A/N the idea for this story was inspired by the quote in the fanfic "Little Numbers" "Do you think it's possible to fall in love with the idea of a person?" I thought for a long time about this quote, before realizing that a lot of us have fallen in love with the idea of a person. We've fallen in love with fictional characters from books, movies, tv shows, all sorts of things. So this is about Kurt falling in love with a character he believes to be fictional when the real thing is right in front of him. Just to be very clear when the characters in the book are called Chris and Darren they don't represent the actors they're just names like Jimmy and Joe

Chap 1

Kurt walked into the small bookstore mostly because he had nothing to do. He wasn't much of a reader, but something about the small cozy bookstore in the middle of New York City drew him in. He hummed to himself as he browsed through the books, not noticing the man beside him shelving books.

"Hello sir, may I help you with anything?" the young man said, Kurt jumped slightly and turned to face him. He was short, shorter than Kurt, had unruly dark curls, and hazel eyes behind a pair of glasses.

"I was just looking for a good book to read," Kurt said with a smile.

"Maybe I could help you," the curly haired man offered, "What kind of book were you looking for?"

"I'm not quite sure, I haven't read anything in a while. Do you have any good romance novels?" he asked. The other man's eyes lit up immediately and he ducked behind another bookcase. Kurt followed him.

"All of our romance novels are over here of you'd like to look at them," the man said, showing Kurt a large shelf full of books of all shapes and sizes.

"You sure seem to know your way around this place," Kurt laughed, "Do you come here often?"

"This is actually my bookstore," the short man said, smiling brightly.

"Oh well then, I'm sure you could recommend a good book for me," Kurt said.

"Describe what your looking for in this book and I'll do my best."

"I want to read a love story. A different love story. A love story that's brave, sweet, and sad all at the same time. A love story that reminds me of that feeling of meeting someone and just falling so in love with them tha it hurts. Okay I know that just sounds stupid, never mind," Kurt said blushing.

"I think I might actually have what your looking for," the curly haired man said, looking at him curiously. He ducked behind the counter and pulled out a book. He handed it to Kurt, a little nervously. Kurt glanced at the cover, "Courage" and smiled softly. He turned to the back cover and read.

Darren Criss is just a high school student trying to survive these last four years before he can leave it all behind him for the great lights of New York. He's bullied every day, pushed into lockers, yelled at and all because he's a little different, all because he's gay. Is it even possible for Darren to find love, probably not, he's in high school after all. He wasn't expecting to fall in love, then again he wasn't expecting to meet Chris Colfer.

"It's perfect," Kurt breathed.

"I thought you might like it," the curly haired man said, looking delighted.

"How much does it cost?" Kurt asked eagerly.

The other man shifted from one foot to the other slightly nervously, "Unfortunately, it's not actually for sale," Kurt's face fell, "But if you want you can come in here every now and then and read it," he offered.

Kurt's face lit up immediately, "You really wouldn't mind?"

"Not at all," the shorter man said with a grin.

"I have to go home now, but I'll be back tomorrow and I'll get started. Thank you so much..." Kurt started before realizing he didn't know the bookstore owners name.

"Blaine," the other man said, holding out his hand.

Kurt shook it, "Kurt, Kurt Hummel."

With one last wave, Kurt turned and left the little bookstore, turning around one last time to look at the sign over the bookstore, "Books and Bow Ties".