini Convertible?"

"... Do you think it'd be cruel if I broke it off with him because he's in a red Mini with pink sunglasses on...?"

"Probably, dude," Finn laughed, patting Kurt's shoulder as he watched Blaine hop out of the car with a grin on his face, taking off his sunglasses before going over to the door. Kurt swallowed, anticipation twisting sharply in his gut because holycrap he was about to go on his first date with his first boyfriend who was in a red Mini with pinkfreakingsunglasses that completely clashed with his outfit and-...

There was a knock at the door.

"Oh, god..." Kurt whispered.

"Pretty sure it's Blaine, not God," Finn joked, elbowing Kurt and laughing as Kurt shot him a small glare. "... Go and get the door, dude...!" Kurt swallowed, taking a step towards it before freezing up again, hastily turning to check his hair and clothes in the mirror. Finn rolled his eyes. "You look fine. Jeez, will you just open the door...? And you call me awkward," he grumbled good-naturedly, ignoring the second glare he was sent before Kurt took a steadying breath and opened the door.

… Oh.

"Hey...!" Blaine grinned. "I was beginning to think I'd got the wrong house."

"... Hey," Kurt breathed, slowly looking Blaine up and down. He'd been so busy concentrating on the pink sunglasses and red convertible he'd completely missed that Blaine was in a simply gorgeous outfit – a white shirt that was just a little unbuttoned at the neck, fitted but just a little too long around the waist, hanging down over the belt of his jeans and a blazer casually slung over his shoulders. "... You look great..." Kurt smiled, finally regaining some of his composure as Blaine grinned again, flushing a little.

"Thanks... You look amazing, like always," he smiled, gently touching Kurt's arm. He'd taken into account the warm weather and the warm mall – as well as the fact that he'd been planning on buying a new coat for a while now – and had dressed in his tightest pair of white skinny jeans, a light blue top that was cut at an angle to showcase the sweep of his neck and collarbones, along with a white, loose cardigan that hung at mid-thigh, the wool soft and thin.

"I clash," Kurt murmured, still trying to get his head around the fact that he was about to go on a real date – a real date – with his boyfriend. "... With your car... Why do you have pink sunglasses...?" Blaine blinked, a little surprised by the question before he laughed.

"They were a present from Wes and David after we first met. They're kind of... A good luck charm."

"Oh," Kurt murmured, deciding he could live with them, then. "I-"

"-Kurt...! I thought I'd missed you," Carole laughed, appearing and smiling. "Hi, Blaine."

"Hi...!" Blaine smiled, holding out his hand to shake with a charming smile that made Kurt instantly forget all about clashing colours. "It's really great to meet you again, Mrs.-"

"-Please, just call me Carole," she laughed, shaking back. Blaine chuckled too, nodding.

"Thanks, Carole. Hey, uh... Is Mr. Hummel here...?" Both Carole and Kurt blinked at Blaine in confusion. "It's just... I know I sound totally ridiculous," he said sheepishly, blushing a little. "It's just... The last time your dad met me I was still pretty out of it and... I want to do this properly and properly introduce myself. Without the mumbling about tigers being in the room."

"Oh...! Of course," Carole laughed, smiling warmly as Kurt tried not to simply melt at how perfect Blaine was being. "I'll go call him down. Why don't you come in?"

"Thanks, Carole," Blaine smiled, looking to Kurt and taking his hand as Carole disappeared into the study. "... Are you okay with this...?"

"Why wouldn't I be...?" Kurt laughed, linking their fingers together and leading him into the sitting room where Finn was back on the couch.

"Oh, hey. I thought you guys were heading out...?" He asked, glancing down at their hands before back up.

"We are," Kurt smiled. "Blaine just wants to talk to dad first."

"... Uh, okay... How's your shoulder, dude?"

"It's fine," Blaine smiled, sitting on the other sofa, his hand still warm in Kurt's who sat too. "A bit sore now and then when I move suddenly, but everyone says the scar looks pretty awesome, so..." he shrugged, laughing softly and squeezing Kurt's fingers as Finn nodded.

"Yeah... So, uh... Congratulations. On the whole... Getting together thing. Finally," he snorted, both Kurt and Blaine flushing a little.

"Thanks, Finn... How's it going with Rachel?" Blaine asked, smiling as Finn rubbed the back of his head.

"Yeah...! Yeah, it's fine. I think. I mean, we're still talking, so..." Just as Blaine opened his mouth to reply, Burt strolled casually into the room.

"Dad," Kurt smiled, feeling Blaine's hand tighten on his before he let go and stood, going over with his best beam, holding out his (other) hand to shake. Kurt bit back a laugh, noting that it was his dad who looked nervous and his boyfriend who looked like he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Mr. Hummel, it's really great to meet you again," Blaine smiled, shaking his hand firmly, but not too enthusiastically.

"It's good to see you too," Burt nodded, glancing to Kurt and Finn who were both desperately trying to look like they weren't listening to the conversation. "... Carole said you wanted to talk to me...?" He asked.

"Oh, yes. If... If that's alright," Blaine laughed, suddenly looking a little more nervous as Burt nodded and then gestured to his office.

"Sure thing." Blaine followed obediently, shooting one last smile at Kurt before closing the door and taking the chair opposite Burt, who was clearly waiting for the teen to say something.

"... Mr. Hummel," Blaine started, clasping his hands together. "... I really, really care for your son, and I feel that the last time we met wasn't... Right. I was out of it and I kept talking about tigers," he laughed, the twist of his fingers betraying his nervousness. "So... I just wanted to introduce myself properly." Burt blinked at him, a little taken aback and unused to Blaine's etiquette.

"Okay... Well, I know who you are," Burt snorted, trying to keep the atmosphere between them easy. Blaine laughed too, nodding.

"I know, um... What I really want to say... Well, to ask is... Is for your permission to date Kurt." Burt blinked, looking at Blaine for a few seconds as if trying to work out whether or not the boy was being earnest. From the nervous way Blaine was looking at him, he seemed it. "... Mr. Hummel, I'm really serious about him..."

"... I can see that," Burt murmured, nodding his head. "If I didn't want you dating Kurt, I'd have let you know," he smiled, Blaine's shoulders relaxing a little. "There are some ground rules, like curfews and separate beds,-"

"-Of course," Blaine nodded, accidentally interrupting and then going a little pink when he'd realized he had.

"... And an open-door policy," he finished. Blaine nodded again, smiling and still a little flushed.

"Thank you, Mr. Hummel."

"Just... Burt's fine," he smiled, standing and shaking Blaine's hand again. "Have a good time. When should we expect you back?"

"Kurt mentioned that he was cooking tonight, so we'll be heading right back after the game. I think it'll be around half six to seven."

"Wait," Burt said, "you're going to a football game...?"

"Um, yes... Is that okay...?" Blaine asked, blinking.

"'Course," Burt snorted, clapping Blaine's shoulder and shaking his head. "Though I never thought Kurt'd agree to go to a game."

"Oh, we're going shopping first," Blaine smiled as Burt opened the door and rolled his eyes.

"Should have guessed." Blaine gave Burt his best, most winning smile.

"The relationship between Kurt and I is built on equality and acceptance, so we try to do things that the other likes, and do our best to like it too. Like football and awards shows." After a moment Burt nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets as Kurt casually appeared, looking between them quickly before smiling, going over to Blaine and taking his hand again.

"Have fun," Burt said gently, closing the office door and heading to the kitchen, smiling at Carole as she went back over to the two boys, camera in hand.

"Carole, no," Kurt laughed, though his fingers linked with Blaine's.

"Kurt, yes," she teased, holding up as Blaine grinned, leaning closer to Kurt. "I got one of Finn's dates, so it's only fair I get one of yours too." Kurt had flushed a little, looking to Blaine who simply slid his own little digital camera out of his pocket, handing it to Carole.

"Only if you take one on mine too," he winked, Carole taking it as Kurt rolled his eyes and resigned himself to his fate. Not that he was really fighting it. Before long photos had been taken and Blaine was opening the passenger door to his car for Kurt – who slid in with a small, flattered smile despite his grumble about not being a woman – and hopped over his own door to land on his seat. Kurt crooked an eyebrow, smirking.

"How long did you spend practising that, Blaine?"

"That all depends on how impressive it was," he grinned back, starting up the engine as Kurt slid on the hat he'd grabbed to save his hair from being ruined thanks to the open topped car. Kurt bit back a snicker, sliding on his sunglasses.

"... It was impressive," he admitted as Blaine put on his own pink monstrosities.

"Then the hours spent practising over the year were totally worth it," Blaine smiled, leaning over to gently kiss Kurt's cheek before easing the car out of the driveway, Kurt playfully batting him away though he was beaming and ever so slightly pink.

"You know, when you're not being Prince Charming, you're really goofy," Kurt smirked, leaning back against his seat as Blaine drove, flicking on the radio.

"Shut up," he said teasingly. "You love it."

"Luckily for you," Kurt smiled, gently touching Blaine's knee and revelling in the soft smile he was shot, the radio playing one of his favourite songs. The drive was perfect, filled with light teasing, warm sun and good music and – all too soon while not being soon enough – they were at the mall. Kurt exhaled slowly, looking up at the familiar building as Blaine smoothly put the roof up and locked the doors. He'd spent years fantasizing about the day he'd walk, hand in hand, through those doors with his boyfriend, chin up and chest out, proud and in love and... Now that it was happening, now that he was here – and this was so stupid, because he and Blaine had been to this mall before – it just... Everything felt different.

New. Exciting.

"... Kurt? Are you okay...?" Kurt turned to Blaine, smiling and gently taking his hand, linking their fingers together as he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his boyfriend's – his boyfriend's – cheek.

"Never better. Ready to go?"

"'Course," Blaine laughed, tugging him forwards and leading him inside the bustling building. The blast of cool air made them both shiver, squeezing the other's hand before Kurt tugged, leading Blaine to the Marc Jacobs store with a small, giddy smile on his cheeks.

"There's this new coat I saw, it's called the Mariner Cotton Coat, it's fantastic," he gushed.

"The twilight blue one?" Blaine asked with a grin, stroking his thumb over Kurt's knuckles as they went inside the shop. Kurt looked to him with what had been dubbed his 'You, Sir, Are A God' look.

"That's the one...!"

"It'll look amazing on you, but do you really have $500 to spend on a coat...?"

"No, Blaine," Kurt said, rolling his eyes, "I plan to steal it. Of course I do. I spend most of my free time working for my dad, you know. If I'm not actually in the garage, I do paperwork and so on. Therefore, I get both a wage and an allowance."

"Wait," Blaine said, stopping them dead in an aisle. "I knew your dad was a mechanic, but are you seriously telling me that you're a pseudo-mechanic too...?" Kurt smirked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I'm pretty confident that I know more about the inner workings of your car without popping the hood than you do. Now, that coat." He tugged a blinking Blaine forwards, to the isle and plucking out the coat in question after a few moments of searching. "One day you'll realize that my talents are never ending, Blaine." Blaine gently wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist, hugging him from behind.

"... I hope not... I always want to be surprised by you..."

"Pleasant surprises, I hope," Kurt laughed, his hand gently brushing Blaine's that were around him.

"Naturally," he smiled, letting his eyes drift closed as he pressed a soft kiss to Kurt's jaw before gently pulling away to inspect some of the clothing himself. Before long the coat was bought – and it did look fabulous on him – and the two were lazily wandering their way around the mall, hands clasped with shopping bags full of things to redecorate Blaine's corner with on their arms. Neither could care less about the couple of looks they got, caught up in their own little bubble of First Date-ness. They paused outside a little restaurant, inspecting the menu.

"What do you think...?" Blaine asked, smiling gently up at Kurt who nodded, squeezing his fingers.

"It looks lovely, but before we go in, I was wondering if I could just run back to that last shop we were in...? I just want to check something."

"Oh, sure! I actually need to use the bathroom, so... I'll meet you back here in ten?"

"Sounds perfect," Kurt smiled, regretfully letting go of Blaine's hand. "See you soon," he murmured before turning, the two heading off in opposite directions. Neither of them went where they'd said they were going, both slipping into different shops. However, ten minutes later, they were both outside the restaurant and smiling at each other, fingers linking immediately as they went in.

"No," Blaine said, holding the bill out of Kurt's reach. "I'm paying."

"Blaine, you paid for the tickets for the football match, and most of the things for your corner, and gas to drive me here and there. I can't let you pay for lunch too."

"I insist," Blaine grinned, slipping some bills into the wallet and handing it to the smiling waitress before Kurt could grab it back.

"Blaine...! You're so enraging sometimes," Kurt pouted, deciding revenge was best suited to a – gentle – jab in the ribs. "Well, fine. Because I bought you a present." He leaned down, opening one of the bags and sliding out another bag he'd hidden away.

"Kurt, you didn't have to," Blaine smiled, going a little pink as he took the bag from Kurt. "I'm getting major deja-vu about the meal in New York..." he snorted, gently pulling out the tissue-wrapped garment.

"This time," Kurt said, gently touching his hand, "I'm not letting you give anyone directions. Or letting you out of my sight." Blaine smiled softly, leaning over and brushing his lips over Kurt's, bringing a flush to the taller boy's face because his boyfriend was kissing him in public and... Yeah, he was never going to get over that. Ever.

"I think I learnt my lesson... But thanks, Kurt..."

"It's fine," he breathed. "... Open it." Blaine laughed, turning back to the package and opening it, grinning when he plucked out the soft material of another sweater, this one in black.

"Oh, Kurt... Oh...!" He laughed, suddenly spotting the little emblem on the chest, tenderly running his fingertips over the bright orange tiger embroidered there, delicate and stylish. "... Jeez... You're so good at buying gifts... This is amazing..." Kurt snorted softly, leaning his chin on his hand and smiling sweetly at his boyfriend.

"... I'm glad you like it... I know you were totally out of it when you were talking about the, uh, Courage Tigers but... For some reason, even though it wasn't really coherent and you were up to your eyeballs in morphine it... It was really striking. I'm sorry," Kurt laughed, "I'm babbling. What I mean is..." he flushed a little, looking up to Blaine and gently taking his hand again. "... Is that you're the bravest person I know... You're the epitome of courage."

"Oh, stop it," Blaine laughed, flushing too and waving his free hand in an adorably camp manner.

"No, I mean it...!" Kurt grinned, squeezing his fingers. "You're one of the most amazing people I know... And whenever you need to be reminded of that... Hopefully you can look to this," he snorted, tapping the little tiger. Blaine was grinning, his thumb brushing Kurt's knuckles.

"... Kurt... Thank you. What else can I say?" He laughed, bringing Kurt's hand to his mouth and letting his lips feather against his boyfriend's fingertips. "... I was actually really upset when I had to throw the first one out, so... Thank you... And," he grinned, reaching down into one of his own bags. "I got something for you."

"When...?" Kurt asked, though he'd gone a little pinker, blinking as Blaine handed over a small package that was much like the one he'd just been given.

"I actually snuck back to a shop we'd just been in when I said I had to use the bathroom," Blaine winked, Kurt snorting and slowly undoing the paper, savouring the simple action of opening a present from his boyfriend. He slowly pulled the material free, eyes lighting up when he realized he was holding a scarf in a deep, tasteful red.

"Blaine, I love it... Thank you..."

"Look at the ends," he smiled, pointing as Kurt flipped them over and stifled a laugh. Beautifully sewn on with what looked like real feathers, were little angel wings.

"... I can't believe that out of everything in the mall, we had to pick out tigers and angel wings... Are you sure you don't have a Gucci princess dress in there for me too?" He teased, lovingly wrapping the scarf around his neck.

"... Well..." Blaine grinned, reaching into a bag as Kurt paled.

"... Blaine. You didn't get me a dress, did you...? Please tell me you didn't get me a dress." Blaine laughed, pulling back with empty hands.

"Joking," he grinned, batting away Kurt's hand as the taller boy made to lightly hit him, capturing his fingers and linking them together. "No dresses. I promise. Just tasteful scarves to do with inside jokes," he smiled, gently pulling Kurt in for a soft but lingering kiss. "... I love the sweater... And I'll take better care of this one." Kurt snorted softly, brushing the back of his knuckles against Blaine's jaw in a movement that still made his knees feel weak because he was allowed to touch.

"I love the scarf too... It's perfect. My new favourite. Even over the McQueen," he smirked.

"Now that's a compliment," Blaine laughed, eyes shining with an intoxicating glimmer, a look that simply made Kurt fall in love with him all over again and if anything could be said from the tender way Blaine watched Kurt, the same could be said of the other boy too.

xxx xxx xxx

"Go... Our team...!" Kurt said, clapping his hands as he subtly shifted a bit closer to his boyfriend, who was utterly engrossed in the game. "Blaine," he whispered, leaning in close, "I've forgotten which one is our team again, I think they changed sides." Blaine laughed, tearing his eyes away from the footballers for a second to give Kurt a small smirk, squeezing his arm where they were linked.

"You know exactly which team we're cheering for," he teased, nudging him good-naturedly. "You're just trying to distract me."

"Busted," Kurt snorted, tugging his new scarf a little tighter around his neck, and then adjusting the team one over it. "I guess the scarf is a give away. Damn my weakness for accessories." Blaine laughed again, his cheeks and nose dappled pink with the cool of the afternoon air as he leaned in and softly kissed Kurt's cheek, resting there for a moment before drawing back and looking at him seriously.

"... You're not really bored, are you...?"

"Of course not," Kurt said gently, resting his chin on Blaine's shoulder and wincing as two boys went down in a heap after a vicious tackle. "I'm only teasing you."

"Promise...?" Blaine asked, softly. "I mean, if you're bored, we can-..." Kurt leaned in and kissed him, effectively silencing him.

"Blaine, I mean it when I say I'm having one of the best days in my entire life," he said gently but completely seriously. "I love that we've incorporated both of our interests into our first date, I'm glad that I'm here at a football match with you, sharing something like this with you. I'm glad we argued over whether plaid was suitable or not in Sheets & Things," he smiled. "I'm glad... I'm glad that we're together. Wherever we are. Besides," he smirked, squeezing Blaine's arm. "Why on earth would I deny myself the chance to ogle some strapping young men in skin-tight clothing?"

"Kurt...! Stop it, I'll get jealous," he laughed back, prodding Kurt's side until the boy wriggled away, giggling. After another few tries Kurt stood, pecking Blaine's cheek.

"I'm going to get some coffee, it's getting cold. Your regular?"

"Please," Blaine smiled up at him. "Want me to come too...?"

"I can manage to get us coffee," Kurt snorted, touching his shoulder and heading back towards the little café area, still smiling giddily.

xxx xxx xxx

"Dad," Dave murmured, barely able to concentrate on the game. "I feel really rough... I need to go and get a coffee or something..." Paul Karofsky turned to his son, shooting a worried look to Azimio.

"Alright... Here," he smiled, pressing a $10 bill into his hand. "Get me one too, okay? What about you, Azimio?"

"I'm cool, thanks Mr. K," Azimio nodded, clapping Dave's back as his friend stood, his eyes staring at nothing. He turned, shuffling off into the crowd. This had been a huge mistake, to let his dad talk him into going out to the game, getting Azimio round, and to stop off at McDonalds beforehand. The second he'd finished the last salty chip, wiped the grease from his fingertips, he knew he had to find a bathroom. Fast. His guts had been churning and it had taken every ounce of will he had not to just throw up there and then in the car, instead excusing himself at the little garage his dad had stopped out to get gas. When he'd got back to the car, stomach emptied of all the disgusting, heavy food and his mouth had been thoroughly washed out with water, neither Azimio nor his father noticed a thing.

But now he was dizzy, his vision blurry and every movement seemed to take so much effort as he shuffled into the small café thing-...

… And froze. Utterly. His heart thudded, eyes huge, breath wheezing out in his throat because Kurt Hummel was there, standing by the bar and waiting for coffee, and it was just the back of his head but Dave knew it was him and oh, god, when he turned to the side and his profile caught the light... Dave sat down heavily in a small chair, watching from behind a pathetic fake tree of some sort. He was having trouble breathing, every fibre of his being focused on Kurt, the tilt of his hips, the two scarves, the coat, the way he seemed to exude confidence and god how much Dave wanted to take the precious, porcelain Kurt Hummel and both smash it into a thousand pieces and cradle it – hold it (him, him, a fucking him) and cherish it and... Dave swallowed against the sickening swell in his stomach, ears straining to pick out the softness of Kurt's voice over the air as he took the two polystyrene cups and thanked the waitress, swooping out of the room via another exit.

Kurt was here. Kurt was here. Why the fuck was Kurt here? At a football game? Even Dave knew the only reason Kurt had joined the team last year was because he'd lied to his dad about it, and he had no interest in the game. Dave could reel off several Facebook statuses Kurt had written about how much he hated it so why was he here? Dave buried his face in his hands, trying to calm himself down. The last time he'd seen Kurt had been in Figgins' office and he'd thoroughly planned to keep it that way – until he'd found his way onto Kurt's Facebook thanks to Finn's account – so that these feelings, these awful crushing, sickening, rolling feelings would stop.

But they hadn't stopped. If anything, they'd gotten worse. It was actually hurting to breathe, the ends of his fingers searing with painful sensation, he felt cold and shaky, flushed and vision swimming.

"Hey, kid, you okay...?" A man clapped his hand down on Dave's shoulder, looking concerned. "You gonna hurl or somethin'?" he asked. Dave flinched, looking up at the stranger before shaking his head and standing, pushing away.

"'M fine. Just felt a bit dizzy. It's fine. Thanks."

"You look like you need to eat somethin'. Might settle you."

"Mm." Dave shrugged him off and went over to the cashier, mumbling out the order for two coffees – one plain, the other with cream and sugar for his dad – and taking the cups, giving the exit Kurt had disappeared through one last, longing glance before heading back to his seat in the stands. "Here," he said softly, handing over his dad's coffee and the change.

"Thanks, son. You missed a couple of tries, but nothing big."

"Oh, okay. Thanks." Dave sipped his drink, the liquid almost scalding, but his eyes were scanning the crowd, looking for that blue coat, those scarves, those piercing eyes – so full of disgust and hate and fear – that smile – always a frown, a sneer, a twist of venom – that slim body – covered in bruises or ruined clothes-...

… There. There he was. With his fucking hobbit of a boyfriend. He wanted to point them out, to look to his dad for the reaction and if by some miracle his dad didn't get down on them for being gay, then... That would be... He couldn't even begin the swell of emotion, but the words 'redemption' and 'redeemed' seemed to fit it the best. But... If he didn't, if his eyes hardened – full of hate and disgust – and said that those two boys were nothing more than fags, heading right for hell, and all he could do was nod along and firmly fix that in his brain, to shove his own sordid self out and become normal again – become straight again, and god knew how hard he was trying – but... The pain of that... Of seeing the hate in his own dad's eyes...

Dave felt sick again, eyes flicking from the game to Kurt – watching as the two boys laughed and talked and cheered, holding hands and exchanging the briefest of kisses that both made the sickness swell inside him and his heart skip a beat. As if he could be in Blaine's place. As if he could be the one with Kurt, making him laugh, making him smile like that, those soft kisses that plagued his dreams being given to him and... Dave swallowed a mouthful of coffee, barely noticing as it scalded his tongue and throat. He was sick. Sick for wanting that. Utterly, utterly sick.

"... Dude, you okay...? You look like shit, man..." Azimio touched Dave's shoulder, pulling back as his friend flinched away.

"Fine. Just... Headache," he gritted out, focusing back on the game and missing the looks his dad and Azimio sent over his back to each other.

"... You sure-"

"-I'm fine! Jeez, will you just... Lay off? Please? Let's just watch the game, okay...?"

"David, don't speak like that to Azimio," his dad said gently, frowning. Dave opened his mouth to retort, snapped it shut again and closed his eyes.

"... Sorry. Just... I'm fine."

xxx xxx xxx

"Now," Kurt smiled, nodding to the wok full of stir-fried vegetables, "you simply put them in the bowl I've laid out, and we're ready to go."

"Jeez, Kurt," Blaine laughed, doing as told with a grin and munching a stray piece of carrot, "is there anything you can't do?"

"Hmn... No... No, I don't think so," Kurt teased right back, pulling the frying pan back from the cooker and starting to dish up. "Will you please tell the others that it's ready...?"

"'Course," Blaine nodded, moving past his boyfriend and kissing his cheek softly before going through to the sitting room and smiling at where Burt, Carole and Finn were watching some action film, the end credits popping up as he went in. "Oh, hey...! Good timing, dinner is served," he said with a mock bow, Carole shooting him a fond look as she stood, Burt and Finn following.

"Thank you, sweetheart. It was really kind of you two to cook tonight."

"Not at all," Blaine laughed. "Kurt was in his element."

"Being bossy?" Finn asked, moving past them and earning a glare from Kurt as the rest of them laughed.

"Funny, Finn. I wonder who's getting the small steak," he said haughtily, putting out the plates and pretending to give Finn the smaller one before putting it in his own place, ignoring Finn's beam as he took the big one.

"Thanks, Kurt."

"It's a pleasure. Tuck in."

Conversation was easy, the dinner going well and Blaine keeping both Finn and Burt entertained about the football game – which their team had won – while simultaneously managing to compliment Carole on her hairstyle, all in one breath. It was amazing, Kurt regarding him in awe as Blaine kept the other three in constant smiles and laughs, his etiquette and charm working its magic on each one in different ways. It was almost like watching a magician. Soon the meal was over and Finn had retired to his room to play video games, Carole had insisted on doing the dishes and Burt was going over the day's inventory in his office.

"Here we go," Kurt laughed, pulling out a DVD and chucking Blaine a blanket, going over to the television and setting up the film. "Dirty Dancing."

"Perfect," Blaine smiled, holding the bowl of popcorn safe as he sorted out the blanket, shifting a little when Kurt sat so that he could wrap his arm around his boyfriend's shoulders. Kurt immediately snuggled in, pulling the blanket over them and draping an arm around Blaine's waist, positioning himself so that their small height difference wouldn't get in the way.

"... Today has been perfect... I've even got a soft spot for your car and the pink sunglasses now..."

"Well, that just made this perfect day even better," Blaine grinned, pressing his lips to Kurt's temple in a soft kiss as the film started up. Kurt snorted softly, closing his eyes for a brief moment and revelling in the fact that he was snuggling with his boyfriend on his couch, watching a film with their song in it after a perfect first date and...

"... I can't remember the last time I've felt this happy, Blaine..." he whispered, looking up at him as Blaine smiled tenderly down and leaned his cheek against Kurt's temple.

"... Me neither..."

Apart from Blaine tugging him up to slow dance to Hungry Eyes – the sheer romance in it making Kurt's knees feel like jelly – the film was watched in quiet, soporific silence, the two almost nodding off. As soon as Kurt had turned off the television, Burt appeared.

"You two heading down...?" he asked, almost carefully.

"Yeah, dad. We'll see you in the morning," Kurt smiled, taking Blaine's hand to lead him out of the room as Burt nodded.

"See you then. Kurt," he said, just as Kurt was about to leave. "Remember the open door policy. I will check." Kurt rolled his eyes but smiled and nodded.

"Got it... Night."

"Night," Burt said softly, watching them disappear down the stairs, doors left open.

"Well," Kurt murmured, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to Blaine's lips. "Seeing as you're the guest, you can use the bathroom first." Blaine snorted, pushing their foreheads together.

"So kind, so thoughtful..."

"As always," Kurt smirked, shifting away from him and picking up his favourite pair of pyjamas. "Now go, before I change my mind." Blaine laughed softly and grabbed his own bag, heading to the bathroom. When he got back, Kurt was changed and in his own bed.

"When my dad's done his rounds," Kurt winked, "I'll join you."

"Are you sure...?" Blaine asked softly, sitting down on his own bed and smiling softly at his boyfriend. "I don't want you to get in trouble, and I'd like to come back."

"Honestly, my dad could sleep through an earthquake. Believe me," Kurt added as Blaine slowly crooked an eyebrow. "He has."

"Well, if you're sure," Blaine said gently, climbing into his bed as Kurt went over to his dressing table and started his skin routine.

"I am. Don't you want me to?" he smirked over his shoulder, lightly teasing as Blaine gave him a look that simply said 'that was a dumb question'.

"Of course I do."

"Well, then. Stop trying to put me off."

"Duly noted," Blaine grinned, flopping back down onto his pillows with a yawn and watching Kurt through half-lidded eyes. Before long he was done, in his own bed and with the lights off, quiet as they waited patiently for Burt to go to bed. A few moments later there were quiet footsteps, the sound of their door being opened. Both pretended to be asleep – though Blaine felt a little guilty because Burt was trusting them to follow his rules, which he had every right to make and enforce – and Burt soon left, the door half closing behind him. Kurt slowly exhaled, listening to his dad's feet climb the stairs and the door to his own room close before he moved, sliding silently out of bed and into Blaine's.

"See...?" he whispered, wrapping his arms around Blaine's waist and snuggling in.

"I feel bad... Your dad has every right to keep us in separate beds, Kurt... I don't want to upset him, and I really want a good relationship with him... He's so important to you and I'd hate for there to be any tension between us..."

"Blaine, you've practically got them wrapped around your dapper, charming little finger..." Kurt whispered, lifting a hand to comb his fingers through Blaine's short, soft curls. "... All we're doing is sharing a bed, and I'll sneak back into mine before he even wakes up..."

"That's not the point... It's a moral thing, a... A betrayal of trust..."

"... Why do you care so much about this...?" Kurt murmured, frowning a little in confusion as Blaine sighed, letting his forehead hit Kurt's shoulder.

"... Your dad is amazing... You're so lucky to have him and... I can't help but feel that by doing this, we're letting him down a little..."

"... Blaine," Kurt whispered, frowning softly. "... It's nothing like that... It's just like saying you went to bed at 11PM instead of 1AM..."

"... I guess... It's just that what you and your dad have is... It's mind blowing... That he's so supportive and open with you... The respect you two have..." Kurt was blinking at the ceiling, a little confused as to why Blaine almost sounded upset about this before something clicked in his brain and he remembered the way Mr. Anderson had watched them.

"... Your dad... He's not supportive, is he..." Kurt whispered, much more a statement than a question. He felt Blaine swallow against him, quiet for a tense moment.

"... No... No, he's not... Don't get me wrong, he never says anything, but... It's silly, I'm sorry... It's late and I don't want us to be talking about it on our first date."

"I want us to talk about it... It's an important thing..." he whispered, his fingers gently combing through Blaine's hair in a way he hoped was soothing and not off-putting.

"... The thing is... There's not much to talk about..." Blaine mumbled into his shoulder.

"Okay, well... Have you told him about us...?"

"Mmn-hmn..."

"... And...?"

"... He... Didn't say anything... He just looked at me as if..." Blaine snorted, but his voice was soft and achingly vulnerable. "... As if I was the greatest disappointment in his life..." Kurt swallowed softly and exhaled, arms pulling Blaine a little closer. What the hell did you say to that...?

"He has to accept you some day..."

"If he had his way, he'd send me to an all girls school or something," Blaine snorted, though it wasn't funny. He drew back a little, touching Kurt's cheek. "... I'm sorry, I'm being so depressing..."

"It's not your fault... Besides, what kind of boyfriend would I be if you couldn't talk to me about these sorts of things...?" he smiled, kissing Blaine's forehead softly.

"... Thanks, Kurt... I just... Your dad is so amazing and I feel bad that... We're disobeying him..."

"... Blaine, if I were sneaking into your bed to do more than simply go to sleep with you, it would be. But we're not doing anything inappropriate," he murmured, thumb brushing Blaine's temple. "... Please...? I especially don't want to go now..."

"... If your dad comes in, I'm going to pretend to be asleep and innocent and blame you," Blaine grumbled teasingly, holding Kurt a little closer.

"Deal," Kurt smirked, closing his eyes. "Goodnight, Blaine..."

"Goodnight," he whispered back, brushing a soft kiss over his ear.

xxx xxx xxx

"Blaine, can you please pass me the egg carton?" Kurt asked, pointing to it as an adorably sleepy Blaine obediently held it out to him with a smile.

"Thanks for cooking me breakfast... Is it okay just to leave everybody else sleeping...?"

"Well, you're more than welcome to go and try to wake Finn, and I'm pretty sure my dad's health is benefiting from the rest."

"Mmn, true," Blaine nodded, hiding a yawn behind his hand as he leaned against the counter next to Kurt. "I like your apron... You kind of suit neon pink," he grinned. Kurt raised an eyebrow.

"Is this really you before the caffeine kicks in?" he teased, opening the box and looking up to Blaine with a smile.

"How do you like your eggs?" Blaine slowly grinned, shifting to wrap his arms around Kurt's waist.

"I like mine with a kiss..." he softly sang, Kurt biting back a smirk as he sang back.

"Boiled or fried?"

"I'm satisfied, as long as I get my kiss..."

Blaine leaned in but Kurt swiftly evaded, grinning as he almost glided over to the bread bin, pulling out a brown and a white loaf.

"How do you like your toast in the morning?"

Blaine followed, Kurt putting down the loaves and leaning against the counter, a come-hither glint in his eyes.

"I like mine with a hug."

Kurt pressed a single finger to Blaine's chest, smirking as he stopped his advance.

"Dark or light?"

Blaine leaned in, hands going to either side of Kurt's waist on the counter.

"The world's alright, as long as I get my hug... I've got to have my love in the morning..."

Kurt laughed softly, keeping up the pressure on his chest.

"Or the rest of my day is positively mayhem."

Blaine's hand lifted to gently cup Kurt's cheek, drawing him close as he smiled, winking.

"I'm a regular monster..."

Kurt laughed, escaping and waltzing himself back over to the cooker, shooting Blaine a flirtatious look over his shoulder.

"How do you like your eggs in the morning?"

Blaine followed him with an equally flirty glint to his eyes, following Kurt slowly around the kitchen.

"I like mine with a kiss..."

"Up or down?"

Blaine cupped Kurt's cheek, a smile playing on his lips as he leaned up a little.

"I'll never frown, eggs can be almost bliss... Just as long as I get my kiss... How do you like your eggs in the morning?"

Kurt escaped again, laughing as Blaine span him, clasping him close in a waltz and winking at him.

"How do you like your eggs in the morning?"

"I like mine with a kiss..."

"I like mine with a kiss..."

Kurt twirled them, the eggs forgotten as they passed the bread, Kurt subtly grabbing a slice. Blaine didn't notice, singing on.

"Boiled or fried,"

"I'm satisfied,"

Blaine shifted closer, Kurt letting him with what only could be called a longing, hungry look to his gaze.

""As long as I get my kiss...""

But just as Blaine leaned in to kiss him, Kurt brought up the slice of bread between their lips like a barrier, the laughter shining in his eyes.

"How do you like your toast in the morning~?"

Blaine blinked, surprised before he smirked against the bread shield.

"How do you like your toast in the morning...?"

Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine's shoulders, on the verge of tugging him close.

"I like mine with a hug..."

"I like mine with a hug..."

And then suddenly Kurt was escaping again, grinning as Blaine chased with a laugh to his voice.

"Dark or light?"

"The world's alright,"

""As long as I get my hug.""

Blaine managed to corner him and suddenly they were waltzing back around the kitchen, grinning and flushed and pressed close – and if this wasn't the perfect way to start a morning, then what was? They slowed, Blaine singing softly in his ear.

"I've got to have my love in the morning..."

"Or the rest of my day is positively mayhem..."

"I'm a regular monster..."

They were just slowly spinning now, one singing while the other hummed the tune, their voices a little rough and scratchy thanks to the time and lack of vocal warming up, but the song was made all the more human for it.

"How do you like your eggs in the morning...?"

"I like mine with a kiss..."

"Up or down?"

"I'll never frown,"

""Eggs can be almost bliss...""

Kurt smiled, lifting his fingers to stroke Blaine's cheeks, over the light stubble that was slowly starting to show from a few days of not shaving and tilting their faces.

""... As long as I get my kiss...""

Just as they leaned in, Burt cleared his throat loudly from outside the door, causing the two boys to spring back from each other with light blushes on their cheeks. Carole came in first, smiling at them and complimenting their singing, Finn just looking at them as if they were some sort of rare, exotic exhibit in a zoo, and Burt had gone with the 'don't ask, don't get too much info' route, nodding his head at them and making coffee as normal.

xxx xxx xxx

Rachel's fingers skipped lightly over the bound covers of the books in the music shop slash library she used to visit frequently, before the piano sitting in the middle of the small room had become the symbol of her first real heartbreak. But she was a powerful, independent woman and it was stupid to not go to a book store because once, a long time ago, it held bad memories for her. She was so much better than that. Knew better than to let the ghost of a place haunt her. Rachel flipped open a book, glanced at the page and froze, slowly looking back up at who had just walked in the door.

Jesse. Jesse St. James. Rachel tried to shove the book back into its place and escape, cursing her luck, but before she could even make it around the corner, Jesse was beside her.

"Rachel...?"

"I don't want to talk to you," she snapped, turning from him. Jesse reached out, gently taking her arm in a motion that made her freeze.

"... Rachel, please... I've been trying to contact you, but you'd changed your number and email, and you never replied to my letters..."

"Wasn't that enough of a hint...? Let me go," she said quietly, glancing up at him. "... I don't want you near me..."

"... What I did to you was wrong," Jesse murmured, his voice low and soft. "It was... Inhumane... And I'm so sorry... There's no way I can ever make it right but... Please at least let me try to apologize..." Rachel swallowed, the tension thick and heavy in the air between them.

"Why should I... You broke my heart, Jesse... You used me and then just... Threw me away. You made me a laughing stock." Jesse closed his eyes for a moment, as if the words were physically hurting him.

"... I was told that if I didn't, they'd fail me and I'd have to resit the whole year instead of going to college..." Rachel frowned, tugging her hand back.

"That's no excuse, Jesse...! And besides, if that's true, why are you still here?" Jesse snorted, leaning against the bookshelf and looking down at her, a tender look in his eyes.

"... They failed me anyway..."

"... Why...?" Jesse closed his eyes again, tilting his head back.

"I was too important to Vocal Adrenaline to let go... Not to mention the guy who should have taken my place transferred..."

"That's... Surely that's illegal...! Can't you appeal...?"

"I tried, but... It was useless. So, here I am." He looked down at her, reaching out to gently grip her upper arms. "... Searching for you, Rachel..."

"... You can't do this to me," she whispered, turning her head away.

"... I want to salvage our friendship... Please... Will you let me apologize...?" After a long, long moment Rachel nodded, a single duck of her head. Jesse grinned, gently taking her wrist and leading her over to the piano, sitting down at the stool and looking up at her before starting to play.

"What I thought wasn't mine in the light was a one of a kind, a precious pearl..."

Rachel dropped her gaze for a moment, her fingers splaying on the slick black top of the piano, aware of people watching them.

"When I wanted to cry I couldn't 'cause I wasn't allowed... Gomen nasai for everything, gomen nasai, I know I let you down gomen nasai until the end, I never needed a friend like I do now..."

Jesse's voice was soft, melodic and brimming with emotion, every word seeming heart-felt and true. But Rachel knew how good at lying he was, how easily he could charm and talk and sing and act... She twisted her fingers together, looking up at him.

"What I thought wasn't all so innocent was a delicate doll of porcelain... When I wanted to call you and ask you for help, I stopped myself..."

But his eyes shone with feeling, so open and honest that Rachel felt her heart and stomach twist, reminded once more of how well they had gone together, how perfect they'd been...

"Gomen nasai for everything, gomen nasai, I know I let you down gomen nasai until the end, I never needed a friend like I do now..."

… They could be friends again... Perhaps... Jesse seemed so sincere, and he had been held back again and she knew how ruthless and clinging Vocal Adrenaline was when it came to their performers...

"What I thought was a dream, a mirage, was as real as it seemed... A privilege... When I wanted to tell you I made a mistake, I walked away..."

The whole store was watching them at this point, Rachel silent and her eyes fixed on Jesse's face as he sang, everything in her both aching to believe him and warning her not to.

"Gomen nasai, for everything... Gomen nasai, gomen nasai, gomen nasai, I never needed a friend like I do now... Gomen nasai, I let you down gomen nasai, gomen nasai, gomen nasai until the end... I never needed a friend like I do now..."

The final notes died away, Jesse looking up at her and silent, waiting for her reaction. Rachel ducked her head, looking away as she touched the star necklace hanging by her throat.

"... Your voice certainly hasn't lost any of its emotional depth..."

"... That's because I meant it, Rachel... Every word..." he stood, taking her hands. "... I'm so sorry... Can you ever forgive me...?"

"... Not yet," she whispered, closing her eyes as Jesse nodded.

"... Then let me take you to a show. As friends. I have two tickets to Rent... Please...?" A few seconds later Rachel looked up at him and nodded, cracking a small smile.

"As... Growing friends."

Jesse grinned softly and nodded back, squeezing her hands.

"Thank you..."

xxx xxx xxx

A/N: I know I say this every time but wow. I can't thank you all enough for all the support you've given me, every single thing makes me so happy! I just love getting reviews, they utterly brighten my days! I'd also like to say thank you to everyone who follows me on Tumblr! You can find me under the name gleekilicious, the same as here! Please do add me, I love to blog little spoilers about the fic! Another big thanks to my amazing beta, I couldn't do this without you, and another huge thank you to Dekuku on Tumblr, who draws me amazing fanart I reblog! Thank you so much to you all~!