Blaine watches for Kurt coming out of school. He's been much happier recently, the physical violence seems to have stopped, and Kurt tells Blaine he can ignore the name calling and snide comments, knowing he has a happy and caring relationship to fall back on, whereas they only have their hatred and loathing of themselves and others. Blaine is glad, and of course happy that Kurt is happy, but it still angers him to think that other people feel it acceptable to hurt others in this way, and the school turns a blind eye. Still, it is a laughing and smiling Kurt that emerges today, arm linked through Mercedes with Santana on his other side. It is her who sees Blaine first, and nudging Kurt she points towards his car. Blaine laughs as his eyes go wide and he sprints toward him, leaping into his open arms and wrapping his legs around Blaine's waist.

"Oh my god!" he shrieks, raining kisses over Blaine's face who finally finds his lips and captures them.

"Hmm, I might go away more often if that's the welcome back I recieve," he says, nuzzling his face against Kurt's cheek. "I have missed you so much."

"Me too. But what are you doing here? I thought I wouldn't see you until later."

"Fighting for you," Blaine says, setting Kurt on his feet but keeping him wrapped tightly in his arms.

"You don't need to fight for me any more, silly," Kurt says affectionately. "I'd have thought it was perfectly obvious I'm yours."

"I came to visit your dad."

"Oh?"

"Because I do need to fight for you Kurt, for us. I need for us to have some time alone. You want that too, right?"

"You know I do," Kurt replies, winding his fingers into the back of his hair.

"So...Would you like to come to my place for dinner tomorrow night?"

"Yes!" Kurt squeals, unable to help himself.

"And sleep over?"

"Seriously? My dad said this was okay?"

"He did. He also said you can sleep over a few times during summer break."

"Wow."

"So you will?"

"Yes," Kurt replies though this time there is a trace of uncertainty which Blaine doesn't pick up on.

"And um...I kind of invited your dad and Carole to lunch on Sunday."

"Oh."

"And my parents."

"What?" Kurt says, his face turning dark. "Are you kidding me?"

"No. I really want them to meet you, and I figured it might be easier if your dad was there too."

"Why? They know we're dating, right? You did tell them, didn't you?"

"I did," Blaine confirms. "But they don't know how old you are."

"Holy crap Blaine! That's not fair. To them or to me. It's gonna be awful."

"No it won't. They'll be surprised I guess, but they're not gonna make a fuss. They're not like that. They'll love you. And they'll love your dad and Carole too."

"What if they tell you to end it?" Kurt asks, suddenly panicked.

"They won't," Blaine laughs softly. "But even if they did, what business is it of theirs? I'm thirty one..."

"Nearly thirty two."

"Quiet," Blaine laughs. "My life is my own Kurt, I can do what I want. And what I want to do is be with you." He kisses him softly then, but pulls back after the briefest of touches. "When did you become taller than me? That is seriously not fair."

"Quit moaning Anderson," Kurt teases. "By the time I'm done you're gonna need to stand on a box to reach these lips."

"Best take full advantage right now then," he says, cupping Kurt's jaw and leaning up slightly to kiss him.

"Faggots."

Blaine's eyes snap open immediately as he looks for the culprit. His eyes find a group of jocks in letterman jackets standing across the parking lot and pushing Kurt to one side, he runs.

"Blaine! Blaine leave it, they're not worth it!" Kurt calls as he runs to catch him, but it's no use.

"What the fuck did you say?" he roars, fisting the jacket of one and slamming him against the car. "What the fuck did you call us? Huh?"

"N-n-nothing dude!" the boy chokes out. "Nothing. It was him," raising a trembling finger he points to a large guy who towers easily above Blaine, staring him down.

"Yeah, I called you faggots," he sneers. "Cause that's what you are. Filthy fucking faggots."

The boy hits the ground before he knows it, still unsure how, seeing as no punches were thrown. But then suddenly Blaine is over him, hauling his face up to meet his as he holds the collar of his jacket.

"I should beat the living shit out of you," he seethes. "But I'm better than that. I'm better than you. Just know that if you harass my boyfriend again, I will find you. Now get the fuck out of here." he slams him back to the ground again and stands, taking Kurt's hand in his and leading him back to the car. "You okay?"

"I'll see you at home," comes the terse reply, and he gets in his car and leaves before Blaine can say anything else.

"Where's Kurt?" he asks Carole after she shows him inside.

"He went right down to his bedroom, didn't even say hi," she says eyeing him warily. "Did you two have a fight?"

"No. Can I go down and see him?"

"I guess. Burt's not home yet anyway."

He flies down the steps, his heart twisting when he sees Kurt lying on the bed wiping away tears. "Kurt? What did I do? I thought..."

"You made it a whole lot worse is what you did!" he cries, turning to face him. "Karofsky, the guy you floored, is the worst one of the lot. He'll be waiting for me on Monday. I don't know where, I don't know when, but he will wait all day for the perfect opportunity. I'll be looking over my shoulder the entire day, frightened to go to the bathroom, scared to walk to my next class...You don't get it do you Blaine? I know you're trying to protect me, but you're just making me an even bigger target than I am already."

Blaine's face drops and he looks almost in pain as Kurt's words hit home. Then suddenly, Kurt is in his arms. "I'm sorry," he says as he hugs him fiercely. "I'm so sorry. I didn't think I just... they made me so angry. I don't want you called stuff like that because you're perfect. I was just..."

"Fighting for me?" Kurt whispers, a sad tone to his voice as he takes Blaine's face tenderly in his hands.

"Yes."

"Blaine...I get it. And it's sweet that you want to, but really, the biggest help you can be to me is just by being there, as someone to talk to, to listen to me. Really, don't try and fight this battle, because we're never gonna win. I know it won't be forever, and someday it'll be just an uncomfortable memory- one which I'll be able to say you helped me through."

"Are you mad at me?" Blaine asks, his face contorted with worry- worry which Kurt tries to erase by gentle kisses to his cheeks.

"Never," he says firmly

"Good." Burt's voice booms into the bedroom, causing them both to leap apart. "You can come back upstairs then. You can have all the fun you want to tomorrow," he calls over his shoulder, then stops and turns. "Well. Within reason."

"Dad," Kurt groans as he holds his head in his hands.

"Just...be safe."

"Oh my god," a now mortified Kurt cries.

"I mean it. You know Anderson...you know."

"Yes Burt," he smiles sweetly. "Come on Kurt," pulling Kurt up the stairs they trail after Burt into the living room. "Your dad and I can tell you all about the car we fixed today."

"That was a truck." Burt huffs.

"Whatever."

"You fixed a truck? Really Blaine?" Kurt laughs in disbelief.

"Really. That's why I met you from school. I called in this morning to talk to your dad and ended up staying the whole day."

"Did you wear a coverall?" Kurt asks as under the disapproving glare of his dad, he snuggles into Blaine's side.

"Yes. Yours."

Everything inside Kurt jolts at this information, as an image of Blaine, greasy, sweaty and oil stained in a white undershirt and navy blue coverall springs into his mind and refuses to go away.

"Oh my god that's hot," he whispers into Blaine's ear, laughing quietly at the way Blaine actually shivers and the hairs rise on his arms.

"I will pretend like I didn't hear that," Burt grumbles as he turns the volume up on the tv. "Blaine, I'll get you a coverall of your own."

Blaine says nothing, only tries to hide a grin as they stare at the tv. Kurt is content to play with Blaine's fingers, clasping and unclasping his hand and circling his palm every now and then until his dad eventually goes to help Carole in the kitchen.

"Seriously, you stayed all day?"

"Yeah. I haven't been home other than to throw my bags in the hall, I just came right from the airport."

"You didn't have to you know. You can say no to him."

"I know, but I didn't want to. I actually had a really nice time. I think he likes me."

"I know he does, he says it often enough. He's just protective of me, that's all."

"So you like the thought of me in your coverall, huh?" Blaine asks cheekily, drawing Kurt tighter against him and running his fingers along the small strip of skin on his back, exposed where his t-shirt has ridden up.

"Hmmm, I do." Kurt's hands rise to the open neck of Blaine's shirt, trailing into the 'v' shape and making him shudder with pleasure. Blaine dares to sneak a kiss, wishing with every fiber of his being that they were alone right now.

"You're lips are just...exquisite. I could kiss you forever."

"Dinner," comes the boom of Burt Hummel. They pull apart- again- and Burt smiles smugly to himself as they all go into the kitchen. Blaine hangs back, tugging Kurt back against his chest so he can whisper in his ear.

"Tomorrow can't come soon enough."

"Seriously, stop smiling at me like that, you're beginning to creep me out," Kurt moans.

"I can't help it," Blaine replies as he squeezes Kurt's thigh tightly. "I am ridiculously excited."

"I hadn't noticed," comes the wry response, and Blaine winces internally.

Blaine has been practically bouncing with excitement ever since picking Kurt up. He keeps looking at him as an enthusiastic, hungry puppy might eye his dinner, though Blaine would prefer to say as a respected jeweller might eye a rare diamond. But something is off, and Blaine knows. Kurt's smile is tight, and it doesn't reach his eyes; when he had kissed Blaine hello, it had been on the cheek and not on the lips like usual. His body language too, is tense and guarded. Blaine has tried to drag Kurt into the excitement, but to little avail. Still, he rushes to open the door for him when he pulls the car to a halt in the driveway, and clasps his hand tightly as he leads him into the house. The day is hot, and Blaine throws open the kitchen doors leading onto the patio.

"So I thought we could eat outside," he rambles nervously as he takes various ingredients from the fridge. "We don't have to of course, if you'd rather stay in we can..."

"No, no. It's fine," Kurt says distractedly as he wanders around.

Blaine watches as he walks out onto the patio and stands, hands in pockets, sighing heavily as he looks out over the yard.

"You okay?" he asks softly, wrapping his arms through his from behind.

"Yeah."

"Sure?"

"Of course," Kurt says with forced brightness, and Blaine decides to let it drop for now.

"Wanna help me make dinner?"

"I'd love to."

And Kurt's usual demeanor returns as together they make pizza and a salad, laughing and teasing as they feed one another bits of food before they finally settle at the table. Dusk is starting to fall, and Blaine is dismayed to find Kurt drawing away again like the sunlight during the course of their meal. He gathers the plates, telling Kurt to settle on the porch swing while he loads the dishwasher. Stepping out onto the patio with a slice of cheesecake triumphantly in his hand, his heart twists as he catches Kurt swiping at a tear.

"Okay, what's up?" he asks as he seats himself next to, but not touching him.

"Nothing."

"Don't do this Kurt. You've been off since you got in the car. Every so often you return to yourself and I think that whatever it is has passed, but then you go quiet and your eyes cloud over. Something's wrong. Just tell me if I've upset you."

"No..." Kurt starts hesitantly. "You haven't upset me."

"It was you who said we should always be honest with each other Kurt, so please be honest with me now. When I mentioned dinner yesterday, you were as excited as I was."

"I was...I am... Dinner was...wonderful. Being here with you, right now, is wonderful. You are wonderful."

"But?" Moving closer, he takes Kurt's hands in his and tilts his face to look into his eyes. As always when their eyes meet, Kurt finds it such a moment of breathtaking beauty that for a second he is rendered speechless. His eyes fill instantly with tears at the thought of potentially hurting this amazing man, but he knows he must speak his mind.

"I um..." he flounders for a moment and stares down at their clasped hands before continuing. "I don't want you to think I'm just a kid... Which I guess I am anyway. But I just...shit, this is so hard. After our...um...phone call...the other night. Um...just say it Kurt...okay...okay," he breathes deeply, looks up into those golden eyes and blurts, "I'm ready for something, but I don't know what. The only thing I do know, is that I'm not ready for full sex yet. I'm sorry. I don't want to let you down, but I just...can't."

Blinking rapidly, Blaine clears his throat and smiles at him softly. "Neither am I."

"What?"

"We're not there yet, Kurt. I told you before, I've had one night stands and it was fast, rough and unfulfilling. I've seen you without a shirt once, and that was to apply ice. I don't want to mess this up between us. I want to savor every touch, every kiss, and when we go that far I want it to be a natural progression. I feel the same as you...I want to take things a little further, but honestly, I didn't invite you to sleepover just so we could have sex." He turns to sit sideways on the swing, swivelling Kurt around to do the same, then slotting his legs over his, moves forward so they sit facing one another where he takes his hands and kisses each of Kurt's fingertips in turn.

"So...why did you then?" Kurt asks, knowing he should be quiet and enjoy the moment but unable to let it rest.

"I asked you to stay because I want to hold you all night. Because I want to wake up in the morning with my head on your chest and be able to kiss those beautiful lips right away, and not have to drive nearly two hours to do so...Kurt, I asked you to sleepover because I love you."

"You what?" Kurt whispers, wondering if he has drastically misheard.

"I love you. I am completely head over heels in love with you. I never, ever want to let you go. You are all I think about, and when I'm not with you my arms ache to hold you again and my lips become desperate for your kisses. I think I fell in love with you before we even started dating. That first time we went for hot chocolate and you asked me if I believed in soul mates? I knew I had found mine already." He ducks his head shyly as the enormity of what he's just said washes over him. "And I'm gonna shut up now before you run away and never return," he whispers with a nervous laugh playing into his voice.

"Blaine?"

"Hmm?"

"Look at me." Blaine looks up, a moment of panic setting in as he watches two tears rolling down Kurt's cheeks, but then he speaks. "I love you too."

"Really?"

"Really. And I know people will tell me I'm ridiculous to think I can be in love at my age and blah blah, but...I know. I can't explain how I know, but I just know that I will never love anyone else the way that I love you."

Blaine leans forward, offering the softest of kisses which Kurt eagerly accepts, winding his arms around Blaine's neck and running his fingers into his hair. He tries to deepen it, but his weight and the motion of the swing combine to tip him forward and he lands in Blaine's lap in the most spectacular style, the pair bumping noses and laughing together as Blaine lies back and pulls Kurt on top of him.

"Mmmm, feed me cheesecake," he whispers happily into Kurt's ear.

"Not a chance. It's all mine."

"But I thought you loved me?" His mock pouting makes Kurt laugh loudly as he eventually rolls off him and collects the plate.

"I may withdraw that statement if it means you eat all the cheesecake."

"I'm willing to share."

"Good. In that case, consider yourself still loved."

They share the cheesecake, Kurt lying half on top of Blaine as he feeds him forkfuls and laughs at his over exaggerated noises of appreciation. And then they just lie there, content to be held by each other- Kurt feeling so relaxed in his boyfriends arms that he doesn't even flinch when he feels a strong hand working up under his shirt and resting firmly on his back. His own hand runs a trail along Blaine's buttons, his other arm tucked around his waist, still not feeling quite brave enough to seek out flesh. Still, he feels Blaine shiver beneath his touch, an action he reciprocates as the breeze blows across them.

"Cold?" Blaine asks into his hair.

"A little."

"Come sing with me," Blaine says, taking his hand and leading him into the house.

"Is this how you spend your evenings?" Kurt asks as they enter the music room.

"Pretty much. I often get hit with an idea of a song to perform and just need to try it out right away. Next thing I know it's three in the morning and I've been sitting here for six hours."

He settles behind the piano and starts to play a few random melodies, messing with the lyrics and enjoying watching Kurt trying to hide his giggles.

"You haven't played a club in a long time," Kurt comments, leaning on the piano next to Blaine as he continues to play.

"Nah," he says, fingers flying over the keys as he scrunches his nose. "I prefer it when my boyfriend watches me play. I always perform better when he's watching." His melody stops abruptly when he sees Kurt bow his head. "Hey, don't be sad."

"But it's my fault."

"No it's not, it's your dad's fault for not having you ten years earlier," he teases gently. "There's time. Once you turn twenty one I'll drag you to every club that'll book me, just because I can. It doesn't bother me Kurt, if I wanted to play them I would, but I'd rather be with you." He resumes playing once Kurt has kissed him softly on the lips, to a tune Kurt is unfamiliar with.

"What's that? Did you write that?"

Blaine nods, his shy nervousness evident as he closes his eyes and ducks his head.

"But that's really good," Kurt says, astonished at the beautiful sound coming from the piano. "Do you ever write songs?"

"Sometimes," Blaine says over the music. "But only if something really moves me to do so. Maybe I'll write one for you one day," he adds with a soft smile.

"Do I move you then?"

"In more ways than one," he says with a dirty wink, which makes them both laugh much to Blaine's relief as he's still unsure how far to push it. "C'mere," he says, reaching for him and pulling him down onto the piano bench, "Sing with me."

"What do you want so sing?"

"Something silly. How about this?" he asks, launching into the first few bars of 'Don't go breaking my heart.'

They waste the next few hours in this way, side by side at the piano singing various duets, from 'You're the one that I want' to 'Endless Love,' from 'Islands in the stream' to 'A Whole New World,' then Kurt yawns suddenly, and Blaine looks at his watch.

"See, that's what happens. It's late," he says, standing. "Um..."

"Yes," Kurt says decisively, standing and placing a lingering kiss to his lips. "Take me to bed."