Thank you for your kind reviews! Yes, that was quiet a romantic chapter, wasn't it? But you know me... dark clouds are on the horizon. Oh, here I was thinking writing a story where Blam was already together would be boring... Anyway. RULE (not guideline) Get comfy, get food and drinks and candles and music and be ready to read the next chapter:

December 10th, Wednesday: 15 days until Christmas

Blaine threw the red hearts he had cut out of sugar paper onto the ground and himself on his bed, face pressed into the pillow. It had been a stupid idea anyhow. A product of his overly romantic fantasies.

Maybe it was his mother's fault. She had talked so much about children, marriage and generally supported their relationship; she had even baked with Sam! And Blaine had felt a spark of Christmas in his heart for the first time this year and... it all had come together.

But he had been stupid, like most of the times when it came to love.

Sam had gotten a flight back to New York at six a.m. and Blaine had driven him to the airport. Now it was seven and Blaine was tired like hell, having gotten up at three. All he wanted to do was sleep but the hearts in his jacket pocket had mocked him and now he couldn't stop thinking about what could have become the romantic highlight of the year.

The problem was that Blaine understood Sam. He wanted to keep his Christmas free of stress and fights with his family. Who didn't want harmony on those days? Often enough there were little things that escalated and Sam wasn't the person to stir up trouble on purpose. Bringing his boyfriend home when his father was strictly against this relationship sounded like something someone else would do. Not Sam, not on Christmas.

So it wasn't Sam's fault. Blaine had been stupid not to take the facts into account. He had been blinded by love and by the fact that his mother suddenly was on board. She had even encouraged his foolish idea!

Blaine turned around, got up and undressed. The sheets of his bed were cold as if no one had ever lain in them. Blaine pulled them up to his throat and closed his eyes, enjoying the fleeting scent of Sam. With an abrupt jolt his anger towards himself turned into cramps of his heart and burning tears that escaped his eyes with an according sob.

Oh Sam! It would have been so great and fantastic, even better than on Midsummer!

Blaine hugged Sam's pillow and let his tears wet the textile. He was being ridiculous. They weren't broken up, they hadn't fought, he hadn't lost anything of importance. Just...

Blaine sighed, wiped his eyes and clamped the pillow between his chest and chin. It didn't matter. He had been silly and too enthusiastic and Sam not taking him to Kentucky so that Blaine couldn't go through with his plan was a good reminder that Blaine shouldn't rush into things. They were only together for one year. It was way too early to propose.

When Blaine, still in his pyjamas, went to the kitchen a few hours later and got himself a cup of coffee the world had lightened up a bit. Nothing was lost, just postponed. Maybe next year.

"Honey, you don't look so good", his mother said when Blaine came into the living room.

"Yeah... I didn't sleep well."

"You will see him again in a few days", she said without looking up from her knitting. "And it's not like you can't function without him, right? Because that would be unhealthy. But oh, isn't it cute, Christopher?"

Blaine's dad grunted behind his news paper.

"No, it's... I won't go through with my plan", Blaine said. He sat down on the couch and took up the remote control. His parents had a TV but never used it unless Cooper was here and wanted to show them his advertising clips.

His mother's knitting needles sank down.

"The plan we talked about the other day in the kitchen?"

"Exactly that plan. You gave me ideas, mum, please stop talking about me and Sam marrying."

"But honey! You clearly love him! He loves you, too! So why not, it's never too early make plans for the future."

"I was foolish." Blaine shook his head. "I didn't learn anything from the thing with Kurt."

"Honey. It is one thing to not marry because you don't love them but another to marry when you're sure he's your soul mate."

Blaine drank from his coffee and shrugged.

"I'm not sure if I can trust my instincts, I mean, I thought that about Kurt as well."

"Christopher! Say something!" Blaine's mother demanded.

His father let his news paper sink.

"Can gay people get married?"

"In New York, they can", Blaine muttered.

"It's his decision." The news paper came up again.

"You know, your father proposed on a ferry", Blaine's mother said. "Because we both loved the sea. Ah, isn't it romantic?"

"How long have you been together before?" Blaine asked.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe a few months." She took up her knitting again and sighed while Blaine's jaw dropped.

"Only a few months? But... how could you be sure?"

"Half a year", Blaine's father mumbled.

"Didn't you worry that it was too early? Or that maybe you weren't meant to be?"

Mrs Anderson shrugged. "Of course everybody said it was too fast. But they only talked like that because they didn't know. We knew."

"Knew what?" Blaine had never thought he could be fascinated by his own parent's love story. And why had he never heard it before?

"You know, honey, it's not about the question whether you will stay together forever. If you both want it, you will. Of course something could happen every time, like one of you being in an accident or getting sick, hope to God that won't happen." His mother crossed herself.

"But what if we want it now and after two years not anymore? How can I be sure Sam's the one?"

"You're overthinking it", Blaine's father said behind his news paper. Blaine looked at it. Headline: 'Bus Driver Of Roswell High School Caught Dealing With Pot!'

"I'm thinking about it because it's important", Blaine said.

His father put the papers on his knees and knocked on his chest.

"What does your heart say?"

"Well, I love him. But..."

"Honey." His mother shook his head. "Your father is right. This isn't a conscious decision. You're thinking too much because you were there with Kurt and it wasn't as you had hoped it would be. Tell me, what did your heart say when you made the decision to propose to Kurt?"

Blaine leaned back and sipped on his coffee.

"Uhm... I was hoping to find love and fulfilment."

"Do you hope the same with Sam, too?"

"No, because I already found it with him. Now I just... want to tell everybody. Have everybody that I care about in one place and let them experience how the bond I share with Sam becomes official." Blaine smiled to himself.

"I always say..." Blaine's father got up and took a pipe out of his cupboard. With it on his lips he sat down again, but didn't fill and lightened it.

"Before I met your mother I felt at home in the house I grew up in. But when we met 'home' wasn't a place anymore, it was a person. And that's when I knew we could move to Alaska and I would feel like I belonged there because she'd be with me."

Blaine stared at his father who had never ever spoken so many words before. And that wasn't even the reason for his gaze. 'Home wasn't a place but a person'. That was exactly how he felt about Sam.

Could it be so easy in the end?

Blaine gulped. Yes. It was that easy. Sam was his home, his future and the peace of his soul. With him Blaine felt complete and at ease. It was where he belonged.

"But... he don't want me to go to Kentucky with him", Blaine uttered, directing it to his mother since his father now stared at the TV where the some old guy sang in front of a crowd.

"In Kentucky are several places our love story unfolded. I meant to propose in his backyard where we... had a great time on Midsummer. I can't do it without revisiting all those places!"

"Why doesn't he want you to?"

"Because his father doesn't like me. Us. The fact that Sam is dating a boy." Blaine pursed his lips.

"Nonsense! Let me call Mr Evans and talk to him", Blaine's father said. "He'll get it soon enough."

Blaine's eyes tore up. "You... You support me and my gayness", he said. His father shrugged and took up his news papers again. Soon his face was hidden behind it but Blaine still couldn't believe it. Wow.

"What about his mother?" Mrs Anderson asked.

"She's okay with it."

"So, she will have a word with her husband. That won't be a problem, I tell you. Sam is freaking out for nothing."

"You think so?" Blaine asked. He breathed in with relief. Yeah, his mother was right. Mrs Evans had liked them together.

Blaine stretched his arms and yawned. And just like that the day was brighter and the Christmas around him was touchable again. The wreath on the table, the nativity play on the mantelpiece... wait, why was there a huge Christmas tree filling up all the place in the stable?

"Do you have the phone number of Sam's parents?" his mother asked. Blaine looked at her.

"You can't call them. That's inappropriate and... I don't know, weird."

"Oh honey! Someone has to and I think Sam's too close to see that his father is being a bit of an ass."

"Hm." Blaine rubbed his chin. That much was true. Blaine had the number because he had talked to Sam on the Evans land line during their long-distance time but wasn't it imposing when his mother called them?

"Mrs Evans and I need to start talking to each other, anyway", Mrs Anderson said. "Seeing that we'll be related soon... and she'll probably want in on planning the wedding, too."

"Oh my God, mum! Don't say a word to her about that, okay? Not before I actually asked Sam!"

"Alright, alright, don't get all worked up about it, honey. So, do you have the number?"

Blaine sighed and rubbed over his forehead. "Yeah. In my phone."

When Blaine got to his room he first changed into normal clothes. Then, just when he grabbed his phone, it rang. Strangely enough, it was Cooper.

"Yeah?" Blaine asked somewhat too mistrustful.

"I need your help, baby brother!"

"Nice to hear from you, too."

"Yes, yes, yes. So my girlfriend's pregnant and I..."

"What?" Blaine exclaimed. Oh God. It shouldn't even surprise him. Cooper would impregnate a girl sooner or later.

"So obviously I need to ask her to marry me and..."

"Wait! Stop, Coop, stop! That's not how it works nowadays anymore. You don't have to marry because of a baby."

"No?"

"No. You can live together still."

"Oh. But... I kind of was excited about the whole marriage thing."

"Well, if you love her and want to marry, go on. Hey. I can't believe you're calling about that just now! A minute ago I talked to mum about..."

"Blaine, this is important, okay? So, how do I ask her? What is special? Singing to her?"

"I guess. Or you could prepare a picknick, make some waffles and take her to a romantic environment."

"Yeah... sounds like too much work. I'll sing. Thanks, buddy. We'll see each other Christmas, right?"

"Maybe I'll be in Kentucky."

"Great! So, see you soon! Bye!"

Disconnected. Blaine glared at his phone. Then he sat down on his unmade bed and pulled Sam's pillow closer, his heart skipping a beat. Maybe it would work. Would Sam say yes? Would Sam be okay with marrying so soon? And speaking of Sam. Blaine glanced at the clock. It was one o'clock, he would already be in New York. Could Blaine call him? Or was he head to toe into work?

He tried but his call got to voicemail.

Downstairs again he gave his mother the requested number and then went to eat a bit from a gingerbread house. How exciting, to think about the fact that he could be engaged for real soon! Sam would say yes, right? He was all for marrying and such stuff. He was a family guy. Wow, maybe they even would have kids sometime in the future!

Okay, now Blaine got overboard with it. To calm down he put on his winter clothes and went for a walk. Such a pity that Sam had to fly back to New York and wasn't here to watch those quiet, white glistening trees on the street.

December 12th, Friday: 13 days until Christmas

As every day Sam awoke from a loud singing voice. He pulled his blanket over his head and moaned. Third day without Blaine. He was being pathetic. He could survive a few days without his boyfriend. No problem. Hey, they had been apart for several months so what was another day, right?

Promoting a song wasn't as cool as Sam had expected. He and Rachel went to some shows and talked about how they had met two months ago in the subway and as soon as their eyes had met they had known – it was love. Yadda, yadda. Who believed in that kind of stuff, anyway? Love had to be earned. For example by sending anonymous love letters.

"Well, at least today is Friday", Sam mumbled as he shuffled to the kitchen to get coffee.

"So? Saturday is still a work day. You know, Sam, that's when all the real action happens!"

"Damn it."

Rachel sat on the table and read all news papers that were available on the kiosk at the corner. She had started to do that in order to 'observe their increasing fame'. Until now, there hadn't been a single article about them.

"When will Blaine return?" she asked.

"Sunday. We book the flights back as late as possible so we could have much time together there."

Rachel pulled a face. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Sam. It's not my fault, though, you know that you have to work for fame!"

"I'm only in for the money. I will make a fortune, save it, make more money and be rich so I can buy everyone whatever they want. And a big fat diamond engagement ring for Blaine in exactly four years."

"Four years? Is that a lucky number?"

"No, it's the time I have to wait according to him. Mh, looks good!" Sam took a bagel and sat down on a chair, his other hand never leaving his coffee pot.

"So you are sure now? The psychic could help you?"

Sam shrugged. "Rachel, do you believe in, uhm... stags?"

Rachel frowned. "Do I believe in stags?"

"Deers. Harts. Animals with antlers."

"If you ask me whether I believe that they exist then yes, I do. There is scientific proof about them, after all."

Sam nodded and bit into his bagel. "But do you think they can talk? And know about my destiny?"

"That would be a clear no from me."

"Huh." Sam stuffed the rest of the bagel into his mouth and chewed. When he flushed his mouth with coffee his phone went and he sighed. His dad. Sam so wasn't looking forward to this conversation.

He answered the phone nonetheless.

"Hey..."

"Son! I just saw you and Rachel on TV! Why didn't you tell me you published a single? This is fantastic, I'm so proud of you!"

Sam's heart opened up and he straightened his shoulders.

"Yeah? I mean, clearly I deserve it. It is cool."

"And she really is a catch. I can't wait for you to introduce her to us."

"Uhm... I thought about coming home for Christmas on my own..."

"No, no, no. I talked to everybody about her and they are all curious to meet the woman who stole my son's heart. And don't you want to spend the holidays with your most beloved partner?"

Sam bit his lip. Yes. He did want that.

"I mean you said in that interview that you can't stand to be apart even for a few days! Oh, that must be true love! And you live together already. Isn't that just... Oh, Sam, I'm so happy you found the love of your life."

"Mhhhmh."

When he had hang up Sam's jaw tensioned. This had to be a cruel nightmare. When had he ever said Rachel was his girlfriend? Okay, yeah, on TV. But did his dad have to believe it?

"So." Sam cleared his throat and put his phone on the table. "Do you have plans for Christmas?"

Rachel looked up. "Me? Well, I'm thinking about whether I should go home to my daddies or stay here, you know, have a few silent days. My daddies always throw a party on Hannuhkah and I'm not sure if I'm in the mood for that."

Sam fumbled with his phone. "What would you think of... coming to Kentucky with me? And, uhm, kind of... pretending to be my girlfriend?"

"Why would I do such a thing? Your parents know about Blaine, don't they?"

"My father ignored it and talked himself into the believe that the fake story we tell on TV is actually a real one."

Rachel bit her lip and shook her head. "So why don't you tell him the truth?"

"Because he would get upset and not talk to me again for weeks and that's not really how I want my Christmas to be!" Sam hit the table.

"Okay, okay, no need to get loud! If you want to I can accompany you. I met your parents once and they seemed very nice. We're not going to stay a whole week, though, right? Of course not, you'd miss Blaine too much."

"One or two days", Sam nodded. "And thank you. I owe you."

Now he only needed to find a neutral or even positive way to tell Blaine. Sure he would understand... right?

In the evening Sam fell onto the couch. This so wasn't fun. When people digged love stories so much why couldn't he just record a song with Blaine? At least that wouldn't be lying.

"Sam, I need a foot massage", Rachel said as she got out of her jacket.

"Yeah, me too."

"Will you give me one? Pleeease?"

"Rachel." Sam kneaded his neck. "In case you forgot, we're just pretending to be a couple. Why should I touch your feet when I'm not trying to get into your pants? That just seems illogical to me."

"Tsk. Boys! Is it too much to ask to be nice to your friends?"

Sam shook his head about such silliness and took up the remote control.

"Are you cooking?" he asked. He had one missed call from Blaine so he called back. But no one answered.

The door opened and Kurt came in. Silently he took off his winter clothes, set his bag on the table and came to the couch were he dropped down on and stared at the TV.

"Hey buddy! Everything chilly?" Sam asked.

"No."

"Oh, yeah, school can be a burden."

"Why did I say yes, why?"

Sam scratched his head. "Uhm..."

"The Kinneys are a living legend, Sam. They had many plays on Broadway and to work with them isn't only a great honour but also the best chance ever to get your career going. It's practically guaranteed that you'll get other roles when people know you from one of their plays. Of course I would say yes to them. I'm not stupid. Unfortunately, meercat face isn't too. He also said yes. Did Rachel tell you?"

"Nope."

"I am working with him now. I have to act as if I like him. As if I... love him!" Kurt made a squealing noise.

"Uhm, well, I'm sure it's not that bad. You can keep it professional and..."

"Sebastian is no professional!" Kurt exclaimed. He hit on his legs and glared at Sam. "He's the most stupid, arrogant and mean little boy I have ever encountered. What is his issue, did his parents die when he was a baby and left him lying in the street for weeks?"

"That's nothing to joke about."

"My mother died, too, Sam. Still I'm not an ass. Am I an ass?"

"Uh... sometimes you can be... like..."

"Gosh." Kurt shook his head and drove a hand through his hair. "Worst Christmas ever."

"Did you have to kiss him?" Sam grinned. He knew Kurt was suffering but it also was kind of funny. They did a play and to portray a loving couple kisses were involved. That's why he hadn't wanted Blaine to play with Sebastian in the first place.

"No comment."

"Oh my God, you did! He's disgusting, I guess. And totally... tastes like rotten eggs and stuff, right?"

Kurt leaned back on the couch and gave a heavy sigh. "I need full-fat cheese cake now. Screw my diet."

"Kuuurt?" Rachel tripped to the couch and made a begging face. "Can you massage my feet? I had a really hard day and Sam's being childish and I would really appreciate it and return the favour... hm let's say with a hand massage. Okay?"

Kurt gazed at her with empty eyes and Sam tried not to snicker. Sometimes his room mates were the best comedy material ever.

"Look, guys, let's indulge in chocolate and good movies, so we all can forget the fact that Blaine isn't here but is miles away, far too many miles..." Sam's look went to the window. Somewhere out there... far away...

"Yeah, what you call 'good movies' is trash", Rachel said, while Kurt got up.

"I need to take a long shower first. Wherever you order, one cheese cake for me. And I mean it. A whole cake. If you want some, get your own."

He went to the bathroom. Rachel looked at him confused before she sat down next to Sam and rested her hands on his shoulder, mouth dragged down in an attempt to pout.

"Saaammy... please? I will return the favour..."

"With a hand massage, yeah, yeah." Sam shook his head. He couldn't touch the feet of a woman that he had pretended to love the whole day. This would get awkward. And hey, he only was a man, so what if... something moved inside of him? He couldn't do this to Blaine, nope.

"No? What do you want, then? To sleep longer tomorrow? I can try to not sing under the shower."

Sam shook his head. "Not worth it."

"I could spread rumours that you are really well equipped."

"Oh, mmmmh." Sam rubbed over his chin. It wasn't a rumour. It was true. If girls knew that they sure would buy their single more, right?

But no. He shook his head.

"Saaam! I cook for you then. Healthy but yummy! I'm good at that."

"You should do that for me without wanting anything in return. After all we're friends."

Rachel crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows.

"Mh, yeah." Sam took up the remote control and changed the channel. What was Blaine doing right now, in this moment? Did he think of Sam? On the day he had driven Sam to the airport they had said goodbye like normal. Blaine hadn't been resentful anymore. So they were good, right?

"I could also spread rumours that you are very poorly equipped and barely manage to get an erection."

"What? That's a lie! Ask Blaine!"

Rachel pulled a face. "No, thanks, I don't need to know the details. I just need a food massage."

Sam sighed. He was way too good-hearted. Way.

"Okay then..."

Rachel squealed and jumped up to get some oil. When she came back and put off her socks Sam said: "You know, when you had a boyfriend he'd do it without you having to blackmail him. Aren't you lonely? Aren't you looking for someone? Long-distance relationships aren't that bad, too."

"I don't know anyone who I could have a long-distance relationship with and no, I'm not lonely. I'm busy. Now."

She put her naked feet on Sam's lap and covered the rest of her body with a blanket. Sam put oil into his hand. While he kneaded a foot he stared out of the window. It was dark outside and it hadn't snowed for days. Hopefully Christmas would be a white one, though. And he still needed to get presents, too.

The door opened once more. Had Kurt gone out again? Sam turned around and got the nicest surprise of his life. There, with pink cheeks and a red nose stood Blaine! A big amount of excited tremors rolled through Sam's body.

"Babe!"

"What is going on?" Blaine asked.

Coming up on Tuesday: Has Mrs Anderson called Mrs Evans and heard all about Sam's 'girlfriend' who will visit them on Christmas?

A/N: Oh I'm mean, aren't I? *hrhr* Sorry for the lack of Blam interaction in this chap. Also, I will need to update at the same speed as before so Christmas can be published on time. :-)