Five days later… December 29th
Kurt and Rachel mount their horses, and follow the ranch's wrangler along the forest trail. Burt and Carole have stayed with children to take them on pony rides, while Finn is as at the indoor archery range.
"Ever since we've arrived, you've been spending a lot of time with Blaine," Rachel remarks.
"I don't know what you're talking about. He just happens to be the instructor for the activities I pick."
Rachel smirks. "I bet you have his work schedule memorized."
Kurt looks away, embarrassed that his friend has figured out that each night, Blaine provides him with his schedule for the next day.
"Kurt, I didn't mean to embarrass you. Blaine is cute, and he adores you. You deserve some holiday fun. You've worked so hard this past year, and I know from first-hand experience that performing eight times a week leaves very little time for dates."
"You think Blaine adores me?" Kurt tentatively asks.
Rachel laughs, "Is that all you heard me say? Blaine is constantly sneaking looks at you, and he certainly isn't as attentive to me, Finn, or even your parents. He always has that dopey grin when you're around… It's the same smile you have now."
Kurt quickly schools his expression, annoyed that he got caught out. It's true that they have enjoyed each other's company over the past week. Blaine has been open, friendly, and good company from the outset. Kurt has joined every adult activity that Blaine is supervising, and they meet up during his work breaks. Kurt feels like a moth attracted to a bright light, and he can't get enough of Blaine's company.
When they leave the trail and return to the barn, Kurt quickly dismounts and checks the time. "It's time for my ice skating lesson. I'll see you at dinner tonight."
"Say hi to Blaine for me," Rachel giggles.
Kurt quickly makes his way to the ice skating rink. It's mid-afternoon, and fortunately there are no children on the ice. As Blaine had predicted, they are all probably splashing about the indoor water park. He quickly puts on a pair of skates and tries to calm his nerves. He hasn't ice skated since his mother died, and he prays that he doesn't look like a fool on the rink. It's got to be like riding a bike, right?
Kurt looks up to see Blaine skating like a pro. His body is leaning forward with one leg lifted behind and his arms stretched out, as he glides gracefully around the corner. When Blaine spots him, he races over and stops in front of Kurt with a small turn.
"I was hoping that you were going to come," Blaine says, then looks down like a bashful school boy.
If that isn't adorable, Kurt doesn't know what is. "I've got to warn you, I haven't been ice skating since I was eight years old."
Blaine takes Kurt's hands and pulls him up. "We'll take it slowly. Just don't let go of me, and you'll do fine."
Kurt doesn't need any further encouragement to hold Blaine's hands. Blaine skates backwards slowly, pulling Kurt forward. They glide a full circuit of the rink, and Kurt is proud of himself that he hasn't fallen down.
Blaine stops them. "You've got a real natural sense of balance. Do you want to try skating by yourself?"
Kurt shakes his head. Why would he want to ice skate by himself when he can be up close to Blaine's body and hold his hands?
Blaine starts skating backwards again, keeping Kurt even closer to him. Snowflakes whirl in the air, and Kurt watches a fat one land on Blaine's long eyelashes. Blaine begins to sing.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
Kurt joins in the next verse, and their voices blend beautifully together.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
Kurt notices Blaine's eyes quickly glance at his lips, and boy, does he want to be kissed. Where is the mistletoe when you need it?
"Blaine, I'm rounding up everyone to go inside. There's an emergency staff meeting in the dining room. We're in for a huge snow storm. It should last for days."
Kurt looks up to see Deputy Bob beckoning them to come inside. He's internally crying at his bad timing. Couldn't Deputy Bob have waited until they kissed? He reluctantly lets Blaine guide him off the rink and changes into his snow boots.
The wind picks up, and the snow falls rapidly. Kurt can barely see ten feet in front of him. He clutches onto Blaine's arm as they slowly make their way into the ranch. He hopes that they don't get buried in one of the snow drifts that are quickly forming.
"I better get going," Blaine says. "I'll call you when I'm free?"
"Sounds good. I guess I'll join the line dancing lesson with my dad and Carole."
All through the lesson, Kurt keeps hoping that Blaine will text him, and he will have a perfect excuse to leave the lesson, but his phone remains silent. Perhaps Blaine has returned to his Uncle and Aunt's house before the blizzard makes the roads impassable. Kurt would never admit it to anyone, but he quite enjoyed the line-dancing lesson.
After a soak in the indoor jacuzzi, Kurt returns to his room and dresses for dinner. He spots the rocking horse stocking, filled with a large quantity of Lindt Milk Peppermint Cookie Truffle Balls, that Blaine gave him the day after Christmas. He unwraps a truffle and pops it into his mouth. Kurt savors the rich and creamy flavors and imagines that Blaine's lips taste like this.
Kurt texts Blaine to make sure that he's arrived home safely, but he doesn't receive a reply. If he hasn't heard from Blaine by dinnertime, he'll ask Shelly if Deputy Bob and Blaine have made it home.
Once Kurt is satisfied with his outfit, he makes his way to the Longhorn dining room. He hears a number of languages spoken and is surprised that there are international guests wanting a Western-style stay over the holidays. His family is at a table near the window, and he joins them. It has only been one week since the Winter Solstice and it's already nightfall, but he can see the blizzard raging outside. He sits down next to his father and looks over the menu, trying to decide which starter and main course to eat.
"Blaine! We're over here!" Barbra and Archie shout.
Kurt looks up to see Blaine dressed in a server's cowboy outfit. The Western-style shirt looks a size too large for him, and the sleeves are rolled up to reveal strong forearms. However, the jeans fit snugly and hug him in all the right places. Donning a cowboy hat and a Western bolo tie, Blaine looks too cute for his own good.
"Is there anything you don't do at the ranch?" Burt asks.
Blaine laughs, "It's all hands on deck during a snowstorm. There's been an incident on the main road a couple miles away. It wasn't due to a driver's negligence, but the roads are completely blocked with snow drifts. The staff at the resort are stuck, and the others can't make it in. We're in for at least two feet of snow over the next few days. I'm working until further notice."
"I hope that there is enough food to last through the storm," Finn remarks.
Blaine chuckles. Don't worry, there is plenty of food in the kitchen. This time of year, the chef is always prepared for blizzards. It's the staffing that is more difficult to manage."
Carole smiles sympathetically. "I hope you won't have to do the washing up after dinner."
Blaine shakes his head. "I'm in the evening entertainment lineup."
"Can we go?" Barbra shouts excitedly.
Finn smiles at his daughter. "If you eat all your vegetables without a fuss, we can all go see Blaine after dinner."
Blaine approaches Rachel. "I'll be serving the potato latkes you ordered earlier."
Burt, Carole, and Kurt order the French onion soup and turkey, the children opt for hamburgers, Rachel requests the vegetarian pasta, and Finn orders the prime rib.
Before leaving their table, Blaine approaches his father. "I've followed your career in the Senate, and you are doing so much to fulfill your campaign pledge to promote LGBTQ rights. We need more senators like you."
Burt replies, "Gay rights have been my top issue. Even though it makes me wildly unpopular with my distinguished colleagues. They're on the wrong side of history, so screw 'em."
As Blaine walks away, Kurt's eyes shamelessly take in the way Blaine's ass moves in the tight jeans. God, he is hot.
Blaine serves them efficiently, and they gobble up their meal. There is a dessert buffet, and they are spoiled for choice - pies, cakes, cobblers, cookies, and ice cream are on offer. Kurt opts for a slice of cheesecake topped with strawberry sauce.
After dinner, Barbra and Archie drag the rest of the family to the lobby, where Blaine is in front of the fireplace with children and adults sitting around him. He's playing his guitar and singing a cover version of Jason Aldean's "You Make It Easy". They quickly find a place close to Blaine and sit down, listening to Blaine sing the popular country song.
Carole leans in towards Kurt and whispers, "He's got such a beautiful voice, so much talent. Blaine is such a kind-hearted person and is so good with children. He's also easy on the eyes. I would say that makes him the complete package and quite the catch."
"Don't I know it," Kurt whispers back.
When Blaine finishes singing, the staff distribute mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and freshly-baked cookies.
Once everyone has settled down again, Blaine clears his voice to get everyone's attention. "For the next song, I'd like to invite Kurt Hummel to sing with me. He's a Broadway star, and you're in for a treat."
A flush creeps across Kurt's cheeks. It's one thing to sing with Blaine alone on the ice skating rink, but it's an entirely different matter to sing in front of an audience.
Burt gently prods him. "Go on, Kurt. I betcha you two will sound terrific together."
Kurt reluctantly gets up and sits next to Blaine by the fireplace.
"You'll know this one. Join in whenever you want," Blaine says. He strums his guitar and starts to sing.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Kurt joins the audience in laughter because the snow is still falling heavily outside. He joins in the next verse, and as before, their voices blend beautifully.
When we finally kiss goodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm
But if you really grab me tight
All the way home I'll be warm
Oh, the fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still goodbying
But as long as you love me so
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
When they finish singing, the audience bursts into loud applause. Kurt can't take his eyes off Blaine, who is staring shamelessly at him as well. Kurt can't help think that being snowbound at the Rocking Horse Ranch with Blaine by his side is the best thing ever.
Barbra jumps up and shouts, "Blaine! Uncle Kurt is sitting under the mistletoe. You've gotta kiss him!"
Kurt looks up to see sprigs of mistletoe directly above him, and his heart starts to beat so hard. Blaine doesn't hesitate in the least and leans in to kiss him. Soft lips press against his - it's sweet and tender and over far too quickly. When they break apart, Kurt can't help but stare at Blaine's lips, wishing they were against his once again, only in a more private setting.
The moment is lost when Deputy Bob shouts, "It's showtime at the Silverado Saloon. Steve is waiting to show you his magic tricks."
Suddenly, the area is busy and noisy with people getting up for the next show. Kurt looks around but can't see Blaine anywhere. He makes his excuses and heads to bed, knowing that he won't be able to concentrate on a magician or any other performer for that matter. His thoughts are filled with one Blaine Anderson.
Kurt lays awake that night, recalling all the times he has spent around Blaine, both with his family and on his own. Baine's positive attributes are endless. He is smart, caring, good with children, handsome, and has got a great body. To top it all off, he's single and lives in New York City, at least during the school terms. As Carole had mentioned to him earlier, Blaine is the complete package.
Kurt wonders if Blaine will think about him before he goes asleep. He's giving Kurt a lot of signals that he likes him. Kurt needs to find the courage to let Blaine know that he likes him in a romantic way. As he thinks of potential dates within the confines of the ranch and songs he could sing, he drifts to sleep.
The following day, December 30th
At breakfast the next day, Kurt sees the sign that all outdoor activities have been cancelled because of the snowstorm. Instead, there are new indoor activities added to the daily schedule. When Kurt's phone beeps, he takes it out of his pocket to read the new text.
I'm in the activity room for Twister but no one is here :(
Any chance you'll join me? - B
Kurt smiles at Blaine's text. He hasn't played Twister since Rachel's eighth birthday party.
I'll be there in ten minutes with Barbra and Archie.
Kurt rounds up the kids, and along with Rachel, they rush to the activity room. Blaine is wearing a thick woolen Aran sweater with snug-fitting jeans. He's surprised that Blaine has dark circles under his eyes and is blowing his nose.
"Are you okay, Blaine?"
Blaine tucks his hankie in his pocket. "I'm fine."
Kurt raises an eyebrow in disbelief but lets it go.
"Where is everybody?" Archie asks.
Blaine replies, "I think most people are in the Children's Zone watching SpongeBob SquarePants on the big screen. However, that's not going to be as fun as playing Twister."
Blaine explains the simple rules of the game, and Rachel offers to be the official spinner. They quickly form two teams, mixing adults and children, take off their shoes, and take their positions on the plastic mat.
Rachel flicks the arrow on the spinner. "Left hand yellow!"
Each player is easily able to place their left hand on a yellow dot.
"Left foot red!"
Archie tries to stretch too far and falls down, leaving only Blaine, Kurt, and Barbra in the game. Blaine takes off his heavy woolen sweater, and Kurt sees a glimpse of olive skin above the jean waistband. He frowns when Blaine tucks his shirt in and gets into position.
"Right hand green!"
Kurt leans back so that his hand is on the green circle, and is now face to face with Blaine's ass. Kurt's mouth hangs open as dirty images run through his head. No matter how the game plays out, he's the winner with a view like this.
"Left hand blue!"
Kurt looks around, and there is no way he can contort his body to reach the blue circle, so he falls on the mat and lays on his back in defeat. Blaine easily positions his left hand, and is now hovering over him. Kurt reaches up and tickles Blaine, who collapses on top of him. Kurt continues the tickling, enjoying Blaine squirming and giggling.
"That's not fair! Uncle Kurt cheated!" Barbra screeches.
"Blaine and Barbra are the winners!" Rachel shouts.
Blaine rolls on his side and begins to cough.
Kurt rubs his back. "Are you sure you're all right?"
Blaine sits up and puts on his woolen sweater once again. "I didn't sleep very well last night."
"Where are you sleeping?" Archie asks.
"In the barn," Blaine replies.
"The barn isn't heated. You could have froze to death last night!" Rachel exclaims.
"I had a warm sleeping bag and a woolen blanket, but it wasn't enough. The ranch is fully booked, and there are no rooms available for the staff."
Kurt watches Blaine sniffle and worries that he might get sick. He couldn't sleep a wink in his nice toasty-warm room knowing that Blaine was freezing in an unheated barn.
Without overthinking it, Kurt offers, "You can sleep with me tonight."
Blaine sputters and coughs dramatically.
"My room is enormous - it even has a potbelly, wood-burning stove in the corner. I'll ask for a cot to be set up beside it."
"Are you sure, Kurt? I don't want to impose on you." Blaine replies.
"It's no problem. Do you think I could sleep knowing you were freezing outside? You would be doing me a favor."
The door to the activity room opens, and Finn looks in. "They're about to show the SpongeBob Band Geeks episode on the big screen TV."
Rachel jumps up. "That's my favorite! Come on, everybody. Afterwards, I need to speak to housekeeping about extra towels. I'll ask them to set up a cot in Kurt's room."
When the Hudson-Berry family have left, Kurt says, "Well, it's settled then. You can't sleep in the barn while there is a cot in a warm bedroom."
Blaine looks up through his eyelashes. "Thank you, Kurt. I'll take you up on your offer."
Blaine brings up his work schedule on his phone. After dinner, he is assigned to the barn, feeding the horses and mucking out the stables. They agree to meet by the Christmas tree in the lobby at 10:00 PM.
When Blaine hugs him goodbye, Kurt breathes in his delicious scent. Kurt reluctantly lets go because he can't get ahead of himself. He needs to make it through tonight first without any mishap. Romance can come later.
Kurt arrives at the Christmas tree in the lobby 15 minutes early. The prospect of sleeping in the same room as Blaine gives him butterflies in his stomach. He's already taken a hot bath and performed his night time moisturizing routine, including rigorous skin-sloughing. He's relieved that he brought his navy blue silk pajamas with him. He's not expecting anything to happen, but still, he wants to look good for Blaine.
Blaine arrives on time, and he has a small backpack with him. "Are you sure you don't mind me sleeping in your room?"
Kurt puts his hands on his hips. "Blaine, I think of you as a friend, okay? Do you think I'm the type of guy that would let a friend freeze in a barn overnight?"
"No, I think you're the type of guy who is pretty special."
Kurt can feel a blush rising to his cheeks, and he wills it down. "As Finn would say, it's just bros helping bros."
They walk in silence to Kurt's room. When Kurt opens the door with his key, he holds it for Blaine to enter first. When Blaine freezes in place, Kurt wonders what the problem is. He soon finds out for himself.
The room still only has one bed. There isn't a cot in sight.
Author's note
Next up: You didn't think I would write a Christmas fic that has a snow storm without the "only one bed" plot twist? A romantic New Year's Eve completes the story.
