Reach Out And Touch Faith Chapter 1, a glee fanfic

December 2010 Dalton, OH

At Dalton Academy, the Winter Tea was one of the events that Blaine would normally avoid like the plague but Warblers had their normal performance and while he could appreciate the audience and the opportunity, Blaine was quite happy to make his escape as soon as they were finished. Once he was behind the wheel of his car, he was able to check his phone. Just as he'd thought, there was a text from Kurt.

Just got finished with practice. Call if you have time – K.

He and Kurt had been calling, texting and emailing since their second meeting at McKinley a few weeks ago. They'd been trying to meet up for a while but with the competition coming up, Kurt's dad's recovery, midterms and just life in general, they'd both been too busy and hadn't found the time.

Blaine thought about just going home and relaxing but he really did want to spend time with his new friend. There was something about Kurt that was really adorable. And now that he'd admitted that to himself, Blaine decided to give him a call.

"Hi Blaine!" Kurt sounded happy but then it was Saturday and he hadn't had to deal with that Neanderthal at his school today.

"Hey Kurt, I just got your message. I'm free tonight so how about an early dinner?"

"In person?" Kurt sounded a little surprised but still happy, "Sounds good. Where and when?"

"I'm heading home to change so why don't I pick you up in at four thirty?"

"Okay." There was a pause on the line then Kurt asked, "Hey, are you okay?"

Surprised that Kurt had picked up on his mood, Blaine just answered, "Yeah. Why?"

Blaine could hear Kurt sigh across the airwaves.

"You just sound funny. Did something happen?"

"Yes – well, no. Just the same old, same old. I'll tell you about it when I see you."

"Okay. Drive safe."

An hour and ten minutes later, Blaine pulled in front of Kurt's house and nervously smoothed down his hair before getting out and walking up to the door. He'd forgotten about the 'meeting the parents' aspect of 'I'll pick you up'.

The door opened and he was looking into the chest of a much taller guy – the very naked chest of said guy who was, thankfully, wearing pants.

"Can I help you?"

Could this guy sound anymore unfriendly?

"I'm here to pick up Kurt."

That simple statement seemed to flummox the big lug.

"Kurt?"

"Yes. This is the Hummel residence, right?" Blaine was pretty sure this guy was Finn aka Kurt's sort of stepbrother and fellow glee club member.

"Yeah. Um -"

Just then, Blaine could see Kurt approaching from behind Finn and so he gave Kurt a little wave.

"Finn, who was at the – hey, you're early!"

"Hey Kurt and the roads were better than as I expected."

The lanky lad looked between Kurt and Blaine and Blaine could practically see the thoughts bubbles forming from the guy's brain -

. . my sort of step brother . . .guy at the door. . . .gay sort of step brother . . guy at door . . .

Blaine decided to put the guy out of his misery.

"Hi, I'm Blaine. You must be Finn; Kurt's told me so much about you."

Huh, the reaction that got from both Finn and Kurt would have to be explored later. Right now, Blaine just wanted to get to dinner.

"Are you ready to go Kurt? Sorry to rush you but I didn't get any lunch."

Kurt had been flustering around since Blaine called and sort of asked him out to dinner. He'd driven Finn crazy enough to make the guy escape into the shower to ready for his own date with Rachel. Sometimes it really sucked to share a room with a person who didn't care about their appearance (Kurt tried to tell himself that Finn's attitude was actually quite healthy compared to Sam's borderline anorexia but if it meant leaving the house in some of the outfits Finn threw on . . .).

It took an hour for Kurt to talk himself down to the "this is not a date, he just wants to hang out" level and settle on an outfit that was not too casual/not too dressy/not too trendy/not too 'dude'. He'd never seen Blaine out of that school uniform but the guy didn't strike him as the flamboyant type so Kurt decided on his most neutral outfit: newish plain black slacks, a gray dress shirt, and cranberry sweater (for Christmas). It would all work with the vintage gray corduroy car coat he'd found online a couple of weeks ago.

Once Finn was out of the bathroom, Kurt dashed in to freshen up. While he was flossing, he thought he heard the door bell ring but assumed it was Rachel until he heard two men's voice. He couldn't get out to the living room fast enough.

He thought he'd die when Blaine said 'Kurt's told me so much about you,' but managed to get out of the house and into Blaine's Volvo S80 without saying much to Finn. He and Blaine sat in the car for a moment before they spoke at the same time.

"So how was the mixer?"

"Where do you want to eat?"

They both laughed then Kurt said, "You said you were hungry, there's a good Italian place a few miles from here. Do you like Italian?"

"I love Italian." Blaine answered with a quick smile as he started the car, "And the mixer was fine. How was your rehearsal this morning?"

"It went okay but we'd better not talk about it or I'll spill all our secrets."

"Okay, so how did you do on that history test Friday?"

They chatted about their school work and current affairs until after they were seated in the restaurant and had placed their orders.

"So what's wrong?" Kurt asked. "You sounded kind of down earlier."

Blaine sat back and toyed with his napkin for a minute, "I really don't like going to social events like the mixer."

"Why not? You have manners and you're not a total dweeb." Kurt said with a teasing smile.

Laughing, Blaine shook his head, "I know I can fit in but I feel like I'm always acting the part. I don't really care of the Winters are summering in Monte Carlo or if the Summers are wintering in Vail. I'd much rather talk about art or music or even politics instead of gossip about who just had a face lift. After ten minutes I feel my eyes starting to glaze over. I'd have rather spent the afternoon hanging out with you."

Kurt blushed and leaned forward with his cheek on his hand, "Blaine, I'd have rather spent the afternoon with you too."

Any further conversation was curtailed by the arrival of their orders: seafood ravioli for Kurt and pesto chicken for Blaine.

"That looks good." Kurt said, staring over at Blaine's plate.

"Funny. I was just thinking the same thing about yours." Blaine replied.

Kurt took his bread plate, put a few ravioli on it and slid it across the table while Blaine followed suit with his bread plate and some of his chicken. "There, now we can both be happy."

They talked and laughed while they ate, enjoying the other's company and the good food. Blaine confessed that he was glad they didn't end up at BreadStix.

"Okay, what do you have against it?" Kurt couldn't resist asking.

"My ex-boyfriend works at the one here in Lima. We're not sworn enemies but I don't want him around my food."

"You have an ex-boyfriend?"

"Yes, Matthew. He graduated from Dalton last year."

"Wait, he graduated from Dalton and he's working at Breadstix? That's like . . . I don't know." Kurt said, waving his thankfully empty fork around.

"I know. I heard he really messed up on his SATs but that was after we broke up so I'm not really sure what the story is."

"Maybe he was heartbroken?"

Blaine's lips twisted, "I doubt that. As it turns out, while I thought he was my boyfriend, he thought we were a casual thing."

"Oh. I'm sorry." Kurt said, giving Blaine's hand a comforting pat.

"No, it's okay. I'm glad I found out before I got too involved with him. I'm just not one of those people who believes gay is synonymous with slut."

They were quiet for a minute and Kurt gave Blaine's hand one last squeeze before picking up his fork again.

"Then I guess 'Queer As Folk' isn't one of your favorite shows?"

Blaine couldn't believe how much fun he was having. Kurt was charming, witty and just a little catty. He had strong opinions and was very quick on his feet. He also didn't mind having his views questioned and could give as well as take.

"So Kurt, what are your feelings about dessert?" Blaine asked after their empty plates had been cleared.

"It depends. They have a really great chocolate torte here but it's too much for one person."

"Excellent. I love chocolate so how about we share?"

Kurt couldn't believe how much fun he was having. He'd been afraid that Blaine would be suave and sophisticated and it would be awkward because Kurt wasn't any of those things but instead, Blaine was funny and sweet and just a little shy at times. Kurt had already known Blaine was a nice guy from their previous conversations but the other boy really was a deep down decent person.

"Hey, I think that was my piece of torte, Blaine!" Kurt exclaimed as his fork fought with Blaine's.

Blaine popped the piece in his mouth and grinned, "You snooze you lose, Kurt. Age and experience will always win out over youth and enthusiasm."

"I think you mean 'old age and treachery,'" Kurt quipped while defending the last piece of torte. "And those fifteen months are really showing on you. Shall I fetch your cane?"

Kurt stopped laughing when the waitress dropped the check and Blaine quickly took it off the table.

"Hey!"

"Hey what? I asked you out to dinner so I pay. You can ask me out the next time."

Kurt was still quiet when they got out to the car. Blaine started the engine to take the chill off and then looked over at Kurt who was being very still in the passenger seat.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No."

"Then what's wrong?"

Blaine watched as Kurt nervously fiddled with the seat belt and reached over to grasp the other boy's hands. "Hey, it's me. If I've made you uncomfortable, you can tell me."

Kurt drew in a shaky breath. "You said . . are we on a date?"

"We could be." Blaine said then shook his head, No, I'm not going to cop out on this. Yes, I like you, I hope you like me and we're on a date. Is that okay?" Blaine waited, hoping that he hadn't freaked Kurt out.

"Yeah. It's good." Kurt replied, smiling at him shyly. "I've just never been on a date before."

"Oh, then I hope you're enjoying yourself. It's still early so would you like to go to a movie or -."

"Do you want to come back to my house? We've got lots of DVDs or we can stream something on NetFlix."

"Okay. What about Finn and your dad and Carole?"

"Dad and Carole are in Akron for the weekend and Finn has a date with Rachel. He'll be back around ten. Um, not that I'm saying we can do anything we want." Kurt added hastily with a blush.

"Relax, Kurt. We're on a first date," Blaine said then added with a grin and a wink, "I won't expect you to put out until at least our fifth date."

They arrived back at Kurt's house and after Kurt hung their coats and went to turn up the heat, Blaine looked around the living room. It was clean and tidy with a big flat screen and neat stacks of DVDs. A lot of DVDs, Blaine discovered as he started to look through them.

"I brought those out for my dad and haven't gotten around to putting them away. Do you see anything you want to watch?"

"I don't know. I've got a lot of these myself. How about 'Clueless'?" Blaine asked, holding up the case.

"You like 'Clueless'?"

"What's not to like? I inherited my older sister's VHS collection so I've seen all the classic eighties and nineties chick flicks."

"Okay then."

Kurt felt a little awkward at first, sitting on the couch with Blaine. They weren't sitting as close as he'd seen Finn and Rachel sit but they were certainly closer than he'd normally sit next to someone. Before the movie started, Blaine insisted they turn off all but one small light and kick off their shoes because 'you can't properly enjoy a movie unless you're comfortable.'

So here they were, sitting together on the couch and Kurt was almost too nervous to enjoy the movie. He kept wanting to reach over and take Blaine's hand but he wasn't sure how someone went about doing that. During the scene on the tennis court, Blaine solved the problem by leaning closer and taking Kurt's hand.

"Can you believe these outfits?'

"No, I really can't." Kurt couldn't quite believe anything about the last few hours.

After the movie, he and Blaine were cozied up together and lazily arguing about how clueless Cher Horowitz really was.

"Come on, the girl was born in California and had no gaydar?"

"Not everyone has gaydar and I'm not sure it really exists anyway." Blaine said, just to be contrary.

"How can you say that?" Kurt gently tapped Blaine on the chest, "That's like thinking Elton is cute."

"I don't think Elton is cute. The way he took up with Amber? He's a dog. Now Travis is cute."

"You didn't think Christian was cute?"

"I don't know. I like his wardrobe but he's kind of a tool. A girl invites you over to watch movies, she's wearing a slip and you don't get that she's into you during the first minute? That's a tool."

"Oh, true. Never thought of it that way." Kurt said, and then looked into Blaine's eyes. "Um, would you mind if I kissed you?"

Blaine leaned in closer, "I thought you'd never ask."

It wasn't much as kisses go, just a brief brush of the lips before Kurt was leaning back.

"So what did you think?" Blaine asked.

"I liked it." Kurt answered then grinned, "I liked it so much that I'm going to consider it my first kiss."

Blaine's smile almost blinded him. "Want to do it again?"

They kissed again and then a few more times. Blaine wasn't surprised that their kisses remained light and the only other body parts that were touching were their hands. He was fully aware of how inexperienced Kurt was and knew better than to push. It was better to let Kurt set the pace.

Kurt pulled back and took a deep breath. "I'm not sure where this goes from here."

"We could continue kissing and talking which I definitely don't mind or we could both sit back and watch another movie which I also won't mind. It's up to you."

"I'd like to continue kissing but I'm not sure how – I mean, I know I'm not used to -." Kurt blushed again.

"Kurt, I know you haven't done anything like this before because you told me you haven't. How about we try something different? I'll do something and if you like it, we'll continue and if you don't like it, just tell me to stop. How's that?"

"O-okay."

Blaine moved over to sit on the coffee table and situated himself to be directly across from Kurt much to Kurt's bemusement.

"How does you moving further away help here?"

"Just give me a second and skootch up a little." Blaine got them situated and then leaned towards Kurt while sliding his hands up to Kurt's shoulders. This kiss was more involved and after twenty minutes, they had progressed to lying on the couch together with their limbs intertwined. They weren't grinding on each other exactly but Kurt could tell that Blaine was enjoying their activities as much as Kurt was. That eventually led Kurt to realize that that he was pretty close to doing something that had previously never happened with another person in the room. He pulled back from Blaine's delicious lips and rested his cheek against Blaine's while breathing deeply.

"You okay?" Blaine asked quietly.

"Yeah, I just -." Kurt couldn't continue.

"I know." Blaine huffed a soft laugh and ran his fingers through Kurt's hair, "If you'll pardon the pun, that's the upside being gay. I totally understand this situation."

Kurt giggled and snuggled into Blaine's arms. "Yeah, the upside. I think we'd better stop for a while, is that okay?"

"It's good. Well, not good but I'm not going to die or anything. I'm going to need a couple of minutes though."

"Me too."

By the time Rachel and Finn showed up, Blaine and Kurt were innocently sitting on the couch watching 'Chicago'.

Blaine rose as Kurt introduced him to the other couple and shook their hands, "Nice to meet both of you."

Rachel distractedly nodded at him with her eyes on the TV screen. "Oh, I love this part. Finn, we have to watch this."

Finn sat down on the far side of the couch, leaving enough room for Rachel to squeeze in next to Kurt. Of course that turned into Rachel and Finn staying for the last forty minutes of the movie. It wasn't as awkward as Kurt expected it to be – just four folks hanging out and watching the movie although he was holding Blaine's hand the whole time.

Blaine checked his watch and tapped Kurt on the arm, "Hey, I need to get going."

Kurt nodded and stood up, "Finn, Rachel would you mind going into the kitchen for a few minutes?"

"Why?" Finn asked suspiciously.

Rachel, who for once wasn't quite as oblivious as she normally was, just rolled her eyes, grabbed Finn by the arm and dragged him into the other room, "Nice meeting you, Blaine. Have a good night!"

"Thanks, Rachel." Blaine answered then turned to smile at Kurt. "This is not how I pictured saying good night to you."

"Me either. Um, are you busy tomorrow?"

"I've got some assignments due this week so I'll be homework guy." Blaine said as he put on his coat.

"Oh. I have homework too tomorrow but I have a laptop."

"Great. Do you want to come over around eleven?"

"Okay. How about I bring lunch with me so we get right to work?"

"That's even better since I'm hopeless in the kitchen."

"I'll make sandwiches and bring them." Kurt said as he stepped closer to Blaine then suddenly realized he was taller than Blaine. That didn't seem to faze Blaine as the other boy leaned in for a kiss.

For a second, Kurt was distracted by how different it was kissing someone while standing up but that didn't stop him from wrapping his arms around Blaine and taking full advantage of the situation.

It took them several minutes before Blaine reluctantly pushed him away. "Wow, are you a fast learner."

"Sorry, I didn't mean -." Kurt rushed to apologize only to have Blaine press a finger to his lips.

"Kurt I wasn't complaining, just expressing my admiration. And I'm going before I end up wearing that admiration home, if you know what I mean." Blaine quipped with a quick glance down. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Blaine snuck in a quick kiss and then walked out the door. Kurt stood there for a minute before walking over to collapse on the couch.

He was still feeling that tiny bit of disbelief – that not only had he, Kurt Hummel, gone out on a date but his date was the smartest, funniest, kindest guy he'd ever met. A date that had gone so well that he and Blaine had ended up on the couch doing stuff that Kurt had just assumed he'd never get to do until he was a thousand miles away from Lima, Ohio and off to a bigger more tolerant town.

"He seems nice," Rachel spoke softly from the kitchen door but it still made Kurt jump. She was looking at Kurt with a wistful expression.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you come in. Yes. He's really nice."

"I'm glad. You don't realize this but you've smiled more tonight than I've seen you smile for the last year. I'm glad you've found someone who can make you this happy."

Kurt felt his face and sure enough, he was smiling. Smiling so much his face would probably hurt in the morning. "Thanks, Rachel but I'm kind of surprised that you approve. He does sing in the Warblers."

"I know and I'll be sure and hate his guts on competition day but until then, he's just going to be your . ."

"Boyfriend. I think he's my boyfriend."

The next morning, Kurt was regretting saying that to Rachel as he was accosted in his own kitchen by Mercedes which was somewhat surprising since he and Mercedes hadn't been talking much lately.

"So white boy, I have to find out you have a boyfriend from Rachel?" Mercedes asked.

"I said I think he's my boyfriend and she was here last night while he was here."

"Still. You should have said something. What's he like? Rachel said he was really cute."

"He's totally adorable. Do you want to see his picture?"

A ten minutes to eleven and Blaine was anxiously waiting to see Kurt's car pull into his driveway. Blaine's house could be a little tricky to find and – well, his parents were home and he'd be introducing Kurt to them and he'd somehow forgotten to mention that to Kurt. Deep breath, Blaine reminded himself. You're not totally screwed here, just a little screwed. His parents were nice people who were eager to meet Kurt and Kurt was nice enough not to kill him. Maybe.

Eleven minutes later, he opened the door and walked out to meet Kurt without stopping for a coat.

"You made it!" Blaine exclaimed as Kurt opened the car door.

"I did. You weren't kidding when you said your house was hard to find but your directions worked perfectly." Kurt answered then handed Blaine a small red cooler then getting out of the car with his briefcase and a grocery bag. "Aren't you cold? It's freezing out here."

Blaine laughed and led Kurt into the house to the foyer, "It was only for a second. Here, give me your coat and what's in the cooler?"

"I told you I'd bring lunch." Kurt replied, handing over his coat after setting down his stuff on the side table, taking a minute to look around. "You said your mom did the décor. This is a great foyer and I love the paint color."

Blaine took a minute to look around; he was so used to living in this house that he sometimes forgot how it looked. "She'll be happy to hear that. Um, speaking of which, I know I should have told you but my parents are home and they wanted to meet you." Blaine said, after closing the coat closet. He was almost afraid to look at Kurt.

"Okay."

So Kurt's calm response wasn't what he was expecting and he turned to see Kurt just standing there looking at him.

"What? Does introducing me to your parents make you nervous?"

Blaine laughed and took his hand, "No, I'm more afraid of your reaction to my parents. They can be . . .they're . . well. They're my parents and they're great but sometimes . . ."

"Relax, Blaine," Kurt said. "Your parents sound like lovely people."

"Okay but remember you said that." Blaine responded, leading the way into the family room. "Mom, Dad? Are you in here?"

Kurt was trying hard to remain cool and calm. He'd spent a couple of hours talking to Mercedes that morning and had gone from feeling like he was in a dream to deciding to just go with the flow and see where this thing was going. It was very difficult for him to go with any flow since he's spent his whole life thinking he was a dolphin in the salmon spawning grounds but he was going to give it a shot.

Driving into Blaine's neighborhood had been interesting. Blaine had mentioned that his dad worked for Nationwide and his mom worked at Limited Brands, two of the biggest companies in Columbus and they lived in Dublin so Kurt expected maybe a big house in a ritzy neighborhood but Blaine's house was huge and kind of intimidating. He actually had a small pond out in front of his house!

The foyer with the sweeping staircase and second story balcony was probably bigger than Kurt's entire home but Blaine just didn't seem to notice.

Kurt followed Blaine towards the back of the house and tried not to gawk at the rooms they passed, stopping briefly to drop off the cooler and grocery bag in the drool worthy kitchen until they'd reached the family room.

Blaine's parents were watching a basketball game but stood as he and Blaine walked in.

"Mom, Dad, this is Kurt. Kurt, these are my parents Jack and Mary Lee McGregor."

Kurt shook both of their hands, "Hi Mr. and Mrs. McGregor. It's a pleasure meeting both of you."

"Likewise," Jack said, "Ewan's told us so much about you so call me Jack." Blaine's dad was about six foot tall with Blaine's slender build and distinguished graying hair. He also spoke with a lovely Irish accent.

From the look on Blaine's face, the name Ewan was one of the reasons why Blaine was so nervous.

"Dad!"

"What? Ewan's a perfectly good name!"

Mary Lee, who was about Kurt's height and had the same eyes and smile as Blaine, took Kurt's hand and drew him onto the couch, just shaking her head at what was obviously one of her husband's usual lines. "Blaine has told us quite a bit about you. I'm sorry to hear that your school is just as unenlightened as Blaine's old school was. It must be so hard. Are you looking forward to your father's wedding?"

Kurt spent the next ten minutes chatting with Blaine's mom (who was just as easy to talk to as Blaine was) before realizing that Blaine and his dad were quietly sitting across the room, watching them.

"Um. I'm sorry, I didn't realize we were monopolizing the conversation!" Kurt exclaimed.

Mary Lee just chuckled, "Kurt, I'm sure you've realized that Blaine can be –."

"Mom!" Blaine said, standing up.

"Hush, son. Blaine's a little shy in some situations, just like Jack can be."

Now it was Jack's turn to protest, "Mary Lee!"

"You hush too. I'm just letting Kurt know that he wasn't doing anything wrong. Now, dear I know you and Blaine have a ton of homework to do and Jack and I need to get over to the Danvers' for lunch and bridge. Make yourself at home and if we don't get back before you leave, it was wonderful meeting you."

Once Blaine's parents were gone, Kurt kind of feeling as if he'd been picked up by a whirlwind; Mary Lee was so engaging and energetic and Jack was so nice!

"Sorry about that," Blaine said as they walked into the kitchen. "I tried to warn you."

"You did but your parents are really nice."

"They are," Blaine acknowledged. "Although I really wish my dad would lay off the 'Ewan' thing."

"Is that really your name?" Kurt asked, opening up the cooler he'd brought.

"Yep. Ewan Blaine Cameron McGregor. It's kind of embarrassing." Blaine commented, watching Kurt bring out a couple of plastic containers, two big crusty looking rolls and a few plastic baggies filled with veggies.

"At least Ewan McGregor is a great actor and seems pretty cool. You could have been Mel Gibson or Tom Cruise."

"True. And what are you making? I can't believe you cook."

"Blaine, sandwiches aren't cooking but we're having chicken salad on ciabatta bread," Kurt replied, holding up one container, "With potato soup," Kurt continued, holding up the other container, "And fixings." The baggies were held up. "You do have a microwave, right?"

"Potato soup would qualify as cooking but the microwave is right over here. I do know where that is. Do you need stuff? Like bowls or plates or something?"

"That would be good." Kurt said, digging through the grocery bag and emerging with two bottles of Jones Organic soda, "You like the peach, right? I think we'll need glasses and ice."

"I do like the peach and I'll get glasses. Do you want coffee for later?" Blaine asked, setting out the various dishware and glasses before opening the cabinet with the coffee maker and setting it up for brewing later.

"Sure." Kurt answered as he worked out how to make the microwave heat the soup.

A few minutes later, they were sitting down at the bar in the kitchen eating their sandwiches and soup.

"Kurt, this is really good." Blaine said after tasting both. "Thank you for doing this."

"Thanks and it's no problem. I kept picturing you sitting around starving to death because you can't open that very well stocked fridge over there." Kurt said pointing to the double wide appliance.

"It's not that I can't open it." Blaine said, bumping Kurt's shoulder with his own, "This is just more fun than heating up leftovers."

Blaine had given some careful thought on where he and Kurt could study. There was always his room but that contained a bed and that would be distracting and maybe a little pushy. He nixed a couple of rooms as being too formal and the family room was out because of the TV which left the den. That was a good place since it had plenty of room and there was a fireplace.

While Kurt was getting settled on the couch, Blaine started a cozy fire and switched on the stereo.

"I hope you don't mind; I can't watch TV while I study but music helps me concentrate."

"I don't mind a bit. What do you like to listen to?"

"Mostly oldies, rock and blues, even country sometimes."

Kurt wrinkled up his nose, "Country?"

"The classic old stuff from the sixties. Don't worry, I won't play any today. I was thinking that this feels like a Beatles kind of day. Is that okay with you?" Blaine asked as he took the loveseat.

"Sure."

It was surprising how much work they both got done, Blaine thought a couple of hours later. Kurt was just finishing up a paper for English while Blaine had gotten through all three of his assignments due later that week. It hadn't been all work though since they'd occasionally sing along with the stereo and Blaine made a pot of coffee while Kurt pulled out four small cupcakes that tasted like hot cocoa – those were so delicious that Blaine had to force himself to only eat two and not attempt to steal one of Kurt's.

Kurt still had two pages of Trig homework so Blaine pulled out Interpreter of Maladies, a short story collection they'd be starting this week in English. He'd already read it but he'd enjoyed the stories and some review couldn't hurt.

Thirty minutes later, Kurt turned off his laptop and sat back with a sigh. He was done with homework although sometimes he didn't see the point in doing it. The teachers at McKinley really only cared if you showed up, shut up and didn't cause trouble. Kurt did fine of the first one, failed miserably at the second and destroyed the third just by being himself.

He looked up and noticed that Blaine was reading a book – oh, wait. Blaine was actually staring back at him over the book. Kurt could feel the red sweeping up his face; he cursed both his fair complexion and that he'd been caught staring.

"Sorry."

Blaine just smiled that smile at him, "What are you sorry for?"

"I didn't mean to stare."

Dropping his book, Blaine leaned forward and said, "I don't mind if you stare. I like looking at you too."

If it were possible, Kurt was sure he was blushing harder than he'd ever blushed before so he hid his face in his hands. Why was he suddenly feeling so damn shy? He even missed it when Blaine came around the coffee table and sat down next to him.

"Hey."

"Oh!" Kurt said, looking up, "Wait, how'd you get over here?"

"I used my feet." Blaine said with a grin. "You're very cute when you blush like that."

Kurt just shook his head, "You're enjoying this aren't you?"

"Yes I am but since you were so nice about learning my dark secret, I guess I'll stop now. All finished with your homework?"

"Yes. How about you?"

"I'm done. Do you want to watch TV? Play some video games?"

"I'm really enjoying the fireplace and the music." Kurt said as he let his hand rest of Blaine's leg. "If that's okay with you."

With a grin, Blaine moved a little closer and slid his arm around Kurt's waist. "I like that plan."

"Okay." Kurt said a while later, panting slightly. "Um. I'm really not trying to be -."

"Yeah. I know," Blaine replied just as breathlessly. "Maybe we should, uh, take a walk or something. Do you want to see the basketball court?"

Kurt looked down at Blaine with one eyebrow arched, "Basketball court?"

"Yeah. I use it for a dance studio and rehearsal space." Blaine replied, waiting for Kurt's reaction.

"What are we waiting for?"

As they made their way through the house and down to the basement, Kurt couldn't help asking, "Um, Blaine? It's just you and your parents here right?"

"It is and I know, this place is totally ridiculous." Blaine replied with a wry grin, "My parents keep talking about downsizing but I think they're waiting for me to graduate so I'm not traumatized or something. It wasn't so bad when my brothers and sister still lived here and when they show up with their kids, it's nice to have a place to hide."

Kurt stopped when they entered the large room, "It really is a basketball court."

"It came with the house."

"Amazing," Kurt murmured as he turned around. "Do you rehearse here with the Warblers?"

"We used it this summer and we'll be here over winter break. Speaking of which, when does McKinley get out again?"

"The twenty third," Kurt answered absently, running his hand over the piano, "What about Dalton?"

"We're done on the twenty first. Do you play?"

"I do. Um, do you mind if I . .?" Kurt asked gesturing to instrument.

"No, god no. Go right ahead." Blaine said, curious about what Kurt would choose.

Kurt played around on the keys for a few minutes and did a few vocal scales before starting. At first, Blaine didn't recognize the melody but once Kurt started singing . . .

There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
In the paper today, tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the TV page

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead, barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Well, don't let them win
Hey now, hey now
Don't let them win
Don't let them win, yeah (1)

Blaine couldn't help applauding when Kurt was finished. "Wow."

"Um thanks. It was one of my mom's favorite songs; I learned to play it for her."

"You miss her a lot, huh?"

"I do. I'm really happy that Dad and Carole are together and Carole's cool but she's not my mom." Kurt said sadly then shook his head, "Sorry, didn't mean to get morbid."

Sitting down next to Kurt, Blaine gave him a hug. "I asked you and it's not morbid to miss her."

"I know but I try not to go down that road. So, are you going to sing to me?"

"If you want me to."

"I do."

"Okay. Um, let me get my guitar." Blaine said, getting up and then returning with an acoustic guitar. "Are you sure you want to hear this?"

"Of course!"

"I'm going to do this," Blaine said as he tuned the guitar. "but don't take any message from this; it's just the last song I sang on my own."

"Enough with the disclaimers, Blaine. Sing already."

She reads a book from across the street,
Waiting for someone that she'll never meet.
Talk over coffee for an hour or two,
She wonders why I'm always in a good mood.
Killin' time before she struts her stuff,
She needs support and I've become the crutch.
She'll never know how much she means to me.
I'd play the game but I'm the referee.

Even though I know what I'm lookin' for,
She's got a brick wall behind her door.
I'd travel time and confess to her,
But I'm afraid she'd shoot the messenger.

I think I found a flower in a field of weeds,
I think I found a flower in a field of weeds.
Searching until my hands bleed,
This flower don't belong to me.

I think I found a flower in a field of weeds,
I think I found a flower in a field of weeds.
Searching until my hands bleed,
This flower don't belong to me.
This flower don't belong to me.
Why could she belong to me?

Every word, every thought every sound.
Every touch, every smile, every frown.
All the pain we've endured until now.
All the hope that I lost you have found.

Surrender every word, every thought every sound.
Surrender every touch, every smile, every frown.
Surrender all the pain we've endured until now.
Surrender all the hope that I lost you have found.
(Surrender) I never had the nerve to ask,
(Surrender) Has my moment come and passed?
(Surrender) I never had the nerve to ask,
(Surrender) Has my moment come and passed?
(Surrender) I never had the nerve to ask,
(Surrender) Has my moment come and passed?

(Surrender) I never had the nerve to ask. (2)

"Oh my god, Blaine! I can't believe you did Billy Talent! That was awesome!"

"Thanks and I can't believe you knew that song."

"I got one of their songs from Puck and well, I really liked them."

"Me too."

They smiled at each other and Blaine strummed his guitar. "We should do a duet."

"A duet? Us?" Kurt seemed shocked at the very notion.

"Uh huh. I like to sing, you like to sing. We'll get together over break and work on something."

"You seriously want to sing with me?"

"Why wouldn't I want to? You're got a great voice. Are you really going to make me beg here?" Blaine asked as he made a sad face.

"No. Okay, we'll duet."

"Excellent. Now let's get back upstairs. I need to check on the fireplace and do you have any more of those cupcakes?"

Crowded House – 'Don't Dream It's Over

Billy Talent - 'Surrender'