Author's Note: Hey there! So, I'm trying not to slack off when it comes to updating this story... I'm quite busy most of the time, and have another multi-chapter in the works. I hope this next chapter makes up for the wait!

Here, Kurt and Blaine have an important talk. (Hopefully it's not too boring or anything. If it is, bear with me… the action should pick up in the next chapter or two.)

Disclaimer: I do NOT own the show Glee.

~Chapter 14~

Things in the lounge were oddly quiet that night as Kurt settled himself onto one of the comfortable couches. Blaine hadn't arrived yet; it was a little earlier than they had planned on meeting. Kurt, however, had figured it would be best if he had some alone time to adjust to his surroundings and mentally prepare himself beforehand.

His stomach was in knots. It was as though he had plans to be introduced to a new Blaine, a Blaine who could see him in a new light and be spoken to differently. It seemed that all of Kurt's walls had been broken down in the wake of that kiss. Now, he just had to get used to living without all of the emotional barriers. He and Blaine could at last be open about things, free to share whatever was really on their hearts. Finally, they had that one, beautiful, mutual understanding that they both cared enough not to judge.

Undeniably, Kurt had his worries. He was almost certain that things would be awkward for a while. And, of course, he was painfully inexperienced in the relationship department… realistically, he had no clue what was supposed to happen next.

Finally, Blaine strode through the doors, and Kurt's breath caught in his throat. It was as if the boy he had known had suddenly become a hundred times more beautiful, and yet, nothing had changed about him. He was still the same guy he had been a day ago.

Blaine's eyes sought out Kurt's immediately, and both boys smiled tentatively. This was new, yes… but it would be okay… wouldn't it?

Blaine walked over to stand in front of Kurt. "Hi," he said.

"Hi," Kurt echoed, blinking up at him through his eyelashes. He felt his gaze linger a bit on Blaine's lips. He knew that it was never a good idea to stare or to let his thoughts wander, but… the memories were simply tantalizing. He had already memorized the feel of those lips against his own… the taste of that kiss… the fluttering feeling in his stomach whenever he thought about it…

"Mind if I sit?"

Kurt blinked in surprise. Reality, Kurt, he told himself. Stay in reality. Hastily, he shook his head. "No, of course not," he answered. "Go ahead. You don't have to ask."

Still looking rather uncertain, Blaine took a seat on the couch, taking care not to touch Kurt in the process. Personally, Kurt didn't know how to feel about that… most likely, it was just Blaine attempting to be chivalrous. "So, I guess we should talk," he said finally.

Kurt nodded slowly. In his chest, he could feel his heart doing backflips. "What do you want to talk about?" he asked softly.

Blaine paused. "I… I don't know," he admitted with a shrug and a sheepish grin. "I think I'm just wondering where all of this leaves… us."

Kurt's breath caught again. This was his chance, the only opportunity he might ever have to tell Blaine how he really felt. His throat felt parched and constricted. Could he actually be so honest? "I really care about you, Blaine," he managed after a moment, his voice little more than a whisper.

Blaine's eyes softened instantly. "I care about you, too, Kurt," he replied. "A lot."

Kurt couldn't help it anymore; he smiled. Here he was, sitting beside this kind, wonderful boy who wanted him. He had never imagined that he would have someone in his life like that so soon, and, suddenly- there he was. "So where does that leave you and I, then?" Kurt wondered.

Blaine mirrored Kurt's expression and reached out to take his hand. With their palms fitting together so perfectly, Kurt couldn't help but to notice how warm and right the gesture felt. He squeezed Blaine's hand tenderly. "I suppose that depends," Blaine answered, his eyes searching Kurt's.

"On?"

Blaine smiled a little, looking both nervous and happy at once. "On whether or not we like labels."

Kurt inhaled sharply. Labels. Labels meaning words like "together" and "dating" and "boyfriends." Kurt was sure that he had never understood the real meaning those phrases could hold until now. Plus, the idea of having them for his own felt incredible.

Slowly, but with complete certainty, Kurt nodded. "Labels are okay."

Blaine's eyes brightened and he shifted his position to face Kurt more fully. Their knees brushed against one another's, making Kurt feel as though an electric shock had passed between them, tingling all the way through his leg. "I'd really like to be with you, Kurt," Blaine said sincerely. "Only you."

There simply had to be something wrong with the way that Blaine was looking at Kurt right now, something not right in the way he spoke. Everyone had flaws. And, yet, all Kurt could see was perfection. He swallowed hard.

Blaine lifted Kurt's hand to his mouth, his lips moving against Kurt's fingers as he spoke. "Will you be my boyfriend, Kurt?" he asked, a little smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Do not cry, Kurt scolded himself sternly, because he could already feel the tears prickling at the corners of his eyes. Blaine was far too sweet, far too similar to everything that Kurt had ever wanted, and also- ironically- everything that he had never known he wanted. "What kind of stupid question is that?" Kurt burst out, and -smiling through the tears- pulled Blaine into a hug. And Blaine held him close, and at last they were an "us."