People give one another things that can't be gift wrapped. - Nadine Gordimer

May

Kurt groans and his sleepy eyes open when the loft's intercom buzzes. Kurt quickly gets out of bed, grumbling, annoyed that his sleep-in was interrupted so early.

"Delivery for Mr. Kurt Hummel."

Kurt buzzes the delivery man in and quickly pulls on his robe. When he slides the loft's door open, the only thing he can see is a huge bouquet of spring flowers. It's made of sweet peas, tall purple larkspurs, delicate pink cosmos, pale blue honesty, and bright red poppies, and many other flowers that Kurt can't recognize but smell wonderful. Kurt hears a voice from behind the bouquet.

"Can you let me use your kitchen? I need to arrange the flowers."

Kurt is puzzled because this seems rather odd, but leads the man to the kitchen. The delivery man takes a Waterford hand-cut crystal vase from his bag and soon has the arrangement finished and placed in the center of the dining table. When Kurt has given him a tip for his efforts and leads him to the door, the delivery man comments, "You're one lucky guy. The bouquet costs a fortune and the gentleman personally delivered the vase to the shop."

Kurt quickly goes to the bouquet to open the card propped in front. He can't stop smiling when he reads the handwritten message inside. Happy birthday, Kurt. I hope you have a wonderful day. I'll collect you at 7pm for our dinner tonight. Can't wait to see you. Blaine x.

The envelope also includes an appointment card for a VIP treatment at the M-Star Spa for later that afternoon. No wonder Blaine texted him last week about his afternoon plans on his birthday. He grabs his phone and shoots off a text. The flowers arrived and they look and smell fantastic, B. Thank you! Looking forward to M-Star, but even more to dinner with you. K x

Kurt makes himself a cup of coffee and sits down on the couch, his eyes glued to the beautiful flowers on the table. They've eased into a pattern of going out every week, with plenty of texts and phone calls in between. In the last week or so they've stepped it up and have met for impromptu work lunches and coffee dates. And celebrating a special day does move things on even more.

After doing the necessaries in the bathroom, he takes a good look at himself in the mirror. Kurt can see that some of the baby fat has disappeared since he started the new diet, that his face has more angular lines. On the other hand, his chin still only has a soft dusting of scruff and his pointy ears gives him an elfin-like look. Innately, he knows that his boyish good looks are what make him a 'fresh face' model. But Kurt wishes he looked more his age, more masculine, more sophisticated, more… something that would get Blaine to look at him as a man.

His thoughts drift back to the conversation with Rachel after Funny Girl's opening night.

"That Blaine Anderson really likes you, Kurt. When I was talking to him at the after-party, his eyes constantly flitted to you, as if he couldn't bear to be apart."

"Rach, he didn't know anyone at the party once it was down to only the cast and their friends and families. Of course he was looking for me. Besides, I was getting him a refill. He was probably thirsty."

"He didn't look thirsty, Kurt. He looked hungry… for you."

"I think you're making it all up in your head, Rach. Blaine was the perfect gentleman last night, as he always is."

"What I'm saying, Kurt, is that you've got Blaine's attention. You need to start hinting that you want him to take you to some high-profile events. Ones where you'll meet people who can open doors for your musical theater career. Blaine has a lot of important connections in the city."

"Rach! Blaine's my friend. I don't want to use him that way. Blaine's far too special and I want to keep him in my life. He would know if I was taking advantage of him, so I can't… I don't want to do it."

"You'd be a fool to waste this opportunity, Kurt. Think it over."

"Happy birthday, kiddo."

"Thanks, Dad. What's up with you?"

"Oh, I think you know what's up with me. My bank manager called this morning to tell me that my monthly mortgage payment has been reduced. When I asked why, he was surprised that I didn't know about the $25,000 repayment last week. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you, Kurt?"

"Well, I might," Kurt replies, not looking forward to this part of the conversation. "I got paid a lot of money for the Marc Jacobs ad."

"Buddy, that money is yours! Save it or splurge on the designer stuff you like. I can't have you giving me money like that!"

"Dad, I got paid, like, a lot of money. I put most of it into my college savings account and left a bit for 'fun money'. But I want to make your life a bit easier, take the pressure off the monthly payments. What's done is done and I'm not taking it back."

"You're really something, Kurt. I guess you'll get it back, eventually. Now tell me, what are your plans today?"

"I'm meeting with my agent in a few hours. Blaine sent me flowers this morning, and honestly, it's the biggest bouquet I've ever seen outside a hotel lobby. Blaine's organized a couple hours this afternoon at this fantastic spa that I love. And then Blaine's taking taking me out to dinner…"

"Slow down, buddy. It sounds like this Blaine is pretty important in your life right now."

"Yeah… I guess he is. I mean, we're just friends and he's still with Sam. But when he does things to make my birthday so special, I can't help feeling… well, feeling more."

"Son, you need to protect your heart. We've been over this before. If Blaine is with this Sam guy, you're just opening yourself up for heartache. Is Blaine treating ya right? Not being inappropriate?"

"Yes, Dad. Blaine treats me fine," Kurt replies, rolling his eyes. Even though he's living on his own now, in New York City, his dad is so protective, and he kind of likes it that way.

"Well, now that I have some unexpected cash in my pocket, what do ya say about me visiting you in New York in July, when it's slow at the garage? I wanna meet this Blaine guy and make sure he treats you with respect. Make sure he has the right sort of intentions."

"Visit me in New York? I can't wait to see you again, Dad. It's like the best birthday present ever! Maybe if you meet Blaine, you can give me some advice. I'm no longer talking about Blaine with Rachel. She keeps harping on about how I should get Blaine to open doors for me, give me connections in musical theater. And maybe Blaine can, but it doesn't feel right."

"Well don't listen to her, kiddo. Do what you think is right."

Wes indicates a seat with his hand, after greeting Kurt. "You are one popular guy, Kurt. We've already discussed the inquiries about your availability as a model. After your appearance at Funny Girl's opening night, the invitations keep pouring in. Nightclub events, restaurant openings, fashion nights, that sort of thing. I've discussed this with Blaine and we both agreed that it's time that you hired a PR agent."

"A PR agent, Wes? Really?"

"You handled yourself well on the red carpet at Funny Girl, but it's only going to get more complicated as your fame grows, particularly after Vogue releases the June issue and the Marc Jacob ads are plastered everywhere. You need someone to advise you about building your image and reputation in the media, and guide you into deciding which invitations to accept."

"Okay, I understand now. But where do I find a PR agent?"

"Blaine has agreed that Vogue will pick up the cost until your contract is up. He's already made a phone call to Big Picture PR, the same agency that Blaine uses."

"Blaine uses a PR agent?"

Wes chuckles at Kurt's question. "Blaine doesn't like it, but Vogue's board insisted when he was appointed editor-in-chief. Fortunately, he's found an agent he likes. Someone who understands his commitment to LGBT causes and lets him keep his private life under wraps."

"If the agency is good enough for Blaine, it's good enough for me. I'm using Blaine as a role model in things like that."

"I'd be careful, Kurt. Blaine doesn't have it totally right."

"What do you mean, Wes?"

Wes takes a long sip of water, as if wrestling with what to say. "What I mean, Kurt, is that Blaine is excellent at maintaining his public image. He only allows people to see what he wants them to see. But that comes with a price. Blaine closes the door at new opportunities, new chances, new people."

"That's not true, Wes. I'm a new friend, at least, I like to think I am."

Wes gently chuckles and replies, "Yes, you are his friend, and you bring out the best in Blaine. You're young, Kurt. Make sure you don't let life pass you by."

Kurt towels off in the treatment room at M-Star, where he's had a 60-minute Vichy shower and body scrub. He lies down and makes himself comfortable on the massage table, where a masseur is carefully laying hot stones along his back. Kurt loves all the pampering, especially on his birthday. And it's all down to one Blaine Anderson.

Kurt thinks that maybe Rachel's right, that he takes advantage of Blaine, but in a different sort of way. Take today for example – the flowers, the M-Star Spa, and then tonight - the chauffeur-driven ride, the best seats in a fancy restaurant, and the inevitable expensive birthday present. Blaine's so generous, not only with 'things', but with his time. With his sweet smiles that make his eyes crease gently in their corners.

Kurt really wishes that he had more to give Blaine. But even with his 'fun money' from the Marc Jacob's ad, there isn't any special thing he can give him. Blaine can buy anything he wants. Kurt's thinks hard about things to give Blaine that money can't buy. Then Kurt's lips slowly turn up into a smile when he gets an idea.

Bentley stops the Mercedes-Benz in the Upper East Side, a few blocks from the Met. Kurt's curious as to where they're going because there are just rows of apartment complexes along the street. Blaine opens his door and offers his hand to help Kurt out of the car. Once they are both on the sidewalk, Blaine doesn't let go.

"Where are we going, Blaine?"

"Shh, we're almost there. You're not the only one full of surprises," Blaine replies as they turn the corner. Just inside the alley, Kurt spies a red-and-white striped awning with the words 'Gabriel's Bistro' in gold fancy letters. There are half a dozen baskets hanging off the wall, overflowing with pansies in a variety of colors, and white laced curtains cover its windows. The bistro looks old-worldly and has a rustic charm in the sea of residential buildings all around it.

"Your table is ready, Mr. Anderson. Please follow me," the hostess says, and Kurt's impressed that she didn't even ask for Blaine's name.

As they walk through the restaurant, Kurt takes a good look around. A bar runs along one side of the narrow restaurant, and along the back wall is a long wooden-framed mirror, etched along its sides, and a blackboard listing the daily specials. On the opposite wall is a row of red-and-white checker-clothed tables configured for either two or four diners. A few random circular tables are placed in the center to give a reprieve to the uniformed layout. At the end of the restaurant, a pianist is playing slowed-down versions of Kurt's favorite songs, and a table for two is tucked into the opposite corner. It's set with a crisp white linen tablecloth, multi-length candles burning and a small bunch of flowers as the centerpiece. Kurt quietly gasps when he sees the single long-stemmed red rose laid out on one plate.

"Everything looks so romantic, Blaine. If this is a proposal, my answer is yes," Kurt quips, winking and smiling at Blaine to show him he's only joking.

Blaine turns his head as he lets out a chuckle. "No… umm… It's just…. I wanted to make your birthday night special, because you're special to me."

Blaine pulls out a chair for Kurt to sit down. A waiter comes over and unfolds the napkins and places them on their laps. Soon, a bottle wrapped in a white cloth appears and champagne flutes are filled.

"Umm, Blaine. You know it's my 19th birthday, right? They're not allowed to serve me champagne."

"Just take a sip," Blaine replies as he raises his glass and clinks it against Kurt's. "Happy birthday, Kurt."

Kurt takes a sip and enjoys the sensation of the tiny bubbles tingling in his mouth.

"It's a brut produced by a small winery in the Napa Valley. It only makes non-alcoholic wines, but it has a steady business," Blaine informs.

Kurt's impressed that Blaine has gone to all the trouble to select a sophisticated fizzy drink – it makes his birthday feel even more special. He opens the menu and giggles. Blaine looks up and gives him a quizzical look.

Kurt colors and softly clears his throat, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, but it's like I'm reading poetry instead of a menu! Look at those descriptions. I'm not really used to that. The fanciest restaurant in Lima is 'Breadsticks', which serves run-of-the-mill Italian pasta and pizza. These entrées look so interesting and complicated. I'm not sure what to choose."

Kurt's relieved to see a warm, sincere smile on Blaine's face, instead of a smirk mocking him for his inexperience and lack of culture.

"Thank god we're not in Lima then. Let's order all three of the entrées, so that you can try them all. Do you want meat, chicken or fish for the main dish? I'll make the selection."

After Kurt has confirmed that he would like to stick with beef, Blaine orders the meal. "We will start with a platter of oysters, then the foie gras for me and the tartare de saumon for Monsieur. And for our main dishes, we will have the steak frite and the sole meunière."

Kurt practically swoons when he listens to Blaine order in French - Blaine's so confident, so suave, so sophisticated.

Their polished-off plates are removed and Kurt feels full. They have shared tiny morsels of each other's dishes throughout the meal. Kurt had proclaimed the foie gras too heavy for his liking, but he had loved the light raw minced salmon salad. Kurt was undecided about the oysters - they felt so slimy going down his throat, but he loved their taste. Blaine fed Kurt a bite of the sole that absolutely melted in his mouth. However, Kurt was happy with the grilled rump steak and French fries as they were a nice reprieve from the sophisticated offerings.

Soon a platter of artesian French cheeses, fresh crusty bread and some cut-up fresh fruit is placed on the table. Kurt can see the tension in Blaine's back and his shifting in his chair. "What's wrong, Blaine?"

Blaine gives Kurt the sweet smile he loves so much. Then Blaine reaches into his pocket and places on the table a beautifully wrapped small box topped with a bow. "Happy birthday, Kurt."

Kurt carefully unwraps the present. He gasps when he opens the lid of the box and he takes out an intricately designed butterfly brooch. Kurt takes a minute to really examine it, for it's not a cheap piece of costume jewelry. It's made of white gold and it's outlined with tiny diamonds. There are at least twenty gemstones on its body and wings in colors of blue and green. It's quite simply the most exquisite brooch Kurt has ever laid eyes on.

He quickly brushes a tear from his eye and looks up at Blaine, who looks so shy and yet hopeful for Kurt's reaction. Kurt knows that the brooch must have cost a fortune, and whilst that makes him feel uncomfortable, he knows it's not important to Blaine, sweet generous Blaine. He was half expecting something expensive, but nothing so personally selected with his interests in mind. He remembers what his gift is for Blaine as a thank you for the day. Kurt gets off from his chair and moves towards Blaine.

"This is the most thoughtful present I've ever gotten. I'm speechless. This brooch is so stunning. Will you pin it on me?"

Blaine's face visibly relaxes as he carefully pins the butterfly brooch to the jacket lapel. Kurt bends down and gives Blaine a soft kiss on his cheek before whispering, "I have a surprise for you too."

"You don't have to do that," Blaine replies.

"Yes, I do, Blaine. You once wished for something and now I'm giving it to you."

Kurt walks to the piano and whispers in the musician's ear. The pianist nods and the song he's playing soon fades out and the notes of a new song begin. Kurt stands in front of the piano and starts to sing.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly

Kurt glances over at Blaine and sees the surprised look on his face. Blaine's probably remembering the time that he said he wanted to hear Kurt sing. Blaine gently smiles back, which gives Kurt the courage to continue singing.

All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

When the applause quiets down, Kurt makes a final bow and returns to his seat.

"Kurt, that was amazing. You deserve to be the star of every Broadway show. Honestly, that was the best present anyone has ever given me."

Kurt smiles broadly back at Blaine, whose eyes are sparkling and watery and whose face is flushed. Blaine's expression isn't one he has seen before, but he likes it. Kurt desperately wants to take Blaine's hand in his and tell him how crazy he's about him, how he's falling in love. As he stares at Blaine, trying to decipher the expression, Kurt gives himself the wake-up call he needs. This man before him is not his for the taking. Blaine's in a committed relationship and living with Sam.

"Kurt. There is a moment when…"

"No, let me speak, Blaine," Kurt interrupts. "I really, really care about you. You matter to me and are so important in my life. But I... I'm clueless. The truth is I don't know what I'm doing. And I don't want to screw things up."

Blaine face pales and he slowly nods his head, before signaling to the waiter for the bill.

Blaine arrives back to a dark and silent apartment. Amy has the night off and Sam is staying at Henry's for an all-night Tour of Duty Xbox session. He toes off his shoes and tosses his keys, phone and wallet on the side table. It's been a long week and he's bone-tired, but he knows he won't be getting sleep for a while. He carefully hangs his sports jacket over the dining room chair, goes to the drinks cabinet and pulls out a crystal-cut glass. He pours himself a neat bourbon and slides open the door to the balcony.

It's too quiet for Blaine's liking, both inside and out. When he goes to the sound system to select some music, Blaine notices the playlist Kurt downloaded the evening he massaged Blaine's aching feet. A small smile forms on his face, because that music is perfect. Soon, the piano notes of Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' waft through the air and Blaine relaxes on a chair in the balcony to enjoy the warm May night.

Blaine's still processing the evening in his head, slowly feeling fuzzier with each new sip of bourbon he takes. When Kurt sang 'Blackbird', it took Blaine's breath away. Kurt's voice was simply the most stunning sound he has ever heard. Kurt's range was amazing, hitting both the high and low notes of the song. His voice was so pure and angelic; it had moved him in a way that no other song has done before. When Kurt' eyes found his at the end of the song, Blaine knew that he was deeply, irrevocably in love with Kurt Hummel. The type of love that is found only once in a lifetime, and can never be found again elsewhere.

Blaine's heart sinks when he remembers the heartfelt speech Kurt gave him when he returned to the table - how he really, really cared about Blaine, but didn't know what he was doing. It served as a reminder that Kurt is a teenager and still has a lot in life to experience… And that there are younger, more desirable men than Blaine, lining up for the opportunity to experience it all with Kurt.

Blaine had desperately wanted their first kiss to be on this special birthday night. To finally take Kurt in his arms, gaze into his eyes, and press their lips together. But it wasn't meant to be.

Kurt closes his eyes and slowly brushes a finger along his lips, imagining his first kiss with Blaine's plump pink lips claiming his. He can almost feel it, taste it, but his eyes flutter open. Well, it might have happened, except he made that stupid speech to Blaine about how he really, really cared about him, but didn't know what he was doing. He mentally slaps himself. What was he thinking? Not only were they celebrating his 19th birthday, but he had to remind Blaine even more about how young and inexperienced he was.

It's dark and quiet in his Bushwick loft. Rachel is spending the night at a cast member's place to dissect the Funny Girl reviews. He opens the fridge idly, but he's not really hungry, so he settles for one of Rachel's wine coolers. Kurt figures she owes him – she didn't even leave a birthday card for him before she left early that morning.

Kurt sits on the window seat and looks out at the other apartment blocks – most lights are off but he can see the flicker of a television screen in a few dimly-lit windows. No matter how many times he tries to fight the feeling, there's no getting around it. Kurt's in love with Blaine, and it's love with a capital L. Nobody takes better care of him or makes him feel so special like Blaine does. He quietly laughs, thinking of the butterfly brooch Blaine gave him. Little does Blaine know that Kurt's stomach flutters, like it's full of butterflies, every time he's around Blaine.

Kurt thinks about how Blaine looked so damn good tonight, all polished and sophisticated. But Kurt likes him best when he's more casual and relaxed. Kurt smiles when he remembers Mr. McHipster at the coffee shop, batting his eyelashes, winking, and waggling his eyebrows in that silly way. Kurt's cock hardens as he thinks about Blaine wearing the board shorts, revealing his muscular tanned legs and showing off his perfectly-formed ass. Blaine's hair was a mop of wild raven curls shimmering in the afternoon sun. Ugh - what wouldn't he give to see Blaine in his Nightbird outfit! Kurt feels awkward that his body has such a strong reaction to Blaine, but he can't help it when he's thinking of how gorgeous and sexy he is. Kurt palms his cock over his trousers to get a little relief, but it doesn't really help. So he decides to take a hot shower to cleanse his thoughts.

Blaine feels his muscles loosen as the shower head pounds water over his back and the six side jets pulsate streams along his body. He pumps a few squirts of his Molton Brown body wash into his palm, but it doesn't smell right. It doesn't smell like beautiful Kurt with underlying notes of vanilla, rose and maybe sandalwood? And Blaine imagines beautiful Kurt, wearing the most sinfully tight-fitting trousers he's ever seen, with his endless legs. Beautiful Kurt with his tousled hair, looking incredibly sexy. Beautiful Kurt with his hand on his hip, giving him come-hither eyes. And those eyes.

Blaine moans at the vision and his cock starts to throb. It's been so long since he's had a man in his bed, months before he'd met Kurt, and he hasn't wanted anyone else since that fateful day in February. Blaine feels like a creepy old man to have such a strong physical reaction, but he can't help it when he's thinking of how gorgeous and sexy Kurt is. He's a man after all. And maybe it's the bourbon thinking, but Blaine knows he has to take care of his needs tonight.

When the hot water runs out, Kurt leaves the shower and towels himself dry. Even in the steamy bathroom he can see that his boner hasn't gone away. His long cock is jutting out proudly, waiting … wanting attention. So shoot him, he's a horny teenager and has needs. There's only one way he's going to get any relief. And because it's his birthday, and only because it's his birthday, Kurt decides to give himself a special treat.

Kurt closes the curtain around his partitioned-off bedroom - Rachel is away, but who knows, just in case, and he spreads out on top of his 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. There's only a nightlight on, but somehow the mood doesn't feel right - it's too quiet. Kurt scrolls through the music on his phone, looking for the right tunes to play. He spots the playlist he created for giving Blaine a foot massage after the flea market. A small smile forms on his face, because it's perfect. Soon, the piano notes of Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' waft through the small speakers on his dresser and he returns to bed.

Kurt lets his fingers brush along his chest and he feels the small ripples of his newly acquired abs. He imagines that it's Blaine's hands roaming his body and his lips kissing every inch of his chest, discovering the secret places that make him buck in pleasure. Kurt can feel Blaine's butterfly kisses as his long eyelashes brush Kurt's abdomen, exploring his body. Kurt's fingers start at his waist and slowly move up and circle his right nipple to give it a tweak.

Blaine groans at the sensation of rubbing his right nipple between his fingers, imagining it's Kurt's tongue laving, sucking, lightly nipping, and blowing air to soothe the sting. Both his body and mind are naked for Kurt to discover… the man behind the façade, the man he really is.

His cock is thick and red as blood pulsates through its length. Little drops of pre-cum appear at the tip and slowly drip onto his sheets. He needs some relief… but he wants to take things slowly - to indulge in his fantasy of Kurt. Of Kurt's mouth exploring from his chest down to his torso and Kurt's long slender fingers caressing the inside of his thigh - close but not close enough to where Blaine wants attention. He takes his right hand and curls his fingers around his cock and slowly starts to stroke it.

Kurt's hand is moving along his cock, in long twisting strokes, just the way he likes it. When his right hand gets tired, he switches to the left. It feels strange at first, the rhythm is slightly off. It's enough, but at the same time it's not nearly enough. He fantasizes that Blaine is like a musician, his fingers playing his instrument with finesse, begging Kurt to fuck him, to take him, to make him feel good.

Blaine's hand strokes his cock in rhythm with the crescendos and decrescendos of Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' – an intoxicating blend of both fast and slow movements. The classical music envelops him as he imagines Kurt wrapping his body around his. Fingers move to his balls and start caressing, pulling them slightly downwards to further his pleasure. Kurt's begging to fuck him, to take him, to make him feel good. Beads of sweat form on Blaine's face as he spreads his legs.

Kurt flips over so that his chest is on top of his bed. He firmly holds his cock and starts thrusting into his hand. He soon finds a rhythm in time with the classical music and sweat trickles down his neck. His hips start moving as the thrusts speed up. In his mind, Blaine's underneath him, writhing, begging him for more, faster, harder. Pleasure courses through his body as streaks of cum spurt out over his fist and he screams, Don't stop… Blaine…. Fuck…. I love you.

Blaine's throwing his head from side to side and his legs are trembling. It feels so good, it feels so right. He can feel the sensation building up, knotting inside his stomach. With his left hand, he slowly moves his fingers from his balls down lower, and when they press gently on his perineum, his leg muscles tighten as cum shoots across his chest in thick bursts. Blaine's mind is blank, but he starts rambling, Don't stop… Kurt…. Feels so damn good …. I love you.

As his heartbeat and breathing slow down, he opens his eyes. He feels sated, and every muscle in his body is relaxed. He grabs a tissue from the bedside table and cleans up. He quickly slips under the sheets to find warmth from his lover. But the sheets are cold, and he has never felt so lonely in his life.

Author's notes

Song Kurt sings at the restaurant – 'Blackbird' written by Paul McCartney and originally performed by the Beatles. And if you didn't know that, why are you reading this story?

The butterfly brooch is now proudly the image for the story. You will also see this image included in the story's artwork that you can access on my Tumblr account (HKVoyage).

Thank you to Lilyandersteen, the most fabulous beta ever, although all mistakes are mine. Come visit me a Tumblr (HKVoyage) for the story artwork and my thoughts when writing this chapter.

Reviews will be read behind the couch and with breath held. Now that this chapter is posted, I'm no longer a virgin smut writer. There was a problem at this site with reviews being posted but I believe it's all sorted now. I did get the email notification with the reviews and they certainly brightened my day.

Next up: The Tony Awards Ceremony