"I know, dad. Thank you for understanding. I love you too. I'll see you next month."
Between taking care of his clients at Whittemore House Salon, attending classes, and cramming for finals, Kurt didn't have a moment to spare- let alone get away to California for his monthly weekend visit. He'd cancelled his Friday 10am flight at the last minute- 7am that same day- since he just couldn't get everything done in time. He arrived home at 1pm after his only appointment of the day, with plans to spend the rest of his Friday studying.
Taking the summer after high school to enroll in ARROJO Cosmetology School had proved to be a fabulous decision. He excelled in every course and graduated in the top of his class, just in time for Fall semester at NYU to begin. Kurt knew that waiting tables while majoring in the dramatic arts was much too clichéd for his liking. He grew up styling hair girlfriend's hair for "play dates" and middle school dances, to impromptu photo shoots, and their Senior Ball. It was a natural transition to expand his skills and turn it into profit. Besides, he could create his own schedule to fit between school and family, and he made more than triple in salary as a hairstylist, what he would have earned as a waiter.
Tossing his phone on the bed, Kurt returned his thoughts to the pile of notes and open textbooks on his desk. What Calculus had to do with musical theatre, he'd never know- but after this semester he'd be a college sophomore- and finally done with math. Minutes turned into hours, and sunshine turned into moonlight. Calculus had long since been conquered, as well as the English Lit paper and his lengthy
comparison in style and functionality between Maya Lin and Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous works.
A long, perfectly scalding shower, and moisturizing routine later, Kurt snatched up his Blackberry and crawled into bed. His eyelids grew heavy, his body blissfully weightless under a thick, fluffy duvet. Sleep crept over his toes, his ankles, his knees, his shoulders, and just as it reached his mind- *BZZZZZZ* Who in the world would text me at 12am?
Kurt reluctantly lifted his arm out from beneath the covers and lazily dropped his palm onto his phone. Squinting at the blinding screen, what he saw sent a shock to his stomach. Blaine? Kurt opened the text and read with one eye,
"Hey Kurt! How are your ears healing?"
Scrambling out from under the covers to reply with both
thumbs, Kurt suddenly felt wide awake.
"They're great. Almost completely healed. Can't wait to try
new earrings soon."
What a sweetheart for checking on me. I really should write a review on Yelp about his thoughtfulness and follow-ups. Kurt tucked the duvet under his chin and settled back dow- *BZZZZZ* Okay, maybe this was more than a follow-up.
Kurt scooted back up and leaned against the headboard.
"I'm so glad- I told you your skin was made to be modified ;)"
Kurt typed out a quick reply, "It helps that I had a great piercer do the job ;)"
Before he could blink, his phone buzzed again: "How could Michelangelo not create the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, with such a magnificent structure to work upon?"
A gasp pressed against Kurt's lips. With unsure hands, he wrote, "You're too kind. I'm no Sistine chapel."
A long moment later, came Blaine's response, "Thank heaven for that."
Thanks to a packed schedule, the month passed quickly. He garnered new clients, aced all of his finals, and chose his Fall- semester classes. The impending summer would bring a much-needed break. Kurt decided to book all of his clients 4 days a week from June through August, and take the remaining 3 days each week for rest and fun. He looked forward to spending time with his favorite muse- fashion. Devouring haute couture magazines, wandering the boutiques of Saks Fifth Ave, and creating his own clothes, would allow Kurt creative freedom that was nowhere to be found in his general education classes of his Freshman year. The three- day weekends also gave a lot more room for traveling.
Officially free from school until late August, Kurt landed the previous night in LAX and woke up to the California sunshine. Though he would always love New York, California was sneaking into his heart. He spent the morning walking on the beach, dipping his toes in the frigid ocean, and soaking up the golden sun. Kurt idly read Pride and Prejudice under the shade of his beach umbrella, and snacked on cucumber sandwiches (with the crusts removed- of course). The peace and tranquility of the deserted morning shoreline was something Kurt could get used to.
Gradually the sun began to seep a little too deep into Kurt's fair skin, so he packed up his belongings and headed to the car. Once he arrived in the parking lot, Kurt shook the sand from his toes and wrapped them in warm sock and shoes. The drive back to the Hummel-Hudson home was hectic as always. He missed the right turn he needed, and made to turn around, when he spotted a familiar building- and followed an impulse.
Eight weeks after the first encounter, an overhead doorbell rang, and familiar linoleum squeaked beneath immaculate tennis shoes.
"Hi, is Blaine in? I'd like to get some work done."
The receptionist nodded and smiled- a little wider than expected. "He is, I'll let him know you're here."
Kurt's shoes talked all the way to the waiting area. Couch cushions depressed and toes tapped the leg of the coffee table in anticipation. Kurt didn't have to wait long.
"I'd remember that perfect coif anywhere- Kurt? How are you?" Blaine exclaimed with a bounce in his step.
Kurt rose to his feet and turned to meet the eyes that matched the candy-coated voice. "I'm great, thank you."
Here comes that Hollywood smile- "What can I do for you?" Kurt clutched the strap of his messenger bag and tilted to the
side. "Well, I was actually hoping you could gauge my ears."
Somehow Blaine was even more beautiful than Kurt remembered. Those tousled midnight curls were a hint broader; a shadow of facial hair etched his round cheeks, elegant jaw, and perfect chin. "Unkempt" sure took kindly to his features.
Blaine interrupted his evaluation. "Absolutely! I'll take a look at your ears and if they're healed enough, I can stretch them today."
A warm hand curved behind Kurt's waist, splayed across the small of his back. Blaine gently pressed to guide him towards, and down, the hall. All the way to the end, with one left turn.
"Go ahead and get comfortable on the table, just like last time."
A chill set in with the sudden removal of Blaine's touch, but Kurt stifled the thought.
Kurt watched those practiced hands gather various supplies and tools from the cupboards, and place them on the rolling tray. The rush of water, splashing unevenly in the sink, followed by rustling paper towels and the snap of gloves, reminded Kurt why he was actually here. Sure part of it was the glamorously casual-chic guy in converse and black skinny jeans that simply couldn't get any tighter without his thighs hulking through them...But Kurt really loved the way gauged ears looked, and he wanted them for himself.
The noise of the rolling tray broke Kurt out of his thoughts, and back into the piercing room. "Let's take a look at your ears." And suddenly Blaine was close, almost too close. Warm breath pressed into Kurt's neck. Gentle fingertips carefully removed the left earring, and those big brown eyes inspected the front and back his ear.
"This one looks great, Kurt."
The stud clinked onto the tray, and Blaine repeated the process on Kurt's other ear. Breath. Fingertips. Eyes.
With a wide grin, Blaine exclaimed, "Excellent on both accounts- you can gauge today."
The second stud dropped to the tray, and Blaine swiped his ears with Q-tips dipped in a shock of cold liquid.
"Your studs were a size 12. Since this is your first stretch, I'd feel comfortable going up two sizes today- to an 8. How does that sound?"
Hands squeezing together in his lap, Kurt was elated. "That's perfect."
Once his gloves were removed and disposed of, Blaine called
Kurt over to the file cabinet. "There are a lot more choices and styles available as you go up in size. High-quality metal is the best material for newly-gauged ears since it's non-porous. We'll need to stick with straight earrings for the stretch today- but you can wear any curved pieces you'd like once they've healed. I highly recommend the single-flare tunnels, or plugs. The difference is mostly cosmetic."
Kurt pointed to a particularly shiny set. "Um, I like the purple single-flared... tunnels?"
Blaine picked them out of the drawer. "That's a lovely choice Kurt- and it will go well with your eyes."
Kurt didn't know what to say, so he rubbed his hands on his thighs, and bit his lip. Thankfully Blaine salvaged the moment.
"Okay Kurt, please lay on your back on the table. Make sure you're comfortable."
Kurt obliged, adjusting his back to lay in the center of the table, crossing his ankles at the foot of the table, and settling his hands on his stomach. Leaning his head to the side, he watched Blaine re-wash his hands and prep the new earrings and tray. He never missed a step, and remembered to keep everything clean and sterile like it was as simple as his morning routine. A 3-inch, thin rod was removed from a package and lifted in front of his eyes.
"This is the taper that will gradually stretch your ears. I'll press it through your earlobe, and place the new earring in right behind it, just like a needle and thread."
Blaine answered Kurt's unspoken thoughts, "It's easier for me, and more comfortable for both of us, when the client lays down for gauging. Since this takes a little longer than piercing- about fifteen seconds for each ear- it will keep you relaxed, stable, and still, and I'll have better hand-positioning
by pressing the taper vertically instead of horizontally."
Kurt nodded mutely in response. A thick substance was rubbed on the rod- Vaseline? Blaine stepped to hover above Kurt. The taper was steadied against Kurt's right ear.
"Take a deep breath."
Kurt's chest rose, and slowly fell.
"And one more- I'll begin on your exhale."
It was an odd sensation. There wasn't any pain, but definitely some pressure. The metal glided through his ear, and he felt the earring slide in right behind the taper. Fingertips gently up-turned his lobe. Blaine dipped his head to look over the back of his ear.
"Beautiful! No tearing or blow-outs. How did that feel?" Blaine rolled an o-ring onto the back of the earring. Kurt smiled. "Just fine, thank you."
Blaine repeated the process on Kurt's left ear- but this time Blaine leaned across his chest to reach. Though there was plenty of room between them, deep breaths were nearly impossible- but Kurt tried to feign indifference. How had Kurt not truly noticed Blaine's arms before? He had no choice but to look at them while Blaine worked above him. Delicate, dark hairs lightly covered his naturally tan forearms. Dark hair gave way to blonde at his elbow and to his bicep, where his arm disappeared into the short sleeve. Adorable, delicate freckles dotted his inner forearms, just below the crook of his elbows.
Kurt didn't understand why he felt such a strong pull to someone he'd seen twice- why everything about him was devastating and perfect, but he didn't care. All he knew was he wanted to be around Blaine for more than body
modification. A chance to get to know him. "Blaine?" Kurt breathed in a burst of determination.
With a chuckle, Blaine rolled the o-ring onto the stud in Kurt's left ear. "Yes Kurt?"
Chocolate pools locked into seashore blues.
"I... will you go out with me tonight?" -A beat- "I mean- not on a date, but can we get together outside of your shop?" Nervous hands twisted against each other in that short, agonizing silence.
"Kurt-" a newly ungloved hand rested on ten anxious fingers. "I'd love to."
A breath was released that Kurt didn't know he'd been holding onto with a vice-grip. "Great."
He sat up and dangled his feet off the table, feeling twenty pounds lighter. Blaine quietly gathered Kurt's old studs on a paper towel. The used tapers were placed in a to-be- autoclaved bin. Everything on the tray was tossed in the trash with his gloved hand.
"My shift ends at 10pm, which is a little late..."
Kurt cut him off, "Oh that's okay- my whole family goes to sleep by then, and I'm a night owl on the weekends anyway."
Blaine tossed out the remaining glove, as his other hand rubbed his own neck. He smiled at the floor, then back at Kurt. "Okay. Did you have anything in mind? Oh! There's a concert at The Viper Room tonight that I wanted to check out. Would you like to go with me? We could grab some food after?"
Kurt slapped his hands on his knees and swayed approvingly. "Yes! I haven't been to The Viper Room before! Where is it?"
Blaine handed Kurt his old earrings. "How about you meet me here at 10:45? It will give me time to go home and change, and we'll walk to the show together."
Kurt enjoyed exercise, and walking long distances was part of life in New York, but walking around LA at night didn't sound- "I can tell you're hesitant. The Viper Room is a straight shot down the street- barely 2 miles from here. The street is well- lit and we're in the better part of Hollywood. It's the east side you want to stay out of at night. Besides, parking for The Viper Room is a nightmare."
Kurt nodded his approval.
Blaine gestured to the doorway, and Kurt hopped down. A comforting hand found Kurt's lower back once again. Was this just normal behavior for Blaine, was he always this handsy and chivalrous? Hopefully tonight he'd figure Blaine out a little better.
As they reached the end of the hall, Kurt made his way to the front desk, expecting Blaine to move behind the counter- but he was right behind Kurt instead. "Blai-"
A hand raised to silence Kurt. "Make sure you clean your ears daily just like last time. Twist the earrings only after your ears have stretched enough to let the earring wiggle easily. That's also when you should begin taking the earrings out daily to clean them. Today is on me. I'm glad you came in. See you tonight?"
Kurt nibbled his lip and nodded with a smile. He moved to turn away, but those soft hands squeezed- "Oh and Kurt? The purple 8s look fabulous on you."
With a wink, Blaine released his hands and walked backwards towards the hall. In a daze, Kurt exited the building, out into the blinding sun. Blaine, you are one smooth son of a gun.
Just over six hours later, Kurt found himself once again in the parking lot of Blaine's shop. This was quickly becoming a habit that he didn't want to break. There was only one car in the lot, and Blaine was propped against it. Kurt expertly maneuvered his car into the small space next to his.
"You made it!" Blaine exclaimed, smiling hugely as Kurt exited his car.
Kurt's heart leaped as Blaine squeezed his hands in greeting.
"I hope you weren't waiting long," Kurt hoped out loud.
Batting his eyelashes, Blaine countered, "Nope. I arrived just a moment before you did. Do you have everything you need?"
Kurt nodded. "Okay, let's go."
A familiar hand found his waist, as the other pointed the direction they were to head in. "The Viper Room is just down the street to the left. We'll make one right turn near the end of our walk."
As they began their trek, Kurt realized he hadn't considered that they'd have 4 miles worth of walking to fill with conversation, and he was instantly overcome with anxiety. But he should have known better.
"So Kurt, tell me about yourself. Did you grow up here?"
Kurt gave him warm grin, thankful for the conversation- starter. "I didn't. In fact, I grew up across the country in a tiny town smack in the middle of Ohio."
"Really? What was that like?"
Kurt wrinkled his nose. "Boring. Homophobic. Stuck in the 1980s. I moved out of Ohio two weeks after I graduated high school, if that's any indication of my experiences there."
Blaine whistled low. "So, wasn't that good, huh?"
Kurt heaved a small sigh, "You're telling me."
Kurt's arms instinctively wrapped around his torso, as if he was somehow holding himself together. "Being the only 'out' kid in my school put a massive target on my back. Having a sarcastic, witty mouth full of ready-made comebacks didn't help either. 4 years of getting slushie drinks in my face, being thrown in dumpsters while wearing couture clothes, and being shoved into lockers hard enough to leave bruises, was more than enough for me."
Blaine sensed Kurt's stress and quickly changed the subject. "Where did you move to when you graduated?"
Kurt visibly relaxed, and his arms released their hold. His hands slid into his own jean pockets. "New York City. I got into NYU's musical theatre department. I come to California once a month to visit my parents who live here."
Blaine stopped walking. "Hold on- you got into NYU- as a freshman?"
Kurt looked over his shoulder. "Yes?"
"And in the theatre department, no less."
"Um. Yeah?"
Blaine grabbed his forearm. "I'm so out of my league- Kurt- you must be extremely smart, and very well educated."
Kurt blushed and feigned a particular interest in scuffing his shoes on the sidewalk. "Well, I did go to private school, beginning in Pre-school."
Blaine leaned his head back and laughed. "Wow, I feel like a schmuck. I went to public school and had to fight to get an education that was more than just memorizing dates, names, and mathematical formulas."
It was Kurt's turn to grab onto Blaine. "Trust me- I don't see myself as any better than anyone else. I'm lucky that I got the education I did. Can we keep walking?"
Blaine murmured a quick "Yes," and they continued on their way.
"How did you get into piercing?" Kurt inquired with deft interest.
"Well, I needed a job to get me through college. I've always appreciated the beauty of body modification. When I got my piercing done at The Honourable Society, I made small-talk with the piercer. She was actually looking for an apprentice at the time, to take over her position in the next year, so that she could move to Seattle. We had a long conversation about the requirements, training, and salary I'd make if I made it through the apprenticeship well. The week after that day, I was learning how to pierce."
They took a few steps in silence, allowing the information to sink in.
Kurt spoke up, "So, are you still in college?"
An adorable giggle escaped Blaine's lips. "No uh- I graduated two years ago with a degree in Communications, and a minor in Psychology."
"Those two subjects are quite different career paths compared to body-modification."
Blaine snorted- actually snorted- "Yes it is. But in a way they're all interconnected. I enjoy communicating, and helping others learn to communicate effectively."
Blaine's hands moved around as he talked. Kurt loved how he expressed himself not only vocally, but visually and physically. "Psychology helped me understand how the human mind
works and why we act and think the way we do. Understanding that, helped me teach communication better. Body modification is a form of visual and physical expression. By piercing body parts, I'm helping my clients communicate to the world what they see in themselves."
Kurt's eyebrows rose. "Wow, I never thought of piercing in such a prosaic manner. You're quite a poet. Maybe philosophy would have been a good major for you, too."
Blush coloredd Blaine's cheeks, "Well, I... I like the one-on- one aspect of piercing too. It's a special thing for someone to trust me with taking care of their body, handling them properly. I see it as an honor."
And there was the charm.
"You sir, are a romantic. How in the world has no one snatched you up yet? Assuming you're not taken..." Kurt threw him a grin.
Blaine returned his grin with a wink, "Yours truly is currently single."
Kurt feigned shock "You must be too good for the world then. Do you have a stash of cats hidden somewhere just waiting to make you a spinster?"
Blaine guffawed and nearly choked on air. "Oh geez Kurt- you've got an incredible sense of humor."
"Wait a minute- you didn't tell me what you got pierced. And it's clearly not on your face." Kurt stared Blaine down, intent on getting an answer.
Blaine started, "Well, it's..."
Kurt sputtered "OH no- wait it's not one of those is it? Just- never mind, forget that I asked." Kurt's arms flailed in front of him, and he walked faster, passing Blaine in his haste.
Blaine let Kurt squirm while he stifled his own laughter. "Actually," he corrected and scrunched his nose, "I got my nipple pierced."
Eyes wide and jaw dropped, it was Kurt's turn to stop walking. "R-really?"
Blaine nodded.
"I just... uh. Didn't that hurt?"
Smiling wide, "Worst single burst of pain I've ever had. There are a lot of nerves to pierce through."
"Wow." Kurt breathed.
They continued their walk. His eyes moved around as he thought. Blaine picked up on his intrigue, "You want to know which one, don't you?"
Kurt looked up, puzzled. "How did you know?"
With a practiced air, Blaine replied, "I get your reaction all the time from people that ask about my piercing. I'm used to picking out which people are curious enough to want to know the specifics."
Another few steps were taken in silence. "So, will you tell me?"
Blaine wanted to break that tough exterior, crack through to the real Kurt- so he took the bait. "No."
"Wait- what? I thought you were open about it?"
Blaine smirked. "I am. You've just got to figure it out yourself."
Kurt blanched, "What is this, a twisted game of truth or dare?"
Blaine took Kurt's hand in his. "It's whatever you want it to be. I'm just trying to get a rise out of you. You're unlike
anyone I've met. You've got quite a bark, you're quick and kind, and you seem genuinely interested in getting to know me. That's a rare trait in this city. I may not know you well, but I like what I see."
They kept walking, Blaine's hand still comfortably, mind- blowingly wrapped around Kurt's. What in the world is going on? Why is he holding my hand?
"It's my left nipple."
Kurt's cheeks burned hot at the thought.
Before he could stop himself, he burst out, "Can I see it?" "What?"
"Well, Lima Ohio isn't exactly the most cultured or diverse town. Piercings in places other than earlobes are looked down upon. I've never seen anything other than facial piercings in- person before."
Kurt paused, realizing just what he was asking Blaine to do. "I'm sorry- my curiosity is getting the best of me."
Blaine's hand squeezed Kurt's. "No, no, it's okay. I have a degree in communications remember? I enjoy and appreciate honesty."
A mischievous smile crept upon his lips. "Though I'm not one to put-out on a first date-"
Kurt caught the phrase and retorted, "So is that what this is?"
They both gave knowing glances.
Blaine continued, "Like I said, this is your party. You can call this whatever you want. And if sometime in the future you're still interested in ogling my chest," Kurt playfully glared daggers at him, "and we're not on a public street with drunken Friday-night traffic lining the road, I'd be happy to
show you."
Kurt dropped his head into his hand, feeling stupid, he quickly fumbled out, "Oh duh! Of course, I'm sorry for even asking I mean of course- we're in public for heaven's sake and I'm asking you to lift your shirt for someone you've spent a grand total of 2 hours with."
Kurt's arm was immediately tugged hard enough to turn his body around. In a blink, he was wrapped in Blaine's arms.
Blaine's soft voice tickled against his ear. "Hey, hey. Kurt it's okay. You're not in Lima Ohio anymore. It's perfectly okay to be curious. I'm flattered that you indulge me in talking about body-modification, let alone that you want to see what I've had done to myself."
Caring hands rubbed up and down Kurt's back.
"You're not over-stepping. There's no need to be anxious. I can feel how tightly you're wound, and you don't need to be. Please be yourself. Ask me anything you want to. Show enthusiasm when you feel it. I'll let you know if you ask or want anything that makes me uncomfortable, but I can assure you that I have a very high threshold that includes countless uses for the phrase 'that's what she said,' and plenty of other inappropriate jokes."
Blaine paused to let the words sink in; then continued, "I want to get to know all of you, and I want you to know me, deal?"
Kurt sighed gently, not fully believing the perfect words spilling meticulously from Blaine's mouth. "How are you real?"
Blaine pulled back just enough to look at Kurt. "What?"
"How are you real? How can you say those things to me like you mean it?"
Blaine released his hold on Kurt, but kept his right arm wrapped around his waist. He guided them down the right turn, just a block or so from their destination. "California has a completely different set of values, a different way of living, than the east. Sure we have our conservatives, but we have plenty of liberals and everything in between. We're called a melting-pot for a reason. Aside from the occasional extremists, everyone gets along because we live the phrase 'live and let live.' That's how I grew up, and that's what inspired me to say those things to you like I meant them. Because I do. Now, I want to cut out the heaviness, and turn up the excitement, because that, right there," Blaine pointed ahead, arm reaching next to Kurt's ear, "is The Viper Room. And we're seeing Imagine Dragons tonight."
Kurt laughed, "Imagine who?"
Blaine guided them to the back of the line. "Imagine Dragons. They're a Vegas-based band with infectious beats and wicked lyrics. They're sort of a cross between The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. They'll get you jumping and sweating, hollering back lyrics and air-drumming, 3 seconds into their first song; and they'll have you jamming along on the dashboard on your drive home after the show."
Kurt took a deep breath, "Wow, that good, huh?"
With a tilt of his head, Blaine confessed, "I've seen them in
concert once a month for the last year. They're that good."
Slowly the line crept towards the door. Just as they reached the bouncer, a tall, lanky guy with short curly hair and a stark-white v-neck shirt walked up to them.
Just as Kurt was about to protest the man cutting in line, Blaine called out, "Dan! It's so good to see you! Congrats on the marriage, man!"
The tall stranger's eyes lit up with recognition. "Blaine, I'm so glad you made it! Thank you so much for coming. My bride is here tonight in case you'd like to meet her. I'm late for sound check so I've gotta rush, but I'll talk to you after?"
Blaine hugged "Dan" and agreed. "You bet! Break a leg."
After the man disappeared within the dark building, and the bouncer checked their IDs, Kurt caved, "Who was that?"
Blaine walked them to the merch table. "That was Dan, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons."
Kurt gaped.
"Oh no- it's no biggie. They're really friendly and take time to meet with their fans, especially the die-hards like me. They know many of their fans by their first names."
Blaine directed his attention to the kid at the merch table. "Can I have one of each EP for the new guy here?" pointing to Kurt.
"Thanks." Blaine gave a wad of cash to the man at the merch table, and was handed a few cds. "Keep the change."
Blaine turned over Kurt's hand and placed the stack of albums in it.
"Blaine you didn't have to get me these."
They walked towards the stage.
"I know, but we want to get to know each other right? Part of that is sharing the things we enjoy. I love this band and I want to share it with you."
Kurt wasn't sure what to expect, but he definitely didn't expect this: a packed crowd of hundreds in a smoky, dimly-lit bar with an unspeakably cool vibe, moshing in unison and yelling lyrics right at Dan with a passion only matched by the
man himself. Dan passed the mic to the more rowdy fans up front, letting them belt their favorite lines into it. The lead guitarist wailed some sick riffs throughout the show. The energy in the room peaked when he Dan did his drum solos. There must have been 30 sets of hands in the air, drumming above the crowd with exact precision. Kurt couldn't help but join in on the infectious madness, jumping with Blaine and singing each chorus as he picked them up.
By the end of the show, Kurt was covered in sweat, out of breath, and his thighs and calves shook from strain- but he was elated. Meeting Dan officially after the show was a treat. Kurt gushed all over him about his passionate performance and his incredible talents.
As they walked out into the post-midnight air, a deliciously cool night, Kurt took Blaine's arm into both of his hands and nearly squealed, "Blaine that was the most amazing thing I've ever been a part of. Thank you for bringing me, and thank you so much for the cds. I will be blasting them on my drive home tonight."
Blaine felt Kurt's hands quickly turn cold in the chilly air, and took them in his own. "I had a great time with you Kurt, and I'm so excited that you liked Imagine Dragons. Would you still like to get something to eat?"
Kurt sighed, "I'd love to, but I really should get home. I'm completely exhausted. Can I take a rain check?"
Blaine rubbed Kurt's hands to elicit friction and heat. "Of course you can. How about the next time you're in town?"
Kurt leaned into Blaine's side as they reached Santa Monica Blvd. "Deal."
They walked back to their cars together, discussing the nuances and greatness of the concert they'd enjoyed, even
evaluating the different instruments and solos. With a parting hug and a promise of another time together, Kurt drove home and tip-toed to his room. A quick shower and moisturizing routine left him prepped for sleep.
Once more his phone quietly buzzed. "Thanks for tonight. I had a great time. Keep me updated on your gauged ears, and I'll see you soon."
With a quick reply, Kurt fell asleep.