Hi Everyone!
Here's the new chapter, enjoy! I hope you like it.
Weeks passed and Kurt felt like he and Blaine were getting closer to each other again. Everything seemed so perfect in their lives. Blaine had started working on his new place and it turned out that he was really good in his job. His boss loved his work and he got some new friends, too. It was better for their friendship as well. Since Blaine didn't have to work through the nights anymore, he was a lot easier to stand. He was a lot calmer and barely growled at anyone, he could have enough sleep and spend his free time with those who meant the most for him.
The first two weeks had been hard. Lily hadn't liked the new situation at all and she had made sure Blaine felt bad for leaving her for strangers during the day. But with time, the baby got used to their new life and greeted Blaine with a large smile on her face when he finally finished with his work and went his for daughter. Sometimes Blaine had to stay longer but he called Kurt those times who gladly helped him out. This way, he could spend some time with Lily, too, something that Kurt liked a lot. The little girl was growing so fast and she quickly became his most favourite person. She was clearly unique and Blaine was so lucky to have her.
By the time the second week came to the end, everything seemed to go smoothly. Blaine learnt how to get ready in time in the morning and what he had to do on weekdays, so he could spend most of the weekend with his daughter. And with Kurt, of course. He usually invited Kurt to join them for their programs and Kurt gladly said yes. They both enjoyed those hours that seemed to go away quickly and they both found themselves waiting for the next time they could meet.
Blaine and Lily became the most important people in Kurt's life. When he was with them, all of his problems seemed to disappear and life seemed so beautiful. But when they didn't meet for a few days, Kurt was moody and locked everyone out again. He usually spent those long evenings alone in his room, thinking. His father was always worried when he caught his son lying on his bed, lost in his thoughts and those times Kurt got a call from Blaine not too long after that, the man checked on him and kept talking until he was sure Kurt was back to his smiling self again. And then usually came up with an excuse to visit Kurt, preferably within a few hours.
Kurt had been angry with his father for overstepping but he soon realised that he only wanted the best for his son and to be honest, Kurt loved it. His father was great but he needed Blaine in his life, too. And the fact that Burt accepted his choice made everything a lot easier.
Kurt was excited when the next weekend came and Blaine asked him to join them for the festival. It was something he had visited every year when he had been younger, it had been the most important event of Lima and little Kurt had always been excited to go there with his father. They had watched the play, they had gone through the fair and Kurt had always gotten something small to remember those days of the year. He kept it well hidden from everyone but he had kept those souvenirs and now had them in a box under his bed.
"What are all these people doing here?" Blaine asked in exasperation as they tried to get through the crowd.
"Having fun. What do you think?" Kurt smiled.
"Do they have to be here right now?" Blaine muttered.
"Have you ever been here?" Kurt asked. "It's always like this."
"Uhm, no" Blaine admitted. "I don't like these events but I thought Lily would enjoy it, so..."
He shrugged and tightened his arms around his baby girl as he tried to get out to have some fresh air.
"Oh, look! New Directions is going to perform soon" Kurt said excitedly.
"You want to see them?" Blaine asked.
"Yeah" Kurt admitted. "I haven't seen them for ages."
"Well, in that case, I think we should stay a little longer" Blaine sighed and took Kurt's hand to lead him to the stage where the show choir would perform.
They were really good, Blaine had to admit. Those kids were so damn talented. They were singing and dancing perfectly and he enjoyed their performance just like everyone else around them. Although there were too many people around them for his taste, he got lost in the music easily and it was easy to forget where they were. Kurt was swaying on his feet beside him and Lily seemingly enjoyed the show, too. She was surprisingly quiet and kept her huge eyes on the kids on the stage.
"I'm starving" Kurt said when New Directions finished their performance. "Come on, let's find something to eat."
He grabbed Blaine's free hand and started dragging him towards the food section. But before they could get there, a man stopped them, practically pushing his camera into their faces.
"Would you like a photo?" he asked. "It's the perfect reminder for you of this beautiful day."
Blaine's expression told Kurt that the last thing he needed was a reminder of this festival but he thought that Lily would appreciate it. Blaine could tell her later how much fun they had had and how much she had enjoyed the day.
"Yes, please" Kurt said before Blaine could say anything.
"Are you sure?" Blaine asked.
"She needs a souvenir of her first festival" Kurt said.
"We would like two" Blaine said and put an arm around Kurt, pulling him closer.
"Alright" the man nodded. "Stay like this, this is perfect. Smile... And that's it!"
A few minutes later, they paid for the photos and got them from the man. Blaine pocketed the photos and finally led Kurt out of the crowd to grab something to eat.
"Hamburger?" he asked.
"I usually don't eat things like that but I guess I don't have a choice" Kurt sighed. There was no healthy food around.
"One hamburger won't hurt" Blaine said and then turned away from Kurt to order their food.
Once they got their hamburgers, they found themselves a free table and put their things down, so they could eat their food. Since they had no chairs, it was difficult, especially for Blaine who had his daughter in his arm, too. Lily found her father's meal very interesting and wanted to get a bite for herself as well.
"No, sweetie" Blaine laughed. "You are too young for this."
"Should I hold her, so you can eat?" Kurt offered.
"Nah, we are fine" Blaine smiled and pulled his hamburger away from Lily's hands, much to the baby's annoyance.
Kurt quickly ate his food and pulled Lily into his arms when it became clear for Blaine that he couldn't eat with Lily trying to grab the hamburger from his hand. The baby seemed disappointed when she was pulled away from the food but when Kurt started singing her, so he could keep her preoccupied, she forgot about the food and focused on Kurt completely.
"You have a beautiful voice" Blaine said quietly.
Kurt finished his song and looked up at the man. Blaine finished his meal but he had some mayonnaise on his lips.
"Uhm, Blaine, you have some..."
Blaine grabbed the napkin to wip his face but he wasn't too successful. Kurt laughed as he reached out, grabbed the napkin from Blaine's hand and helped him out. Blaine watched with wide eyes as Kurt's hand worked on his face and when he was done, he dropped the napkin and to Blaine's surprise, he stroked his cheek. Blaine didn't dare to move. He was worried that the slightest movement would scare Kurt away.
"Uhm... Thank you" Blaine said awkwardly when Kurt pulled his hand away, his cheeks burning.
Kurt blinked in surprise as if he had just realised what he had done. He blushed and looked down, biting his lip nervously. He was so adorable when he did this.
"I... we should go" Kurt said and cleared his throat. "It's getting cold out here. I don't want Lily to be sick."
"Of course" Blaine nodded. "Just don't forget this."
He pushed his hand into his pocket and pulled out the photos they had gotten earlier. He handed Kurt one of them and pocketed the other one again.
"Are you sure you don't want to keep it?" Kurt asked.
"I have another one" Blaine smiled. "Keep it. You need a reminder of this day, too."
When Kurt got home that evening, his first thought was to find a good place for the photo. He closed his door and went to his nightstand where he stored his most favourite photos. He hesitated for a second, unable to decide if he should place the new photo beside the others. He felt like he should, although it didn't feel right. What would his family think about it? Would they be upset? Would they feel like he replaced them with Blaine and Lily?
Kurt looked at Oliver and he knew the answer. He would never judge Kurt for this. He would be happy that Kurt found someone who was there for him when Oliver couldn't be anymore. Kurt smiled at his late husband's photo and placed the one about him with Blaine and Lily beside his favourite one about his family.
"I will never forget you" he said, just to be sure Oliver and Aiden knew how he felt. "No matter what happens between me and Blaine, my love for you will never change."
~ o ~
It was Kurt who called Blaine the next time. It was Monday afternoon, he just got out of work and a sudden idea came into his mind and he was on the phone with Blaine before he could stop himself. They agreed to meet on Friday and go out together, without Lily this time. Kurt knew what it meant. They would have dinner together, just the two of them. It was a date. He freaked out when he disconnected the call, afraid that he would screw up again but by the time he got home, he knew that he could do this. He wanted to. Ever since that night in his bedroom, he couldn't stop thinking about kissing Blaine. He had his concerns but he had to try. He really wanted to take that step with Blaine and he knew that he had to be the one making it because Blaine wouldn't try anything.
He couldn't wait for Friday to come. He went shopping the other day, bought himself a few new clothes, so he had something to wear for his date with Blaine. He wanted to look fabulous for him. Not just his regular style, he wanted to make that night special. He had been so stylish before, it was time to show the world again that Kurt Hummel was back.
On Friday, after work, he rushed home to get ready. His father smiled knowingly when he saw Kurt getting ready but didn't say a word, not even when Kurt stepped out of his room and quietly told him that he wouldn't be back anytime soon. Then Kurt left the house, determined to get to the restaurant in time, before Blaine could arrive.
Just about five minutes after he had arrived, Blaine's car showed up as well. Kurt smiled as the man stepped out and went straight to him. Kurt noticed that Blaine was wearing one of his new outfits, something that wasn't really his usual style but very elegant. He did something with his hair, too, probably put some gel on his curls. He looked really hot like this.
"Hey" Blaine greeted him and raised his right hand. Kurt smiled when he saw the single red rose in it. "I brought you this."
"Thank you, Blaine" Kurt said as he took the rose from Blaine.
"Are you hungry? We should go inside" Blaine said.
"Of course. Come on" Kurt said.
They walked inside, sat down and ordered their drinks and food. They got the drinks in no time and until they were waiting for the food, they started chatting.
"How is your new job?" Kurt asked.
"You already asked that a few times" Blaine smiled. "I really enjoy it. People are nice to me and my boss said I was really talented. He wants me to do a training, so I can get a better position."
"Are you serious? This is amazing, Blaine" Kurt smiled. "This could be a career for you."
"I know" Blaine nodded. "I think I will do it. It would mean a better salary for me and we need the money, especially that I found a small house for me and Lily and it would cost somewhat more than my apartment."
"A house? You never mentioned that" Kurt said.
"Well, I wasn't really searching, it practically came across me" Blaine laughed. "Cooper gave me the rest of my inheritance, so I could buy a new place for us but I completely forgot about it in the rush. But now I think it's time to move. Lily needs a better place to grow up. You saw the area where we live, it's not safe for a baby."
"That's true" Kurt nodded. "To be honest, I was hoping that you would find a new place. That street of yours is crazy."
"Nah, there was only one shooting in the last two years" Blaine shrugged. "It could be worse."
"Shooting?" Kurt asked with wide eyes.
"It was a mafia thing, I guess" Blaine said.
"And you still don't feel like you should get the hell out of there?" Kurt gasped.
"It's not like I had the money before" Blaine explained.
"Okay" Kurt nodded. "If you like that place, you should buy it. Like, right now. You can't stay in your apartment any longer."
"Yes, boss" Blaine laughed.
"Seriously, Blaine" Kurt said. "What if someone breaks into your home and robs you? What if they find you at home and hurt you and Lily?"
"I never thought about that" Blaine admitted quietly.
"Where is that new house?" Kurt asked.
"That's funny because it's in your street" Blaine smiled.
"Seriously?" Kurt asked. "Oh, wait, I know. That nice little house at the end of the street, right?"
"That's the one" Blaine nodded.
"Perfect choice" Kurt said. "It's beautiful and light and it has a huge garden..."
"And I thought that maybe you could help me decorate it" Blaine said hesitantly.
"Of course" Kurt said immediately. "Oh, I already have some great ideas."
"I didn't expect anything else" Blaine laughed.
Their food arrived soon and the two men continued talking about small things. Blaine told Kurt a lot about Lily and they discussed how to spend the rest of the weekend. It was definitely a great evening they spent together.
As Blaine watched Kurt eat his dessert, he realised how much Kurt had changed since the last time they had had a date together. He wasn't so sad anymore, he laughed a lot and they were able to talk about different topics. Kurt had plans for the future, something he hadn't had before. It was definitely a good sign.
"Are you okay?" Kurt asked as he glanced at Blaine and found him staring at him.
"Yeah. Just thinking" Blaine answered.
"About what?" Kurt asked.
"About you" Blaine replied. "You seem a lot happier lately."
"I think I am" Kurt nodded. "I feel a lot better. I don't think about the accidents that much and I don't cry anymore. I guess people were really right about time."
"It always helps" Blaine agreed.
"And you helped me a lot, too" Kurt said.
"Me? I didn't do anything" Blaine shrugged.
"You listened. That was exactly what I needed" Kurt said.
"Oh, yeah. I'm the master of silence" Blaine joked.
"You're unbelievable" Kurt shook his head.
"But it's a good thing, right?" Blaine asked.
"In your case, it definitely is" Kurt replied.
After dinner, Blaine offered Kurt a ride home since the man had walked to the restaurant and Blaine didn't want him to be alone on the streets in the middle of the night. Kurt accepted it gladly, happy for the opportunity to spend some more time with Blaine. When they arrived, Blaine got out of the car and even walked with Kurt to the front door. There they stopped, looking at each other awkwardly.
"Uhm... I should go" Blaine said in the end.
"Yeah, you're right" Kurt said quietly.
"Thanks for the dinner" Blaine said and took Kurt's hand to press a soft kiss to his hand. Then he let go and stepped away from Kurt.
Kurt didn't move until Blaine reached his car but there were dozens of thoughts running down in his head. What should he do? He couldn't let Blaine go like this, he didn't want to. But was he ready for that next step?
Yes, I am, Kurt thought. He felt ready.
"Blaine, wait!" he called after Blaine and ran to him before he could change his mind. He wanted this. He needed it.
Blaine turned in time to catch Kurt as he threw his arms around Blaine and pressed his lips to his. Blaine froze for a second, unable to believe that it was really happening. God, he had Kurt in his arms. Kurt, who was kissing him. It must be a dream. But a really good one.
Blaine decided to enjoy it, even if it was just a dream and he would wake up later, realising that it was just his mind playing games with him. Who cared when Kurt was kissing him like this?
"Damn, you are a great kisser" Kurt whispered as he pulled away.
"You think so?" Blaine winked.
Kurt smiled and pulled Blaine into another kiss.
Blaine finally believed that it was really happening. It wasn't just a dream, it couldn't be because it was a lot better. He was here, with Kurt, and this was happening. He was such a lucky guy.
"Good night, Blaine" Kurt said as he pulled back in the end and took a step back.
"Good-good night" Blaine. Damn. It was the first time someone left him so breathless.
"I can't wait to see you tomorrow" Kurt said as he slowly walked back to the door but he kept his eyes on Blaine the whole time.
"Me neither" Blaine whispered.
He was singing all the way back home and practically flew up the stairs leading to his apartment. He hadn't thought that the night would end like this, he felt happy and excited like he had never felt before. Kurt did something to him nobody else could. He was special.
Blaine was smiling right until he reached his door and realised that it was slightly open. Suddenly, all of his thoughts about Kurt disappeared. He knew that he had locked the door and unless Cooper had been here – it was almost impossible – someone else must have opened the door – someone who shouldn't have been inside.
He slowly took a few steps forward and peeked inside. The sight that greeted him made him gasp, it seemed like whoever had been in there, they had destroyed everything in Blaine's apartment.
"Oh, no. No" he said as he walked inside and after checking that he was alone, he walked back into the living room.
It didn't seem like anything was missing but who could tell from this mess? The ground was littered with broken pieces of furniture, papers, clothes, Lily's things...
Blaine fell to his knees as he looked at the ruins in front of him. Who would do such a thing to him?